East Sikkim General information
East Sikkim is one of the four administrative districts of the Indian state of Sikkim. Geographically, East Sikkim occupies the south-east corner of the state. The capital of East Sikkim is Gangtok, which is also the state capital. It is the hub of all administrative activity in the state.
The district occupies an area of 964 km² with a population of 244, 790 (2001) individuals. The civilian region is administered by a district collector, appointed by the Union Government and the military area by a Major General.
Military wise, the district is a very sensitive area with the Indian army having control over most areas east of Gangtok and near its borders with People's Republic of China and Bhutan. Visitors to this region are restricted and just a few areas are open to tourists in the areas east of Gangtok. Popular tourist locales are the Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir and the Nathula Pass. The Nathula Pass formed the offshoot of the ancient Silk Road which connected Lhasa to India. The pass and the famous Baba Mandir are open to Indian nationals only. To enter this region a special pass — The Inner Line Permit has to be obtained one day prior to departure. This pass is made through local tourist offices. Other tourist areas include Gangtok and the famous Phodong Monastery north of Gangtok and the internationally famous Rumtek Monastery.
People in East Sikkim are mostly of Nepali ethnicity, arriving in search of jobs after the British appropriated the state in the 19th century. Other ethnicities include the Bhutias, the Tibetans and the Lepchas. Nepali is the predominant language in the region.
East Sikkim was part of the kingdom of Sikkim for most of its history. In the 19th century, the district was under the rule of the Bhutanese. After the Anglo Bhutan war, the territory was virtually under the command of the British forces. After India's independence in 1947, the area was part of the kingdom of Sikkim under the protection of India. During the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the Nathula Pass witnessed a few skirmishes between India and China. In 1975, the Sikkim formally became part of the Indian Union as India's 22nd state.
Places of interest
White Hall
The White Hall is an edifice of historical value and boasts of classic British architecture. Situated on the Ridge, White Hall embraces two storeys in a distinctive manner. Built in 1932, White Hall got its name from Claude White (the first Political Officer of Sikkim).
Water Garden
Water Garden is a small attraction that serves as an ideal picnic spot for the residents of Gangtok. At a distance of 16 kms from the town, Water Garden is located at Martam Khola on the 31-A National Highway in the south.
Ridge Garden
Above the township of Gangtok, the Ridge is an extension of plain and smooth road. The spectacular Ridge Garden is accessible by a walk of 15 minutes from the main market of Gangtok.
Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
Established in 1961, Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution. The significance about this institution lies in the fact that it is only monastery that belongs to the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.
Menmecho Lake
At a distance of 20 kms from Tsomgo Lake, Menmecho Lake is another beautiful lake that falls in the eastern part of Sikkim. Cuddled up amidst the mountains, Menmecho Lake is the groundwork of Rangpo-Chu (a tributary of Teesta River).
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is another temple, where the presiding deity is Lord Hanuman. Situated at a distance of 11 kms from Gangtok, Hanuman Tok is a tranquil place that also offers incredible view of the encircling mountains.
Orchid Sanctuary
Orchid Sanctuary is simply a pleasurable delight for any nature-lover. Located right below the Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, Orchid Sanctuary boasts of not less than 454 species of orchids that are found in Sikkim.
Tashi View Point
Tashi View Point is a perfect destination, from where you can get a spectacular view of Mt Khangchendzonga and its ranges. Built by Tashi Namgyal (Late King of Sikkim), Tashi viewpoint is located at a distance of 4 kms from Gangtok.
Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok is a small temple that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Located at a distance of 7 kms from Gangtok, Ganesh Tok also offers a great spot from where the picturesque view of hills can be seen. At an elevation of 6,500 ft, temple is so small that it can barely adjust 1 person at a time.
Saramasa Garden / Ipecac Garden / Orchidarium
Saramasa Garden is a place resplendent with transcendent beauty. Located at a distance of 14 kms from Gangtok, Saramasa Garden sprawls in an area of 6 acres. Next to Rani Khola (a tributary of the Teesta), Saramasa Garden is to be found off the main road to Rangpo.