South Sikkim General information
South Sikkim is a district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Its capital is Namchi. South Sikkim lies at an altitude of 400 m to 2000 metres and hence enjoys a temperate climate for most of the year.
SOUTH DISTRICT is the 2nd. largest populated District next to East District of Sikkim. South District though having a smaller area is more thickly populated and is more open and fairly well cultivated. NAMCHI is the Administration headquarter of South District, is a small town which is accessible from the neighbouring state of West Bengal. South District offers spellbinding views and excellent treks to Interesting Trekking Places. Namchi is 90 Kms. away from Gangtok the state capital, and 100 Kms. away from siliguri the nearest railways and airways stations.
Be it handicrafts or profusion of orchids, primulas and rhododendrons or snow-capped mountain view, all are there for the tourists to enjoy in South District. Be it a trekker, nature's admirer, bird watcher or a peace seeker, South District will provide you all
Namchi is growing fast into a tourist resort as many new tourist attractive places are developed with all facilities for movement, communications, lodging, fooding at reasonable rates. The statue Guru Padmasambhava constructed and installed atop Samdruptse (the Wish fulfilling Hill) near Namchi in South Sikkim which is 135 fts. is the tallest Statue of Guru Rinpoche in the World. The statue is much taller than the famous bronze Buddha at Kamakura, Japan which stands 42 fts. high and has a circumference of 97 fts.
People and Culture
NEPALI
The Nepalis form the majority constituting about 70-80% of the Sikkim's total population. The Nepalis are a conglomeration of different ethnic groups, socially self contained.
The Nepalis are excellent farmers and they introduced terrace cultivation which brought a productive method of farming in the
BHUTIA
The Bhutias originally came from the Kham area of eastern Tibet.They migrated to Sikkim somewhere after the 15th century.They are evenly distributed throughout Sikkim.
LEPCHA
The Lepchas are said to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim but are now in minority.They call themselves 'Rongtub' which means dearest people of mother earth.The Government has reserved the Dzongu area, in North and Central Sikkim for Lepchas only ,to preserve this vanishing tribe.
The Lepcha language has a unique quality.It has been dubbed by certain scholars as the 'mystery'language as it is not related to any of the languages prevalent in this region.
Flora
The floral world of South Sikkim includes blue poppies, gentians and primulas, but it is wholly dominated by orchids which are popular the world over and the super abundance of rhododendrons in different colours and shades.
The Flower Festival is celebrated during March-May, when varieties of orchids, ferns ,gladioli and rhododendrons are in full bloom. Lectures and seminars are also held by the experts in each field.
Fauna
The diversity in the plant world is complemented by an equally rich variety and abundance in the animal kingdom.The dense forests of Sikkim are the habitat for a number of mammals, some of which are today threatened with extinction because of ecological changes and indiscriminate poaching. Among the more commonly found animals in the are yaks, blue sheep, snow leopard, red goral, Red Panda, musk deer,Himalayan black bea and shapi.
Muntjak or the 'barking deer' is a commonly found animal in the tropical region. Among the less commonly found animals in the region are house sparrow, jungle cat,mongoose,squirrels and kites.
The variation in climate and abrupt telescoping of terrain is responsible for the great variety and numerical abundance of a resident bird life. Some of the important game birds found at an altitude of about 2,000 mts are the red jungle fowl,the kalij pheasant, the hill partridge and quails of various qualities.
Birds and Butterflies of exceptional beauty and variety are a great attraction for visitors and bird watchers. Among the most commonly found are fairy blue bird, kingfisher, cuckoo, wood pecker,horn bill and pittas.
Tourist Place
Orong
Orong is a small hamlet amidst the snow-cloaked mountains peaks in Sikkim. Below Maenam Hill, Borong is a beautiful place that presents a clear view of Mountains. Borong can be reached from Ravangla by a solitary trek via Maenam.
Singchu Thang
Elevated to the height of 3,500 ft, Singchu-thang is an ideal picnic spot. Literally, 'Singchu-thang' means 'the plain over grown with dwarf fish plants and shrubs'. On the banks of Teesta River, Singchu Thang is favorite place for white water sports.
Phur-Tsa-chu (Hot Springs)
Actually, Phur-Tsa-Chu means hot springs in Sikkimese language. Located at a comfortable distance of 4 kms from Legship, Hot springs are famous between the residents of the region. The water of these springs are said to have medicinal values and can cure many skin problems.
Jorethang
Jorethang is an important town in West Sikkim district. It lies at a distance of 30 kms in the north of Darjeeling. Sited on a flattened land, Jorethang is also nestled between the huge mountains and hills in Sikkim.
Sikip
Sikip is another destination that is getting renowned due to its serene atmosphere and great hide-out. Perched on the banks of Rangeet River, Sikip boasts of beautiful natural surroundings and makes a brilliant fishing spot and river campsite.