Bestowed with the allure and beauty of nature, with profuse greens and the silver streams, West Sikkim contributes to a vast extent for the tourist sightseeing tours and destinations in Sikkim. Whether be it a scenic view of the Mount Kanchenjunga from a small window of a cozy homestay or a trek through the wildflowers, or a stroll through the valley covered with the blooming rhododendrons, West Sikkim truly indeed is a perfect gateway for the wanderlust souls, which are in quest of tranquility, who desire to rest and find peace in the lap of mother nature.
So explorers! if you are yearning for a perfect break and planning for a West Sikkim tour, here is the list of top 15 most interesting facts about West Sikkim. So it goes like this:
Most Interesting Facts About West Sikkim:
1. On the occasion of the 10th Civil Service Day awards ceremony in New Delhi, West Sikkim district clinched the “Cleanest District of India” award.
2. Khelcheopalri Lake, where, according to legends, not a leaf is allowed to fall on the surface of the lake is located at Yuksom, in West Sikkim.
3. In the year 1977 West Sikkim district became habitation to Kanchenjunga National Park, which spreads over an area of 1,784 square km.
4. Singshore Bride, the highest Bridge in Sikkim and the second highest suspended bridge in Asia, is located in Pelling, which is in West Sikkim.
5. West Sikkim is the site of the ancient state capital Yuksom, it served as Sikkim’s capital beginning in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabdentse.
6. Dubdi Monastery, the first and oldest monastery established in the year 1701 is located in Yuksom a popular tourist destination in West Sikkim.
7. The major tourists’ attractions of Pelling, Ravangla, Yuksom and Pemayangtse fall under the region of West Sikkim.
8. The 130 ft high statue of Buddha established at Buddha Park of Ravangla in West Sikkim, is the largest metal statue in the world.
9. Reshi Hot Spring, the thermal spring is located 34 km from Ravangala, in the West Sikkim. These springs are more or less a natural spa and are well known for their medicinal healing.
10. Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest monastery and a significant Buddhist pilgrimage center is located in West Sikkim.
11. Rabdentse Ruins, the second capital of Sikkim until the year 1814 A.D. is located in West Sikkim. It is also a significant archaeological site.
12. Yuksom is the base camp for many notable treks. The exhilarating and adventurous trek to Kanchenjunga base camp originates from Yuksom and it is within the territory of West Sikkim.
13. West Sikkim is a habitation for wide varieties of Flora and Fauna, many of those plants are used by the indigenous and local communities for the purpose of curing illness.
14. Darap Village, one of the unexplored villages in Sikkim is famous for the rich culture and traditions of the Limboos. Common activities are bird watching, trekking, visiting the caves of the Kanchenjunga National Park and making handicrafts.
15. In 2016, Kanchenjunga National Park was inscribed as India’s first “Mixed World Heritage Site” on UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the widest altitudinal ranges of any protected area worldwide.
So, these are some interesting facts about West Sikkim, issued to the interests of a wanderlust travelers.