City Of Articles

Are you planning a Sikkim tour and want to expand your knowledge about the state before visiting? If yes, then you have come to the right place. This blog will shed light on interesting lesser known facts related to Sikkim that will heighten your curiosity and interest about visiting this state. This tiny Himalayan state in the north eastern part of India holds massive cultural, spiritual and historic heritage. To experience the best of Sikkim first hand, book a Sikkim trip and explore the region in its entirety. But before you do that, quickly scroll through the blog to learn more about Sikkim.  

10 Lesser Known Facts About Sikkim to Know Before Your Trip! 

1. Sikkim Became a Part of India in 1975

2. Sikkim is Extremely Diverse

3. Sikkim is World’s First Fully Organic State 

4. Sikkim has its Own Time Zone 

5. The State Animal of Sikkim is Red Panda 

6. Sikkim: First Indian State to Ban Single-Use Plastic

7. Sikkim is Home to the Third Highest Peak in the World

8.  Sikkim has More than 200 Buddhist Monasteries 

9. Sikkim has Five Wildlife Sanctuaries 

10. Sikkim is the Second Largest Producer of Cardamom in India

1. Sikkim Became a Part of India in 1975

Before 1975, Sikkim was an independent kingdom and monarchy rule was prevalent. An “India - Sikkim Peace Treaty” was signed in 1950 and India became Sikkim’s protectorate. Till 1975 Namgyal and Chogyal ruled over Sikkim.  Later, India annexed Sikkim and finally on May 16th, 1975 Sikkim became an official 22nd state of India after the 36th Amendment to the Constitution of India.

2. Sikkim is Extremely Diverse

Sikkim is surrounded by borders of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Hence, it is no surprise that various cultures, languages, ethnicities, tribes, and religious practices thrive in Sikkim. In today’s Sikkim people of all faiths and tribes live together in harmony. The three major communities of Sikkim are Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis. 

3. Sikkim is World’s First Fully Organic State 

In 2016, Sikkim became the world's first fully organic state which also makes it India’s first 100% organic state. This is an impressive feat, considering how this state became a part of India in 1975 and achieved such a huge milestone. Sikkim went organic to protect its fragile biodiversity, flora and fauna, and natural resources. 

4. Sikkim had its Own Time Zone 

Yes, the Indian northeastern state Sikkim had its own time zone. It was +30 minutes from the Indian Standard Time (IST). This unique difference adds a fascinating layer to Sikkim. However, the Union of India now maintains a uniform and standard time zone in all of India (for strategic reasons), including the all northeastern state.

5. The State Animal of Sikkim is Red Panda 

Did you know that the Red Panda found in the Himalayan regions is the state animal of Sikkim? It is also known as the Shining Cat or the Firefox due to its bright reddish orange colour. The second largest habitat of red pandas in India is found in Sikkim. To celebrate the presence of Red Panda, Sikkim also hosts The Red Panda Winter Carnival in the months of December and January. 

6. Sikkim: First Indian State to Ban Single-Use Plastic

In 1988, Sikkim became the first Indian state to ban the usage of single-use plastic items. This included stopping the use of single use plastic cutlery, plastic bottles, and plastic bags. Sikkim is also on its way to become the first state of India to completely end plastic waste and plastic pollution. 

7. Sikkim is Home to the Third Highest Peak in the World

The Kanchenjunga in Sikkim is the third highest mountain peak in the world. This makes it the highest peak in India. This lofty mountain peak is at an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 ft, lying on the India and Nepal border. However, for people of Sikkim, this mountain is known as Khangchendzonga. The people of Sikkim see this mountain as their guardian deity that watches over and offers protection to the devotees. 

8. Sikkim has More than 200 Buddhist Monasteries 

There are over 200 Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim that are a significant and indispensable part of Sikkim’s cultural fabrics. Most of these monasteries or gompas belong to the Nyingmapa Sect or the Kargyupa Sect. The others belong to Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bon sect. The most famous monasteries of Sikkim that every tourist should visit are Tashiding Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Enchey Monastery.

9. Sikkim has Five Wildlife Sanctuaries 

It’s incredible how this picturesque small state is covered in thick vegetation. Sikkim is home to five incredible wildlife sanctuaries. These wildlife sanctuaries are Fambong Lho Sanctuary, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Maenam Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, and Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. 

10. Sikkim is the Second Largest Producer of Cardamom in India

After Kerala, Sikkim is the largest producer of Cardamom in India. This cash crop adds a significant amount of weight to Sikkim's economy. Apart from tourism, Sikkim’s economy is largely dependent on tea cultivation and cash crops like cardamom. Sikkim contributes to 86 percent of cardamom of the nation. Would you buy some fresh and organically grown black cardamom on your Sikkim trip? 

There are many more intriguing and interesting facts about Sikkim. But those are now for you to discover on your Sikkim tour. Hope the above facts about Sikkim have sparked your interest and curiosity about the state. So go ahead, pack your bags and set off for an exciting journey. Which Sikkim fact surprised you the most?