This small town, lies atop a ridge, at an altitude of 5,800 ft, amidst a Himalayan setting, with the world's third tallest peak Kanchenjunga at its east, and overlooking the river Ranikhola.
Though the precise meaning of the name Gangtok is unclear, the most popular meaning of this town is "hill top" or "lofty hill". After the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840, Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. After India won its independence in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975, after the integration with the union of India, Gangtok was made India's twenty-second state capital.
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| Ban Jhakri Falls, Gangtok (photo: Indrajit Das | Wikimedia) |
Gangtok enjoys a mild, temperate climate all year round. The best time to visit Gangtok is between October and mid-December when clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed or again between March and May when the flowers are in bloom. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes.
Places to visit in and around Gangtok:
◘ Government Institute of Cottage Industry
◘ Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology
◘ Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
◘ Enchey Monastery
◘ Ridge Park & White Hall Complex
◘ Tashi View Point
◘ Hanuman Tok
◘ Ganesh Tok
◘ Himalayan Zoological Park
◘ Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
Ref: http://www.east-himalaya.com/sikkim/gangtok.htm | Featured photo: Thebrowniris | Wikimedia
