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Sikkim is a state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The origin theory of the name Sikkim is that it is a combination of two Limbu words: su, which means "new", and khyim, which means "palace" or "house". The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Drenjong (Wylie-transliteration: 'bras ljongs), which means "valley of rice",[19] while the Bhutias call it Beyul Demazong, which means '"the hidden valley of rice".

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The Lepchas are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim. However the Limbus and the Magars also lived in the inaccessible parts of West and South districts as early as the Lepchas perhaps lived in the East and North districts. Following the beginning of British rule in neighboring India, Sikkim allied with Britain against their common adversary, Nepal. However, ties between Sikkim and the British weakened when the latter began taxation of the Morang region. After India's independence in 1947, In 1975, the Prime Minister of Sikkim appealed to the Indian Parliament for Sikkim to become a state of India. First, the 35th Amendment laid down a set of conditions that made Sikkim an "Associate State", a special designation not used by any other state. A month later, the 36th Amendment repealed the 35th Amendment, and made Sikkim a full state, adding its name to the First Schedule of the Constitution.

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Owing to its altitudinal gradation, Sikkim has a wide variety of plants, from tropical species to temperate, alpine and tundra ones. Nearly 81% of the area of Sikkim comes under the administration of its forest department. It is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 rare orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 900 medicinal plants. The Noble Dendrobium is the official flower of Sikkim, while the rhododendron is the state tree. The fauna of Sikkim include the snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, red panda, Himalayan marmot, Himalayan serow, Himalayan goral, muntjac, common langur, Asian black bear, clouded leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, dhole, Tibetan wolf, hog badger, binturong, and Himalayan jungle cat.

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Sikkim's climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the north. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim experience a temperate climate, with temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F).

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The official languages of the state are Englsih, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha. Additional official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newar, Rai, Sherpa and Tamang for the purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state. Coming to the religion, according to the 2011 census, 57.8% follow Hinduism, making it the state's majority religion. Buddhism is followed by 27.4% of the population, while Christianity is followed by 9.9%.

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Sikkim's Nepalese majority celebrate all major Hindu festivals, including Tihar (Diwali) and Dashain (Dusshera). Traditional local festivals, such as Maghe, Sankranti, Sakela, Chasok Tangnam and Bhimsen Puja are popular. Losar, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are among the Buddhist festivals celebrated in Sikkim. During the Losar (Tibetan New Year), most offices and educational institutions are closed for a week. Sikkimese Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and Muharram. Christmas has been promoted in Gangtok to attract tourists during the off-season.

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Sikkim's famous mask dances are simply spectacular. Chaams are performed on ceremonial and festive occasions. Though these dances differ from one another in style and theme, but they all deal with the triumph of good over evil. Their origin lies in a dancing cult for exorcising malignant demons and human enemies. The Chaams performed during the new year ceremony expel evil from the land, while closing the old year and ushering in benevolence and good luck for the new. The dancers wear fearful dragon, animal and bird masks, dress in richly brocaded costumes and tread the measure to the sound of cymbals and trumpets. Western rock music and Indian pop have gained a wide following in Sikkim. Nepali rock and Lepcha music are also popular.

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Noodle-based dishes such as thukpa, chowmein, thenthuk, fakthu, gyathuk and wonton are common in Sikkim. Momos – steamed dumplings filled with vegetables, beef or pork and served with soup – are a popular snack.

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HISTORICAL SITES & FAMOUS LANDMARKS

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Pemayangtse Monastery
It is said to be one of the oldest monasteries in Northeast India and is located in the close proximity of Pelling at a distance of about 110 km from Gangtok. It is a site of great historical as well as religious importance. Therefore, it is visited by both pilgrims and history lovers. Surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains and harbouring a serene atmosphere, this age-old site is all set to soothe your nerves.

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Rabdentse
Located in the West Sikkim district, Rabdentse served as a capital of the Sikkim kingdom from the late 17th century until the early 19th century. It is about 130 km from Gangtok, in the vicinity of Pelling. It is one place where you can enjoy the panoramic beauty of Sikkim and where you can indulge in learning about the bygone period. The ruins here include Rabdentse Palace and the Three Chortens, where the royal family used to worship their god.

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Namchi
It is settled at an elevation of more than 4000 ft and is located in the South Sikkim district at a distance of about 80 km from Gangtok. It is generally popular for housing the world's largest statue of Padmasambhava, a Buddhist guru of the 8th century. However, it is also home to several other highly revered ancient religious sites such as Siddheswara Dham and Namchi Monastery.

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Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir
Located in the beautiful town of Legship on the banks of the Rangeet river, Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to have been in existence for thousands of years. As per local legends and Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the site where Arjuna worshipped Lord Shiva to get blessed with success in the Mahabharata War. Since then, it has been a major sacred place in the region. Apart from learning about the history of the temple, you can also savour the beauty of the pristine Rangeet river.

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Yuksom
It is located in the West Sikkim district at a distance of about 125 km from Gangtok and is known as a base camp for mountaineers. It is a historical town and boasts of several ancient sites. The most prominent amongst them is the marvellous Dubdi Monastery, which is said to be the first-ever monastery built in Sikkim by the Chogyals, the monarchs of the state. The presence of lush greenery around the monastery adds to its existing charm and prominence.

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 THANK YOU! Credits By:-

1. Aditya Rawat

2. Ishika Acharya

3. Khushi Saini

4. Sambhav Sharma

5. Vani