The Northeastern state of India, Sikkim, is a nature’s paradise. A part of the mighty Himalayas, this place has a stunning mountainous landscape. Characterized by steep paths, alpine meadows, glaciers, and several Buddhist monasteries, Sikkim is truly an experience for any traveler. But not just the state itself, but the places surrounding it are also explicitly attractive. Let us take you through the places near Sikkim so that you can list them down on your next holiday bucket list.
Top 5 Places Near Sikkim
Here are some of the amazing tourist places near Sikkim that you must definitely visit for some of the most well-preserved cultural and scenic experiences:
- Darjeeling: Queen Of The Hills
- Siliguri: Explore The Lush Tea Gardens
- Kalimpong: Take A Peek Into The Colonial Era
- Singalila National Park: Witness The Wildlife
- Ghoom: For Nature Lovers
1. Darjeeling: Queen Of The Hills
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Darjeeling city in West Bengal is one of the most popular holiday places near Sikkim. Perched in the Himalayan foothills, this used to be a summer resort for the colonial officers. The citys infrastructure has an old school vibe with a major part of it belonging to the time of British rule in India. The beautiful and lush hills covered with tea garden is worth exploring during a holiday in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Tea has a distinctive place in the tea markets of India and the world. The Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the most famous among all.
The world's highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen from Darjeeling. The hilly terrain of the city also makes it a great place for trekking too. A major highlight of this wonderful city is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, established in 1881. Take a ride on this Toy Train, to enjoy some of the most enchanting views of hills and valleys. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is visited by tourists to spot Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves and Red Pandas.
Distance From Sikkim: 127 km
Places To Stay: Sinclairs, Mount Himalayan Resort, The Elgin
Famous Food: Pork Curry, Dal Bhat, Tibetan Thukpa, Momos
What To Buy: Carpets, Handicrafts, Tea
Time Required: 2 to 3 days
Sikkim-Gangtok-Darjeeling Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Siliguri: Explore The Lush Tea Gardens
Siliguri is among the top places near Sikkim to visit. Located in the West Bengal, the city of Siliguri is in the foothills of the Himalayas. This bustling city is known for its lush tea gardens, so make sure you visit one on your visit. This is one of the major cities in the state and has several popular tourist attractions including the Surya Sen Park, which was named after an independent social activist. Another place to visit in Siliguri is the North Bengal Science Centre, especially for its highlights including the digital planetarium and the huge model of T Rex dinosaur.
The grand ISKON Temple of Siliguri has been elaborately designed, characterized by a white dome. Salugara Monastery is another popular place of interest among both Buddhist followers and tourists. Located towards the northern end of the city, this colorful monastery.
Distance From Sikkim: 145 km
Places To Stay: Courtyard by Marriott, Montana Vista, Lemon Tree Hotel
Famous Food: Potoler Dorma, Chital Kaliya, Chital Muitha
What To Buy: Fabrics, Clothes
Time Required: 2 days
Must Read: A-Z Guide To Make Your Honeymoon In Sikkim
3. Kalimpong: Take A Peek Into The Colonial Era
Set in the Himalayan Foothills, Kalimpong is a charming hill town of West Bengal. Located on a ridge over the River Teesta, Kalimpong is known for its colonial-era buildings and mystical monasteries. One of the most popular colonial structures is the MacFarlane Memorial Church which has been named after a Scottish missionary. The Zang Dhok Palri Phodang also known as the Durpin Monastery is highly revered for preserving the holy Buddhist scriptures.
The wonderful Himalayan weather makes this an amazing destination for tourism and horticulture. You can visit the horticulture farms, nurseries, and even flower markets which are famous for selling a variety of orchids, and other flowers. Head to the gorgeous Deolo Park to enjoy the mesmerizing garden landscapes with hilly backdrops.
Distance From Sikkim: 104 km
Places To Stay: Mystic Orchid Retreat, The Elgin Silver Oaks, Hill Top Tourist Lodge
Famous Food: Thukpa, Buff, Beef and Pork Sausages
What To Buy: Dalle Khursani, Cheese, Lollipops
Time Required: 2 days
Suggested Read: Trekking In Sikkim: 9 Trails That Will Prove You’ve Entered The Paradise
4. Singalila National Park: Witness The Wildlife
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Singalila National Park is an ecstacy evoking sight for all nature lovers. The densely vegetated region is a natural habitat for many different and rare species of flora and fauna. Located at a height of more than 7000 feet above the sea level, this national park in West Bengals Darjeeling also accommodates a popular trekking route to Sandakphu. The park is a section of the Eastern Himalayas and is the best place to sight Red Pandas. Other animals that you can spot here include Pangolins, wild boars, lizards, black bear, leopards, and tigers.
There are about 120 species of birds including cuckoo, satyr tragopan, slender-billed babbler, and fire-tailed myzornis. The best way to explore Singalila National Park is through a jeep safari.
Distance From Sikkim: 152 km
Places To Stay: Royal Barsey Homestay, Chamong Chiabari
Time Required: 3 to 4 hours
Suggested Read: Monsoon In Sikkim: Explore The Unexplored Beauty Of Sikkim
5. Ghoom: For Nature Lovers
Ghoom is a peaceful municipality in West Bengal, known for the very popular Ghoom Monastery located here. This hilly region offers splendid mountain views and has many other old and beautiful Buddhist sites. Another highlight of this destination is the Ghum Railway Station, which is Indias highest railway station. Taking a joy ride in the Toy Train or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the best experiences of Ghoom.
The Yiga Choeling Monastery or the Old Ghoom Monastery was established in the year 1850 by the renowned Mongolian monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso. This holy structure is located at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The 15 feet tall Maitreya Buddha statue is one of the most striking of Ghoom Monastery. The rusticity of this mountain destination makes this one of the best places nearby Sikkim for a holiday.
Distance From Sikkim: 124 km
Places To Stay: Rhododendron Dell Resorts, Tumsong Tea Retreat
Time Required: 1 to 2 days
Further Read: 10 Famous Cafes In Gangtok To Enjoy The Sikkimese Culture
All of these places near Sikkim have a distinctive charm and beauty of their own. Plan a trip to Sikkim and explore one of these favorite Indian locations for an awe-inspiring holiday amidst natural beauty, mystical vibe, and cultural richness.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places Near Sikkim
Which part of Sikkim is the most beautiful?
There are a lot of beautiful places near Sikkim and one of the most beautiful places in Sikkim is the Yumthang Valley.
Is there snow in Sikkim in May?
One can find snow in Sikkim at the higher altitude places like Gurudongmar lake, Chhangu, Zero point, and Yumthang valley.
Which is the best season to visit Darjeeling?
April to June and October to December is the best time to visit Darjeeling.
Which are the best restaurants in Siliguri?
Dhaba by Amber, Punjabi Kadhai, and The Yellow Chilli Restaurant are some of the best restaurants in Siliguri.
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A writer at TravelTriangle, Elin, enjoys putting her travel experiences into words. She is a lover of cats and coffee and believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.
