Till 1974, Sikkim was considered as an independent nation. In 1975, the Prime Minister of Sikkim appealed to change the status of Sikkim to became an Indian. On 16th May 1975, Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India.
Sikkim is the sole Indian state where most of the people have their origin from a different country-Nepal.
From March to May, International Flower Festival is held in Sikkim. Here rare varieties of flowers, orchids and many other plants are displayed. This state is the home of 600 types of orchids and 240 species of trees and ferns. There are also 150 varieties of gladioli and 46 types of rhododendrons.
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Sikkim rooms over 552 different species of birds and about 690 species of butterflies.
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Bhum Chu is the special holy water ceremony takes place in the Tashiding Monastery which is one of the most sacred monasteries of Sikkim.
Chaang is the most famous drink of Sikkim and is consumed during social activities. It is a fermented cereal based mild alcoholic beverage.
The numerous natural hot springs of Sikkim acts as a natural spa. Some of the most famous natural hot springs are Yumthang Hot Spring, Yume Samdong hot spring, Taram hot spring, Reshi hot spring, Borong hot pring and Ralong hot spring.
Thanka are religious scrolls which are hanged in Buddhist houses and monasteries. Thankas are believed to drive away evil spirits.
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The 108 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva is the main attraction of Siddheswar Dham situated in Solophok hilltop nearby Namchi. This gigantic statue is surrounded by replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas and replicas of sacred Chardham Hindu Temples.
Rumtek Monastery is located in Rumtek which is 23 kilometers from Gangtok. The Rumtek Monastery is the seat of Gyalwa Karmapa which is the head of 900 – year old Karma Kagyu lineage.
