Government Institute of Cottage Industry: It is now
known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government
Institute of Cottage Industries (GICI). Started during the time of the Chogyals
of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese
arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one
of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where beautiful souvenirs
like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture,
handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. Closed
on Sundays, all government declared holidays and second Saturdays.
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT): This internationally
acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare
Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons. About a kilometer downhill
from the main market of Gangtok, amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia and
birch trees stands the Institute of Tibetology. The building accommodating the
Institute is an example of Tibetan architecture. It is world renowned and is
one of the few of its kind. It has one of the world's largest collection of
books and rare manuscripts on the subject of Mahayana Buddhism plus many religious
works of art and incredibly finely executed silk embroidered thangkas. There
is an entry fee.
Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa): Encircled by 108 prayer wheels
built by late Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46. This is one of the most important
and biggest stupas found in Sikkim. The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by
Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside
this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya),
a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Books), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious
objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim,
are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout
Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva.
The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues
of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).
Deer Park: This park which commands a good view of the
hills surrounding Gangtok is perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost
vertically deep into the valley. It was established in the late fifties and
is located adjacent to the new Secretariat and is also called the Rustomji park
so named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim and the author of
the book "Enchanted Frontiers". The park has a big open enclosure in which different
types of deer can be seen. There are also a few cages in which some animals
native to Sikkim like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. A big statue
of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of the noble truths in the deer park
at Sarnath adorns the park premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns in front
of the statue which is surrounded by flowers of the most exotic variety.
Permanent Flower Show: White Hall, close by the White
Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower
Show Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as
there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons
and the flowers in bloom. There is entry fee.
Enchey Monastery: Located on a hilltop above Gangtok
this monastery rebuilt in 1910 belongs to the Nyingmapa order and was once the
hermitage site of Lama Drupthob Karpo renowned for his power of flying. An important
seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple,
was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed
near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master
known for his flying powers. This 200 year old monastery has in its premises
images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January
'Chaam' or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days.
It is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 km from Gangtok Town.
White Hall: The White Hall has historical value and
is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storied structure and has typical British
architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is painted
white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim,
Claude White. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the White
Hall.
Ridge Park: The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and
flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from
the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister's official
residence, known as the Mintokgang, meaning "blossomed crowned hilltop" on one
end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a pagoda rooftop on the other
end. A statue of Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India, adorns the roundabout
above White Hall. Situated on the Ridge is also a resting shed using Tibetan
architecture. The ridge is lined with plants and trees which when in bloom are
a riot of colours. Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world
are held just below the Ridge. From the ridge, the road winding its way up along
the Chola range towards Nathula ( border between India and China) can be seen.
During 1967 (not 1962, when this border was quiet), a confrontation broke out
between India and China at Nathula. Long ago, a small market called the Sudder
Bazaar consisting of a few shops lined the Ridge. In the early twenties this
market was shifted to the present MG Marg.
Tashi View Point: It was built by the late King of Sikkim,
Tashi Namgyal, and is situated 6 km from Gangtok town on the North Sikkim Highway,
from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga.
This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga
and surrounding hills and Siniolchu. On the opposite hill, the Phodong and the
Labrang monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and a small cafeteria situated
at Tashi View Point provides shelter and other amenities to the tourists. A
park above the View Point is a good place to enjoy a picnic.
Hanuman Tok: Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall
on a bifurcation road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, is a temple devoted to
Hanuman, a God worshipped by the Hindus. On selected points on the road to the
temple, breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills can be
seen. From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of Khangchendzonga present a panoramic
picture. One also gets a bird's eyeview of the Selep waterworks, which supplies
drinking water to the Gangtok town, a few hundred feet in altitude below Hanuman
Tok. The temple at Hanuman Tok is maintained by a unit of the Indian Army and
can be found to be spick and span. A short distance before the stair case leading
to the Hanuman Temple is the cremation ground of the erstwhile royal family
of Sikkim. The cremation ground has stupas and chortens each marking the place
where the mortal remains of the departed souls were consigned to the flames.
Ganesh Tok: It is a very small temple dedicated to Lord
Ganesh, a diety worshipped by Hindus. The temple is so small in size that it
can hardly accommodate one person and one has to crawl to get inside it. It
is located on the hill adjoining the TV Tower. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula
Road. From here one can get a panoramic view of Gangtok town and the Raj Bhawan
Complex and on a clear day you get a breathe-taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga.
During the tourist season, a small cafeteria is opened for the convenience of
the visitors. Just adjoining the Ganesh Tok is a pinetum garden containing pine
trees. A walk on the footpath amongst the pine trees is refreshing.
Himalayan Zoological Park: The park is located exactly
across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers an area of 205 hectares. This
area is also known as Bulbuley and extends almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although
a 3 km long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not allowed
in. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosures housing
the red pandas, Barking Deer, bears and other animals of Sikkim in a semi natural
habitat. As the enclosures encompass a huge area the animals are sometimes not
easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of them. Making noise
drives away the animals to take refuge behind bushes.
Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre: Located on a beautiful hill
top it is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by Luding
Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessings
of HH Sakya Trizin and HH the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the
Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.