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Sikkim
going for a new makeover with village tourism
by Tashi Pradhan
Dzongu (Sikkim): Sikkim is famous for its scenic beauty all around the world. Sensing the vast potential of tourism here the Government of Sikkim has come up with an innovative idea to promote "Village tourism" among visitors arriving here. The tourism authorities of the State are developing remote villages into places where tourists can stay for a longer duration and get an opportunity to mingle with the residents.
The programme aims to give tourists the true feel of Sikkim's culture and tradition. With the participation of a few locals, some 'homestays' are arranged in village where the guests stay with a family. The family then takes care for all the comforts of its guests. Village tourism has been popular among foreign tourists who feel living with the families gives them a good insight into their lifestyle. Tourism is said to be one of the most sustainable industries in Sikkim with tremendous opportunities for employment and revenue generation. "You can really feel the life style of people, what they do, how they live. It's better you go deeper into the country you visit," said Blandine, a French tourist. The residents are eagerly participating in such programmes as it helps them earn some money. But the locals, living in harmony with environment, do not want too many tourists. "We have been getting good response mostly from foreign tourists. Every year we have been getting around 100-200 tourists. We are trying to get a few but good tourists in Dzongu," says Sherpa Lepcha, conductor of the programme. The State tourism department is also training the local youth as prospective guides to provide environmentally responsible tourism practices in the villages.
Sikkim
is ensconced between Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east and Nepal
in the west. Sikkim, which lies between 27 to 28 degrees north latitude
and 88 to 89 degrees east longitude, is the second smallest State after
Goa in India. With a size of 7,096 sq km, it has an elevation ranging
from 300 m to 8585 m above sea level. Its geography is dominated by the
most majestic mountain chain in the world which includes the Kanchenjunga,
the world's third highest mountain. The State remains wet due to the heavy
monsoons, with rains continuing at time for as long as a week. Sikkim
experiences a cold winter from end of November to February and monsoons
throughout the year with a little respite during May-June and October-November
The months of September and October are considered autumn.
-Dec 29, 2005
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