AN ELGIN EXCLUSIVE FEATURE
The streaks of yellow and orange across the indigo in the diminishing twilight create a cauldron in full broth bustling and over pouring with each passing moment. As the light diminishes, the chill in the air takes away the aroma to the town of Pelling in this Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim.
Image by drivetonortheast
A moment captured around Pelling when the yellow shimmers in the gloaming hitting the peaks of the majestic Khangchendzonga, diminishing the clouds to depict the true shades of nature
From natural beauty to local culture, there are a plethora of Pelling attractions for travelers. However, the one and most significant being, the inexplicable Kanchenjunga view from Pelling. Made of rigid rock and snow, the mountain spears the clouds above it. This hill station offers breathtaking and uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga and the surrounding Himalayan peaks at very close quarters.
Image by Dr. Hirak Mookherjee, Flickr
The mesmerizing view of the mighty Khangchendzonga glowing on a stary night along with the lights of pelling town.
They suggest that there is a place on earth where you can meet nature halfway. Sewaro Rock Garden is one of them, and it has become one of Sikkim’s most popular tourist destinations over time. Drop your burdens like Autumn leaves and relish the flow of nature’s serenity into you as sunshine into trees. The chattering of vibrant birds serves magical soundtrack, and the spouting water of Teesta stream, which is aggressively carving its way through the rocks, feels like an inexhaustible source of enchantment and amazement.
Image by traveltriangle
Make sure to grab a beverage to sip on as the water of Teesta stream rushing down the Sewaro Rock Garden with the scenic view of mountains and the sneaky clouds would engage you enough to stick for hours.
Sewaro Rock Garden is a natural hermitage developed by the division of Tourism of Sikkim and is incomprehensibly beautiful. The well-trimmed carpet of grass and bushes, peculiar marbles and rocks extol the beauty of the entire area. Here, you can feel the warmth of the earth barefoot and let the wind play with your hair. The Sikkim department of tourism has also added few intriguing amenities like swimming pools, well-maintained cafeterias and vantage points for a marvellous view of shrubby hills underneath pitch blue sky.
Tourists can stroll 5 kilometres from Sewaro Rock Garden to the scenic Darap village, where they can discover about the Limboo community’s culture and traditional way of life. Nambu, a sacred cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated and acquired one of the most precious pearls of wisdom, “Calmness of Mind,” is a short hike from the hamlet. A short drive from Yuksum leads to the Rimbi waterfall, which flows into the Rimbi River. The river is crystal clear and icy cold, yet it provides incredible opportunities for angling and fishing.
Image by Homestayinsikkim
The Limboo believe that the earth is infused with spiritual energy. Their faith is sustained in the holy scriptures-mundhums “Power of great strength” and is the legacy of heritage for the limboos because it records all stories and beliefs of the people passed down orally from generation to generation and recited by religious priests.
The region boasts incredibly special cuisine, treat your taste buds with their local delicacies. Don’t forget to indulge into traditional dishes such as mouthwatering momos, thukpas, Lamian with sauce, chicken chilli, and maggie while here. Peace seekers might stop by the Khecheopalri lake, which is located near the holy Khecheopalri hill and is recognized for fulfilling wishes. People interested in exploring about Sikkim’s royal heritage may go to Rabdentse Ruins and see the stunning view of Mt. Khangchendzonga. Nearby, there is a 240-meter-long Singshore Bridge that provides an eye-catching glimpse of the waterfalls. Rabdentse Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Sangachoeling Monastery are some of the most renowned monasteries along this route that tourists must not miss.
Image by Saravk, Flickr
Some believe the lake originated when Lord Shiva stepped on the land. One popular legend is that the goddess of the lake appeared to a Lepcha girl and handed her a precious stone that she lost. Locals believe this gem is buried at the bottom of this lake. It comes as no surprise that Khecheopalri Lake is regarded as a ‘wish fulfilment lake.’
The area is a delight on 14th January, celebrated nation-wide as Makar Sankranti. Here, it is known as Maghe Mela in which the devotees take a holy bath in the river, enjoy the festivities around the place and can lure their soul into the tranquil panorama.
