and experience inner calm. The monastery
also houses quarters for the monks where
they can rest and have their meals. The entire
landscape is scented with the divine fragrance
of Buddhism. Inside the complex, one can see the
villagers ploughing their fields, farming being
their source of livelihood.
Worshipped as the remover of obstacles, idols
of Lord Ganesha too are visible at many places.
The locals believe that no other god can change
their destiny. Brightly coloured flags and water
prayer wheels installed all over the town of
Gangtok, magnetise many visitors from all over.
The big rice bowls for feeding the pigeons are
another interesting attraction.
The memory lingers on
Visiting the royal abode of yesteryear monarchs
and various other interesting places gave
my short trip to Sikkim the feel of a complete
holiday. The memories of hot coffee served along
Travel agency: Heritage Getaways
Mode of transportation: 2 ½ hour flight
from Delhi to Bagdogra (Darjeeling).
4 hours 18 minutes drive from
Bagdogra to Sikkim (Gangtok). For
transportation within Sikkim, hire a
local taxi for sightseeing.
Best months to visit: April to August
(Summer)
Preferred clothing: T-shirts, denims,
sneakers, rainwear and jackets.
Umbrella can be useful.
Places to stay: Hotels, motels, or private
accommodations.
Things to do while in Sikkim: Visit the
Rumtek Monastery, Namchi Bazaar,
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple,
Coronation Bridge and Nathula Pass.The Rumtek monastery attracts tourists
from across the globewith Maggi noodles topped with vegetables
(perhaps a delicacy of almost every known hill
station in India) and the spicy Sikkimese thukpa
(noodle soup) stayed with me, as I fondly recalled
the love with which they were prepared and
served.
Having soaked in the bliss and joy of Sikkim
with its pure air and pristine environment, I
finally bid farewell to the mountain state and
returned home. The chilly winds of the region,
the gushing waterfalls, the image of the Buddhist
prayer wheels, and the scents of Rumtek
monastery all stayed with me and infused my
life with a new perspective. I will cherish this
journey to the North-east forever. Thanks to
Heritage Getaways, which made my stay more
memorable than I could have ever imagined.To read these articles online and post your
comments, go to http://www.lifepositive.com/
Magazine/February 2018. We welcome your
comments and suggestions on this article. Mail us at
[email protected]Spiritual Travel 55