Namchi

From ArticleWorld

Namchi is the administrative headquarter of the South Sikkim district in Sikkim, a state in the north eastern part of India. South Sikkim district has the second largest population in Sikkim after East district.

Location

Namchi is located at a distance of about 78 kilometers from Gangtok, the state capital and about 100 kilometers from Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Good mountain roads connect Namchi to other towns in Sikkim as well as to places in West Bengal, Sikkim’s neighboring state. Jeeps, vans and buses make regular trips through Namchi on their way to Paling, Gangtok, Kalingpong and other important neighboring towns.

Religion and languages

The main religion practiced by the people of Namchi, indeed the whole of Sikkim, is Buddhism followed by Hinduism and Christianity. The locals basically speak Nepalese but in Namchi, its being a tourist town, Hindi, English and Bengali languages are also spoken.

Tourist potential

Nestling at a height of 4300 ft. in the eastern Himalayas, Namchi has all the potential to become a tourists’ paradise. It has a wonderful climate and the breathtaking view of the snow capped mountain peaks on clear days. The fact that it has not been spoilt by over exposure and is still waiting to be discovered adds to its charm.

The area has the only tea garden of Sikkim, the Temi Tea Gardens, which produces a fairly high priced premium quality tea. Every February the Garden organizes a flower show that attracts people from all over the state because of its exhibition of rare and exotic varieties of orchids, promilas and rhododendrons.

The highest statue in the world of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim is also located at Namchi, constructed and installed atop Samdruptse, the wish fulfilling hill. The statue is supposed to be much taller than the famous bronze Buddha at Kamakura, Japan which stands 42 ft. high.