The diminutive Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim is still considered 'Shangri-La' by many of those who have ventured to its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, exotic fauna, bountiful botanic beauty and its fascinating old monasteries and exotic ethnic cultural lifestyle. The alluring enchantment and is exactly what dreams are made of. 

Decidedly remote as it is wedged between Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal and neatly tucked away in the northeast corner of India above the state of Bengal, Sikkim is a landlocked state with no airport because of its mountainous terrain and no railway feasible because of the steep gradient. But determined travelers can start their jaunt from Bagdogra the nearest airport and Siliguri, the closest railway terminal.

Regardless of the starting point, it is still hours of road odyssey through winding and curving road to the capital, Gangtok of this beautiful elevated countryside. The terrain spans the entire scenic spectrum from jungle filled river valleys just above sea level, to pine forests and orchid dotted rhododendron forests. Further on the gushing waters of small steams, highland heath, quaint villages and sheer rock cliffs, and then finally the massive mountain spires spearing thousands of metres into the Sikkimese sky - Mt. Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world (8585 m.) can be seen throughout enroute to Gangtok. Despite the visual splendors, it is not an idyllic path. There are numerous arduous aspects through out the journey.

Starting from April to June as the chills of winter mellows and spring arrives across the mountains and valleys of the bountiful state, primulas, blue poppies, rhododendrons and almost 250 varieties of orchids erupt into full flower. Equally complementing the exotic flora is a menagerie of unusual fauna. Topping the list of rarities is the almost mythical animal - the snow leopard - a fleeting recluse, a habitats seen within the range of 1800 - 3600 m. Another exotic, the Red Panda frequently eludes sightings as it resides mostly in treetops.

With almost 600 species of butterflies and equal number of bird species, much of the Sikkim's wildife is sheltered in dedicated parks and sanctuaries. Covering almost 850 square kilometers in the west Sikkim is the largest and most famous Kanchenjunga National Park which is off limits to visitors without permits. Very few foreign visitors venture out to visit Sikkim and fewer still have time or inclination for treks and specialized tours. But for those who do have the patience and endeavor to discover more of this little kingdom will have their true rewards with sights, sounds and settings… which dreams are made of in this tiny fabled land of Sikkim.