Bahar Bharat | Sikkim: A Stretch of Paradise in the Himalayas

Characterised by its mountainous terrain and founded by the rulers of the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century, Sikkim has been ruled by Buddhist priest-kings known as the Chogyal. (Image: REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri/File)

The majesty of the Himalayas in Sikkim unfolded before me as never before in course of my recent four-day visit to the state. Invited by industrialist Harshavardhan Neotia and Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL (Indian Hotels Company), respectively, at their new hotel Taj Guras Kutir, I admit that the trip offered me an unforgettable opportunity to delve deeper into Sikkim’s fascinating history. For those not in the know, the Ambuja Neotia Group helmed by Harshavardhan Neotia has joined hands with the Taj Group’s Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) to launch many hotels in India, including the Taj Chia Kutir, Darjeeling, where I stayed a night as well.

In course of my conversation with Puneet Chhatwal, I came to know that this new venture of the two mega groups has been aimed to “bring alive Sikkim’s local culture with a modern flair”, as well as to further their hospitality footprints in this part of the country. Recently inaugurated by chief minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) the much sought after event unfolded in the presence of a host of dignitaries from all walks of the Indian arts diaspora.

A few words on the unique Himalayan retreat lying squarely as it is, in the alpine landscape of Sikkim amid lush greenery and with an unforgettable panoramic view of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak is inevitable. But before I do so, let me share a bit on the history of this unique and picturesque land.

Characterised by its mountainous terrain and founded by the rulers of the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century, Sikkim has been ruled by Buddhist priest-kings known as the Chogyal. A princely state of the British Indian Empire, the kingdom enjoyed a protectorate status till 1950 after which, vide a referendum, the province merged with the Indian federation and monarchy was abolished. Opinions differ as to the name of the province but it appears that the word is a combination of the Limbu words su ‘new’ and khyim ‘palace’ or ‘house’ while the Tibetans call it ‘Drenjong’, meaning the Valley of Rice while to the Bhutias it is ‘Beyul Demazong’ meaning ‘the hidden valley of rice’. According to Lepcha folklore, Sikkim is also called ‘Nye-mae-el’, meaning ‘paradise’.

Sikkim’s populace comprises three major ethnic groups — the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali — who create a peaceful and homogeneous whole along with some migrant groups of Bengalis, Biharis and Marwaris. The geographical positioning of this mountainous land lying between India and Tibet has, thus, had a direct influence on the culture that for long has been an admixture of traditional animist beliefs, Buddhism and Hindu influences of bordering Nepal and West Bengal.

Regarding the flora and fauna, Sikkim’s remarkable biodiversity is a testament to a vibrant abundance of nature’s treasures as well as a story of resilience against all odds and kudos to the people of the state as they strive unhesitatingly to preserve the fine balance between humans and the natural world. My readers are aware of the many wonderful experiences that I have collected over years in the Indian wilderness and that emboldens me to mention a few lines on the botanical wonders and the charismatic wildlife of the region.

Sikkim is home to the elusive snow leopard and the red panda — the state animal — and birds such as the colourful Himalayan monal among unique others. Bird species frequently sighted include hill partridge, satyr tragopan, fire-tailed myzornis, bar-throated minla, red-tailed minla, black-eared shrike babbler, scaly laughingthrush, streak-breasted scimitar babbler, rusty-fronted barwing, yellow-browed tit, red-headed bullfinch, crimson-browed finch and the chestnut-crowned warbler to name a few. Among the mammals/animals that are a pleasure to spot include the barking deer, musk deer, bhoral, langur, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan marmot, yak, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, serow, goral, yellow-throated marten, flying squirrel, jungle cat, Royle’s pika and, of course, the red panda.

Sikkim’s flora is vividly diverse, ranging from towering oak trees to delicate orchids, each contributing to the state’s vibrant natural treasure trove. The landscape in the right seasons is a riot of colours and shapes made possible by the diverse and unique plants that enhance the rich floral tapestry of the region. Adding to the opulence are the near about 500-plus species of orchids, Primula species (Primulaceae), guras or the rhododendrons, plum trees, cherry blossoms, many varieties of oak and sal, bamboo plants, fig and laurel, the noble dendrobium as well as the many varieties of alpine and tundra vegetation.

The narrative of the natural splendours of Sikkim can go on endlessly, but now, I feel it is only proper to return to something more man-made that fascinated me in Sikkim. This must be the grand edifice of Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa where I spent four enchanting days. Spread over 14 acres, the 69-room resort is what serenity and luxury is all about. Having enjoyed my stays at many such exotic establishments across the globe, I can most certainly state that Taj and IHCL’s latest offering is in a class by itself with a touch of Harsh Neotia’s fine eye and knowledge of arts keeping to Taj pattern’s the architecture of the resort strongly emphasises the indigenous culture, blending Sikkimese aesthetics with contemporary design.

Bringing in the picturesque vistas of the outdoors, each of the spacious rooms features a unique Thangka, the local Buddhism inspired paintings. An enviable creation of Channa Daswatte, the architect, has successfully created a serene retreat for those seeking to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. The front doors swing open to reveal a walkway flanked by giant cauldrons perched atop water on either side.

About the food, Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience to all with its forest-themed, all-day diner Machan, a pan-Asian specialty, Soi & Sake and Guras Lounge & Bar that serves Hi-tea and cocktails. Drawing upon their own kitchen garden that grows organic Rai ka Saag, Spinach, Carrot, Reddish, Cabbage, Beetroot, Coriander, Mint, Basil, the resort’s chefs put out delicacies that make each stay a wholesome deal.

My stay at Taj Guras Kutir will remain especially etched in my mind as during that four-night stay, I was able to experience the enchanting blend of wit and wisdom through my interactions with renowned writer and poet Javed Akhtar, as well as a captivating book reading by Shobha De, besides being able to engage with veterans from various art forms. Even Harsh recited a letter of Gurudev Tagore one evening and Paresh Maity did a live painting. This experience at Taj Guras Kutir in Sikkim was truly magical and made me appreciate the state’s unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness in an altogether new light.

(The author is a social activist working for over two-and-a-half decades in the field of welfare, international cultural cooperation and the promotion and preservation of Indian arts. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views)