Travel to Namchi the amazing statue of Guru Padmashamva.

Tourist - Travel Information of South District

LOCATION
South Sikkim is a dream destination nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. It shares its borders with East and West Sikkim and North Bengal.

AREA: 750 sq. kilometers.
ALTITUDE: Varies from 300 ft to 11000 ft.
DISTRICT HEADQUARTER : Namchi.
POPULATION: 1,31,506

LANGUAGE:
Nepali ,bhutias, lepchas  are the languages spoken in this area. Most of the people understand and speak English and Hindi as well.

TIME:
(GMT+05:30) Chennai, Kolkota, Mumbai, New Delhi.

CLIMATE
South Sikkim has four major seasons, namely, (1) Winter: December-February, (2) Spring: March-May, (3) Summer: June-August, (4) Autumn: September- November.
South Sikkim can be visited the whole year round.

PEOPLE & RELIGION

The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly. The customs and rituals of Sikkim are as diverse as the ethnic groups that inhabit the land; the Lepchas,the Bhutias, and the Nepalese are peace and funloving tribes .A small population of plainsmen are also settled here. The people of Sikkim love to get together and celebrate. The colourful lifestyle of the hill people find expression in the splendour of their festivals and dances.The Hindu Nepalese observe Dusshera to worship Goddess Durga.For the Buddhist there are two important festivals- one dedicated to the God Kangchendzonga and other in celebration of the New Year.The warrior dances are performed during the celebration of the Snowy Range is a dance peculiar to Sikkim only. Sikkimese People with their rare tradition and rich culture, add more fragrance to the diverse and composite culture of India. These three ethnic communities display a remarkable feature of Sikkimese society with its cultural harmony and peaceful coexistence.

WHAT TO WEAR ?

Except in formal gathering informal clothes are acceptable mostly everywhere. Heavy woollen garments are required in October-March. An umbrella or a rain coat is must for the rainy season. For spring to early summer light woolens are required.

CURRENCY & FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Indian Rupee notes come in Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 denominations. Coins come in 10p, 25p, Re.1, Rs 2 & Rs. 5 denominations.

Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such transactions are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the foreign exchange counter at the Bagdogra airport upon arrival. Visitor other than the Indian nationals have to make the payment in hotels, travel or trekking agencies and air tickets in foreign currency. Non-lndian visitors are not allowed to import or export Indian Currency. Exchnage rates fluctuate,as of April 2002 the approximate value of one US Dollar is equivalent to Rs. 48.

Major International Credit Cards are accepted in larger hotels.However it is better to come prepared with adequate cash to avoid problems.

ENTRY PROCEDURES

All Foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian Misssions, Tourism Office , New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Kolkata and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa. The 15 days duration permit is issued on the spot without any delay. Photocopies of passport and visa details alongwith two passport photos of the applicants are required.

ENTRY POINTS:

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri.
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri
By Land: (1) Melli (2) Rangpo (3) Near Jorethang via Darjeeling.

CUSTOMS

There are no customs regulations specific to Sikkim.Professional equipment and high value articles must be declared on arrival in India and TBRE (tourist baggage re-export) form must be filled out.The export of antiques (over 100 yrs old), animal species or products covered by CITES convention is not permited.

TREKKING AREAS

Below are listed some of the trekking areas in South Sikkim.You can also draw up your own itenerary with the help of Sikkim Tourism, Adventure Division, Gangtok or any recognised Travel agent in Sikkim.

Foreigners are advised to approach Tourism Department for obtaining Trekking permit.

FACILITIES

South Sikkim offers variety of accommodation facilities. There are few standard hotels, budget hotels and lodges. Similarly one can also have a choice of sightseeing from a range of different tour packages. In order to have an assured quality service it is advisable to use the facilities and services of government registered hotels, lodges, travel agencies the licensed tour guides only and engage an authorized guide or porter only through a registered travel/trekking agency.