5 Major Cities Of Sikkim State
- Sikkim is India’s least populated state which has a population of around 7 lakhs and Gangtok is the most significant city of the state
- Pakyong, Namchi, Jorethang and Rangpo are other major cities of Sikkim
Which is India’s first organic state? It’s Sikkim. Apart from being organic it is also the least populated state of India. According to 2011 census the population of Sikkim was around 6.10 lakhs. Nepali language here is spoken by 62.6% population. On 15 May 1975, Sikkim became 22nd state of India. In all Himalayan states, Sikkim has highest per capita income and literacy rate. This state holds largest share in Cardamom production. In Spice production too it ranks second in the world. Sikkim is home to Khangchendzonga National Park that covers 35% area of the state and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gangtok is the state capital of Sikkim and its most important city. There are other major cities in Sikkim too. Here we’ll take a look at 5 major cities of Sikkim.
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Gangtok
Gangtok is the state capital of Sikkim and it is largest populated city. This city’s population is close to 1 lakh.
Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest mountain is here and clearly visible to the West of city. Teesta river is the lifeline of Gangtok. For Sikkim tourism, Gangtok plays a very important role. Many residents of Gangtok are employed directly or indirectly by tourism.
Nathula Pass is just 50 km away from Gangtok and it was a major route for trading with Tibet in spices, wool, fur etc. till 20th century. After 1962 war this border was closed and so the state fell into recession. In 2006 government again opened it to boost the state’s economy.
Gangtok has thriving cottage and handicrafts industry. It enjoys a part of being income tax free region. This city has nearly uninterrupted power supply due to numerous hydroelectric power stations. Rumtek Monastery is on outskirts of Gangtok and it is one of the holiest Buddhist Monasteries.
Pakyong
Pakyong is second most important city of Sikkim. This city has Pakyong Airport which is the only airport of Sikkim. In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it.
Pakyong shares its border with Bhutan and Tibet. Agriculture is the most prominent activity here. Mainly Ginger is cultivate here. Nepali is the most widely spoken language here.
Shivalaya Temple Devi Mandir, Karthok Monastery and Changey monastery are the major tourist attractions here.
Namchi
Namchi is the third major city of Sikkim. It is 78 km away from the state’s capital Gangtok. This city is fast becoming a tourist destination.
Local Buddhist pilgrimage here includes – Namchi Monastery, Ralang Monastery and Tendong Hill. World’s largest statue of Buddhist Padmasambhava is here which measures 118 feet. One can see beautiful view of Kanchenjunga from Namchi hills.
Siddhesvara Dhaam is also in Namchi which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sai Temple is yet another pilgrimage centre here.
Bhaichung Bhutia a famous footballer and Padma Shri awardee from Indian Government has a stadium on his name. This stadium is known as “Bhaichung Stadium”.
Jorethang
Jorethang is a major town in South of Sikkim. It lies on Rangeet River which is a tributary of Teesta river.
According to 2011 census, this city has a population of less than 10,000.
Maghe Sankranti Mela is one of the most important festivals of this city. It is celebrated by Nepali community from 1961.
Rangpo
Rangpo is situated on Rangpo and Teesta river. Teesta is the largest river and Rangpo is the third largest river of Sikkim. Both rivers are known for violent nature during monsoon.
Mining Cricket Stadium is a major cricket stadium here that was established in 1997.
As of 2001 census, this city has a population of less than 4,000 people. Indrakil Prayag which is essentially a confluence of Rangpo and Teesta river is considered as holy place by Hindus.
So these were 5 major cities of Sikkim
