A speck in the wide painted canvas of the Himalayas and a blazing jewel in the lustrous crown of Kanchenjunga; Gangtok is a pearly gate to paradise. The largest town and the state capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is acclaimed as the crux of Sikkim's tourism industry. Mesmerizing and overwhelming vista of Mount Kanchenjunga, esoteric natural beauty of surrounding landscape, extremely pleasant climate and a perfect blend of tradition and modernism make Gangtok a heaven for tourists and nature lovers.

Perched in the lap of Shivalik Hill Ranges of Himalaya, Gangtok is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage and an axis of Tibetan culture and learning. Though the exact meaning of the word Gangtok is unknown, it is believed to be of a Tibetan origin meaning 'Hill Top', or 'Hill Side'. Developed in accordance with tourism aspects, Gangtok is one of the cleanest cities in the country. Rightly known as the 'Switzerland of the east,' Gangtok is a highly organized and elegantly maintained hamlet. Tourists are revered here to no extent and it is their motto to not let them being cheated.

Gangtok is a city that will leave you spell bound and compel you to start believing in fairy tales. Everything that you could think about your dream holidays will seem to be coming true here. Captivating views of Himalayan ranges, radiantly painted pagoda roofed buildings, chiming bells, divine Lamas, snowy ambiance, friendly natives and Tibetan food will make your stay at Gangtok an experience of delight. Be it adventure enthusiast or honeymooner, family guy or pensioner, reposeful lap of Mother Nature at Gangtok will never ever let you down.

History Of Gangtok

The ancient history of Gangtok is very ambiguous and obscured that the earliest record of Gangtok is dated back only to the beginning of 18th century. Construction of an incipient monastery in the year 1716 is supposedly the first official record of the name Gangtok. Even after that, Gangtok remained under enigma for a long time until 1840, when the construction of 'Enchey Monastery' brought it in lime light. When Gangtok was slowly developing as a Buddhist pilgrimage, in mid 19th century, British rule took it over. In late 19th and early 20th century, Gangtok was a chief layover on the trade route between Tibet and Indian cities like Kolkata which were under the control of British East India Company.

The Sikkimese King 'Thutob Namgyal', who administered the governance of Sikkim as a feudatory of British Raj, shifted the capital of his kingdom from Tumlong to Gangtok, which increased the eminence of Gangtok. After 1947, Sikkim monarchy decided to retain their independence and became suzerain of India. Gangtok was the state capital even then. Finally in 1975, with the fall of Sikkimese monarchy, Sikkim was integrated in India as the 22nd State. Thus Gangtok is the 22nd state capital in the free India.

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