South Sikkim

The smallest district by area among the four, South Sikkim is still an abode of natural beauty and tranquility. Lying at an altitude of 400 mtr to 2000 mtr with unique and countryside escape of endless waves of agricultural fields and the terraced slopes, South Sikkim encompasses vast dense forest areas as well as spring patched forests. Simple and religious people, some of the oldest monasteries, great scenic beauty, agricultural society, and peace & tranquility is the identity of South Sikkim and it is known as the fastest-growing industrial area. With its main towns adopting urbanization at a fast pace, South Sikkim also has many villages and small towns where people still follow older and peaceful lifestyles. In the vein of other districts of Sikkim, the South district is not behind in any case whether talking about its natural splendor or fresh towns. Namchi, being the headquarters of the South Sikkim district, enjoys authority over the region.

HOW TO REACH SOUTH SIKKIM

The district headquarters Nmachi is a well-connected town by roadways and also the nearest major town of Sikkim from Siliguri with a distance of 92 km. One can hire a private taxi or share a cab and enjoy a joyous ride to Namchi along the Teesta river till Melli, which is a checkpoint, and upon crossing one enters the South district of Sikkim. Namchi is well connected with the rest of Sikkim through motorable roads. The Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses ply regularly from Namchi to towns within the state and Siliguri.
The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal which is about 96 km away from Namchi and the nearest airport is the domestic airport of Bagdogra which is connected to the international airport of Kolkata. Both these destination points are adjacent to Siliguri.

The South district of Sikkim is perched between altitudes of 400 meters to 2000 meters with a unique and rugged mountainous terrain feature that hosts the terrace sloped agricultural fields. It is the smallest district out of the four districts of Sikkim.

South Sikkim being is the lower laps of the Himalayas which predominantly gives it the chilled weather around the year. Consisting of various physical features such as meadows, valleys, and peaks, South Sikkim has varied climatic conditions. The average rainfall that South Sikkim receives in a year is 162.5 cm.

Ranging between the altitudes of 400 meters to 2000 meters, South Sikkim District observes temperate climate for most of the time. Simple and religious people, some of the oldest monasteries, great scenic beauty, agricultural society, and peace & tranquility is the identity of South Sikkim and it is known as the fastest-growing industrial area.

South Sikkim is inhabited by Nepali descent people as the majority, and other ethnic groups such as Lepcha and Bhutia form the minorities here. Nepali is also the most spoken language, widely used by all ethnic groups of people. The majority of people are followers of Hindusim while Buddhism being the second most followed religion. The district also has many pilgrimages and worshipping sites which shows the general involvement of the locals in religious activities.

Top Places to go South Sikkim

Namchi

Namchi, also known as Namtse is the capital of the South Sikkim district. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese. Namchi is perched at an altitude of 1.675 m (5500 ft.) above sea level, with a distance of 78 kilometers from Gangtok and around 100 km from Siliguri.

Jorethang

Situated along the Rangeet river, Jorethang is a town in South Sikkim on the mid-way to Pelling. A very young and bustling town by population, Jorethang is one such town of Sikkim which consists more of plains rather than hills.

Ravangla

Home to exotic flora and fauna, Ravangla sees a large number of tourists who is a nature enthusiast and love exploring the wildlife. The place is also filled with haughty snow mountains, speedy bustling waterfalls, quaint and traditional villages, large sprawling tea gardens, followers of ethnic culture, and centuries-old monasteries.

Melli

Melli is a small village situated alongside the river Teesta, which is considered to be the “Gateway of South Sikkim” as the Melli check post is situated here. It is also one of the few towns in India that lies in two different states. Not with many scenic spots, Melli is still a good place to spend a day or two just as a break from the normal and too fast happening world.

Namchi

Namchi, also known as Namtse is the capital of the South Sikkim district. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese. Namchi is perched at an altitude of 1.675 m (5500 ft.) above sea level, with a distance of 78 kilometers from Gangtok and around 100 km from Siliguri.

Jorethang

Situated along the Rangeet river, Jorethang is a town in South Sikkim on the mid-way to Pelling. A very young and bustling town by population, Jorethang is one such town of Sikkim which consists more of plains rather than hills.

Places of Attraction North Sikkim

Top things to do near South Sikkim. Get a list of handpicked activities and nearby tourist attractions of South Sikkim

IHCAE

Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Ecotourism (IHCAE) is located on a hilltop of Chemchey Village South Sikkim at the altitude of 6582 ft

Temi Tea Garden

Temi Tea Garden is the one and only tea estate present in the state and it produces one of the finest quality of tea for the international market

Tarey Bhir

Located at a staggering height of 10,000 ft in South Sikkim, Tarey Bhir is a wonderful cliff that overlooks the lower ranges

Hang gliding

Hang gliding is a very popular activity among thrill-seekers. This Adventure in Sikkim fulfills one of the humans’ oldest dreams, flying

South Sikkim

HOW TO REACH SOUTH SIKKIM

Top Places to go South Sikkim

Places of Attraction North Sikkim

IHCAE

Temi Tea Garden

Tarey Bhir

Hang gliding

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