International Flower Festival Sikkim

Sikkim is a very beautiful hill station which is located just below the mighty Himalayas. The most famous attraction of Sikkim that is the “International Flower Festival” is held in the capital city of the state, Gangtok. In this festival, rare varieties of flowers are brought from every nook and corner of the state and are put up for the show. Sikkim has various species of flowering plants, rare orchids of 515 species, oak of 11 varieties, rhododendron of about 36 varieties, bamboo of about 23 varieties, conifer of about 16 varieties, ferns and fern allies of about 362 varieties, tree ferns of about 8 varieties and about 424 medicinal plant varieties. However the tree which represents the state is Rhododendron and the official flower of Sikkim is the Dendrobium Nobile. So, when you visit Sikkim make it a point to have a look at these two significant representations of the state. WHEN AND HOW IS IT ORGANISED: The International Flower Festival of Sikkim for the year 2014 is organized at the premises of the Governor of Sikkim, from 1st of May to 30th of May. In the International Festival you will be able to find different species of orchids, cacti, ferns, roses, gladioli, climbers, trees, alpine plants, creepers which will be displayed in open for all the visitors. The International Festival also organizes a food fair in the same venue where all the regional delicacies are available to tantalize the taste buds of the visitors. THINGS TO DO: • If you are one amongst those who love adventure then the International Flower Festival at Sikkim is definitely not going to disappoint you as there is river rafting is organized as well at the flower festival. • You can also enjoy a ride on Yaks back which is known as the Yak Safari, it is also another interesting feature which is offered to the visitors. • If you are totally a beginner and have no knowledge about flowers and plants then you don’t need to worry as there are various lectures and lessons related to the flower show organized as well. • If you love to take photographs of nature and its bounties then you can come along to the International Flower Festival and rediscover your talent in photography. • You can enjoy the food festival as well in the flower festival. HOW TO REACH THE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER FESTIVAL (GANGTOK) BY AIR: The Bagdogra Airport (west Bengal) which is about 124 kms away from Gangtok is the nearest airport. However you can take a private vehicle on rent or a taxi to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra, which takes a matter of approximately two to three hours to reach. On your drive to Gangtok you will find the beautiful river Teesta and the gorgeous mountains. BY TRAIN: The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri is the nearest railway station to Gangtok which is just about 148 kms away. It is this station which is connected with the other railway stations of almost all the major cities of the country. Once you are here, you can hire taxi or private cabs to reach Gangtok. BY ROAD: You can get into any state bus and reach Gangtok and thereby enjoy the picture perfect scenes from the window. To sum up, do visit the International Flower Festival to have an experience of a lifetime.