Sikkim Tourism: Borong, Beauty of South Sikkim

Borong is a tourist’s glory, situated in Southern Sikkim. The pleasing beauty of Borong has compelled number of tourists to visit this place from across the globe. The place is surrounded by snow covered mountains and has a picturesque landscape. Borong is situated 5800feet above sea level and has an enjoyable scenic beauty.

Borong-presents-the-distinct-feel-of-exquisite-nature-and-beauty

Tourists Spots:

Apart from pleasuring beauty there are number of tourist spots which you could enjoy and understand the local hood of Borong. The place has rich varieties of migrated birds like magpie, scarlet minuet, Himalayan pheasants etc. Some others which might interest you are,

Ralong Monastery is only 5kms away from Borong. This monastery is acclaimed to be the biggest monastery in Sikkim and is the main attraction of Borong. The monastery was built in 1995 for Sikkimese religious purpose. Every year Pang Lhabsol festival is celebrated here, where dances by priests called as Kagyed is performed. Borong Tsa-Chu is a popular hot spring situated 7 kms away from Ralong Monastery. The hot spring is thought to have medicinal properties which heal ailments.

Ralong-Monastery-in-Sikkim

Tinkitam is hardly 45 minutes away from Borong and has a beauteous view of Mount Kanchenjunga. This place is popularly known for its cardamom and orchid plantations. One can enjoy a beautiful ride from Borong to Tinkitam. You also have an option enjoying the scenic beauty of hill ranges from Borong. Mountains like Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Sinolchu and Narsing can be easily seen from here. Early morning view of this scenery is breath taking. Sunsets and Sunrises are a must to see if you are planning to visit Borong

Majestic-View-of-Mount-Kanchenjunga

Outdoor Activities:

There are some popular outdoor activities which one would like to enjoy. If you have no hurdles in travelling extra kilometres, then these activities can be enjoyed;

• Mount Pandim
• Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary: It takes 3 hours to reach this sanctuary from Borong. This sanctuary is home to mountainous species and to some exotic types of plants like oak, ferns, wild orchids, heavy bamboos etc.
• Seven Sisters Waterfall: This waterfall if approximately 60 kilometres away from Borong. The Seven Sisters Waterfall has a heartening beauty. This is paradise for photographers.
• Some other nearby places are Famtam village, Silver Valley, Barmely Bridge and Gurang Monastery which can be visited from Borong.

Seven-Sister-Waterfall

How to reach:

Borong has good connectivity with railways and airways. The nearest railway station is situated in West Bengal called New Jalpaiguri whereas; the nearest airport is situated in Bagdogra. Hereafter tourists can take a bus or book a cab/taxi to reach Borong. Tourist buses to Borong are available from Pelling or Gangtok. For adventure seekers Borong can also be reached by trekking via Maenam.

Best Season:

Borong has a pleasant climate and can be visited throughout the year. One should carry light woollens and thick fabric clothes. Unexpected precipitation is a common occurrence. So in case you plan to go for a trek, do not forget to carry a rain coat.

Mount-Pandim-Range

Language Spoken:

Borong is situated in South Sikkim. Nepali is commonly spoken language by the majority of people in Borong.

Cuisine:

Local Cuisine of Sikkim can be relished in Borong like Thukpa/Gya-thuk, Momo, Kinema curry, Gundruk & Sinki, Chhurpi etc.

Things to do in Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the “Seven Sisters” in India. This term is used to describe the seven tiny states that together form India’s North-East. The small and truly untouched state of Sikkim has majestic landscapes and lush green hills. It is indeed blessed with nature’s bounty. Even after a considerable rise in tourism over the recent years, its sanctity and beauty have been preserved by its proud people and conscientious authorities. Sikkim is divided into four districts – North, South, East and West. We explore some of the highlights to help you with your Sikkim travels. Checkout things to do

Bengal Tourism: Things to do in Kolkata

Kolkata, the original ‘British era’ capital of India is of the most interesting cities to travel. It has an eclectic blend of history, architecture, culture, food and people.

Things-to-do-in-Kolkata

Whether you are in Kolkata on leisure trip or on business trip, here are the 10 must do things to do, when you are in the City of Joy:-

Visit Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is an iconic monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, during the British rule. It is built over an area of 64 acres and stands as the proud symbol of British colonial architecture in India. This iconic monument is now a museum and popular tourist destination in Kolkata. It is a must visit for its grand architecture and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Victoria-Memorial-Kolkata

Watch Bengali Film at Nandan

Kolkata is known for its vibrant arts & music scene and one of the best places to catch the action is at Nandan complex. It is a government sponsored film screening complex and screens some of the best Bengali films.

Nandan-Film-Center

Nightlife at Park Street

Park Street is the hippest nightlife destination when in Kolkata. It has the best and most talked about nightclubs, restaurants, tea houses and pubs in the city. It comes alive, every night but especially during Christmas time , with the whole street lit up and patrons strolling the streets and the various hangouts in droves.

Night-Life-in-Park-Street

Visit Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden, formally known as ‘Acharaya Jagdish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden’ is almost as old as Kolkata; around 250 years old. It is a marvellous garden which conserves and

Botanical-Garden

Watch a show at Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Asia and makes for an interesting experience.Catch a boat ride across river Hoogli – The River Hoogli defines the character of Kolkata and a boat ride along it is a memorable experience. There are traditional boat rides as well as luxury ferry rides available across river and makes for an interesting experience, especially at the time of sunset.

Birla-Planetarium-In-Kolkata

Visit Belur Math and Dakshineshwar Temple

The world famous Belur Math was established by Swami Vivekananda and is situated along the bank of river Hoogli. It is the seat of Ramakrishna Mission and is visited by thousands of devotees and travellers. The Dakshineshwar Temple is one of the most important temples in Kolkata; dedicated to goddess KaLi, it is visited by hundreds of devotees every day.

Dakshineshwar-Temple–Kolkata

Belur-Math–Kolkata

Try Puchkas or Gol Gappa or Pani Puri

If you are in Kolkata and don’t try puckhas, then your visit is incomplete!!! The Kolkata version of the street food gol gappa/puchkas/pani puri available all over India, puchkas are much tangier spicier and out of this world!

Puchkas–Kolkata

Shopping at Gariahat

Gariahat is the shopping hub of south Kolkata. It is a shopaholic’s paradise, being the retail hub of Saris (from West Bengal and all over India), cosmetics, electronics, etc.

Science City

The largest science centre in the country, Science City is one of the most notable post-independence development of the city. It has a number of interesting segments such as Space Odyssey, Science Exploration Hall, Butterfly Park, Convention Centres, etc. A day spent in Science city is full of scientific fun, literally!!

Science-City-in-Kolkata

We have given you all the interesting things to do when in Kolkata, so next time you are there, be sure to experience all the fun!!

Hola Mohalla "Holi" by the Sikh community

You must have heard about Holi, the festival of colours, that is celebrated with much fervor all over the country. On the other hand, you must have also heard about the military prowess of the Sikhs.

Holi-Colors-in-Punjab

And these two unique aspects come together at Hola Mohalla festival, that is usually celebrated in March – the colours get replaced with weapons.

Hola Mohalla is the Holi that is celebrated by the Sikh community. It was started more than three hundred years ago by the famous Guru Govind Singh, the tenth guru of the Sikhs.

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It is a three day span of festivities filled with display of martial activities such as swordsmanship, horse riding, mock fights, etc. The venue is Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, that is set against a backdrop of dusty plains and gently rolling hills near the flood plains of Charan Ganga River. Here, Guru Gobind Singh had raised an army of monks to fight against the tyrannic Mughals. And this festival actually commemorates that – formation of a battalion of warrior monks.

Hola-Mohalla-in-Anandpur-Sahib-Gurudwara

The festival is declared open when Gathka exponents enter the fighting arena with their traditional weapons. Mock battles are staged, supervised by aged supervisors, ripened with experience. The weapons include sticks, knives, axes and swords. The fighters are called “Gathkabaaz”, and most of them start their training from very early years.

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The show is stolen by the Nihangs – they march on foot or ride horses, elephants, mules and even camels. Not only are the animals extensively decorated, the men are dressed in sapphire blue robes with saffron sashes and look very imposing. Their turbans are also meticulously tied around their heads, to complete the look.

Decoration-in-Hola-Mohalla

Sages and priests are honoured and then take off the traditional fights amidst loud music and festivities. There is something for the softer aspects too: kirtan and music take place every evening. Poetry competitions are also organized. On the last day, a long procession is started from Takhat Keshgarh Sahib and passes through Quila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, etc.

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You do not have to worry about food in such a large gathering. Langars, or community meals, are organized by the volunteers who treat one and all as the same, and one is fed free of cost. Anyone can participate in cooking, cutting vegetables, or washing of utensils out of his own will and respect for the Almighty.

Food-in-Hola-Mohalla

So, are you ready? The dates of Hola Mohalla are just round the corner: March 28th onwards. And what is more, all you have to do is get in touch with us at The Other Home We shall tailor your trip as per your needs. We also have a lovely rural property, which is located very near to the Anandpur Sahib.