Rhododendron Festival
Date : April - May, 2011
Venue : Sikkim
Sikkim, one of the north-eastern States of India is known for its rhododendrons. This year, for the first time, Sikkim will host a three-week-long Rhododendron Festival, from 25th April to 14th May. The main venue will be Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 43 sq. km. of rhododendron forests.
The Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary was established around 20 years ago and is the repository of around 26 large-leaved species of rhododendrons. During the time of the festival, the species of R. hodgsonii, R. falconeri, the R. thomsonii, R. campylocarpum, R. campanulatum, R. decipiens, R. cinnabarinum, R. wightii, R. niveum, R. sikkimense and many others will be at their best.
The Rhododendron Festival, first of its kind in the Indian Himalayas, will showcase this spectacular plant with a view to promote tourism as well as sustainable tourism. The venue, a five-hour drive from Gangtok, is well connected by motorable road. Modest accommodation is also available.
Short botanical tours in the interior, with bases at Lachung and Lachen, could also be organized with prior arrangements. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the lovely flowers as well as the Lachung people and their culture, at close quarters.
Venue : Sikkim
Sikkim, one of the north-eastern States of India is known for its rhododendrons. This year, for the first time, Sikkim will host a three-week-long Rhododendron Festival, from 25th April to 14th May. The main venue will be Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 43 sq. km. of rhododendron forests.
The Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary was established around 20 years ago and is the repository of around 26 large-leaved species of rhododendrons. During the time of the festival, the species of R. hodgsonii, R. falconeri, the R. thomsonii, R. campylocarpum, R. campanulatum, R. decipiens, R. cinnabarinum, R. wightii, R. niveum, R. sikkimense and many others will be at their best.
The Rhododendron Festival, first of its kind in the Indian Himalayas, will showcase this spectacular plant with a view to promote tourism as well as sustainable tourism. The venue, a five-hour drive from Gangtok, is well connected by motorable road. Modest accommodation is also available.
Short botanical tours in the interior, with bases at Lachung and Lachen, could also be organized with prior arrangements. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the lovely flowers as well as the Lachung people and their culture, at close quarters.
