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Sikkim going for a new makeover with village tourism
The Government of Sikkim has come up with an innovative idea to promote 'Village tourism' among visitors.
Sikkim is famous for its scenic beauty all around the world. Sensing the vast potential of tourism here the Government of Sikkim has come up with an innovative idea to promote 'Village tourism' among visitors arriving here.
The tourisms authorities of the State are developing remote villages into places where tourists can stay for a longer duration and get an opportunity to mingle with the residents.
The programme aims to give tourists the true feel of Sikkim's culture and tradition. With the participation of a few locals, some 'homestays' are arranged in village where the guests stay with a family. The family then takes care for all the comforts of its guests.
Village tourism has been popular among foreign tourists who feel living with the families gives them a good insight into their lifestyle. Tourism is said to be one of the most sustainable industries in Sikkim with tremendous opportunities for employment and revenue generation.
"You can really feel the life style of people, what they do, how they live. Its better, you go deeper into the country you visit," said Blandine, a French tourist.
The resident are eagerly participating in such programmes as it helps them earn some money.
But the locals, living in harmony with environment, do not want too many tourists. "We have been getting good response mostly from foreign tourists. Every year we have been getting around 100-200 tourists. We are trying to get few but good tourists in Dzongu," says Sherpa Lepcha, conductor of the programme.
The State tourism department is also training the local youth as prospective guides to provide environmentally responsible tourism practices in the villages. Sikkim, is ensconced between Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east and Nepal in the west.
Sikkim, which lies between 27 to 28 degrees north latitude and 88 to 89 degrees east longitude, is the second smallest State after Goa in India. With a size of 7,096 sq km, it has an elevation ranging from 300 m to 8585 m above sea level. It's Geography is dominated by the most majestic mountain chain in the world which includes the Khanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain.
The State remains wet due to the heavy monsoons, with rains continuing at time for as long as a week.
Sikkim experiences a cold winter from end of November to February and monsoons throughout the year with a little respite during May-June and October-November The month of September to October is considered autumn.
