Sikkim & Eastern India

Sikkim is a self-governing mountainous principality in the Himalayas, just north of Bengal State of India.

Side 1: Sikkim and its Unique Features

• Geography: The map showcases the entire country of Sikkim, including its capital, Gangtok. Most of the country’s development is concentrated in the south.
• Accessibility: While theoretically possible to enter neighboring Nepal or Tibet, both physical and political realities dictate that access to Sikkim depends on:
  • One road crossing from north of Darjeeling.
  • A single train line that terminates just inside the border.
• Travel Destination: Sikkim is a rather isolated but lovely destination, well worth the effort to explore.
• Cultural Significance: Numerous religious complexes celebrate Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism.
• High-Elevation Road: The country boasts one of the highest-elevation roads on earth, the Nathu La, rising to 14,450 feet above sea level.
  • Located on the ancient Gangtok-Lhasa trade route.
  • While it might not be a practical access point to Tibet for political reasons, the drive from Gangtok to the peak is enervating.
  • An alternative downside route via Kupup provides a real travel experience back to Gangtok.
• Temples: Most of the temples are in the vicinity of Gangtok.

This is what we like to call a ‘developing’ country, which really means that it leads a differing approach to happiness; definitely a travel adventure!

Side 2: Eastern India and Beyond

The second side of the map provides a detailed rendering of the east coast of India, covering:

• Geographical Range:
  • From Nepal/Sikkim in the north to Visakhapatnam in the south.
  • As far west as Varanasi/Benares.
  • The western portion of Bangladesh is also shown.
• Focus Areas:
  • Kolkata/Calcutta.
  • The Grand Trunk Highway westward towards New Delhi.
  • The massive Ganges River complex.
  • The temples of Orissa State.
• Top Attractions: Major attractions are noted, such as:
  • Shillong.
  • Tawang.
  • Bodhgaya.

India tends to be a bit overwhelming as a country, so this map has been designed to make it a little easier to fathom by highlighting these key features and attractions.