State
: Sikkim, in the north east of India.Best time to Travel : March to late May, October to Mid-December.
Weather Conditions : Summer : Max- 21°C, Min - 13°C; Winter : Max -13°C, Min - 0.48°C; Rainfall : 325 cm per annum.
Location : Sandwiched between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and the Indian state of West Bengal.
The Flora & Fauna of Sikkim
The flora and fauna naturally covers a wide spectrum in Sikkim, because of the altitude that vary right from sea level to summits that touch the skies. Nowhere in the world in such a small area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe- inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. No wonder Sikkim has been a dream of naturalists. The Plant Kingdom
The lowlands in the south, 800 ft to 5000 ft, experience a tropical climate; lush vegetation such as figs, laurel, Sal trees and bamboos have been cleared in some areas for farming. The temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir dominates between 5000 ft; and 13000 ft. Above 13000 ft, is the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses and rhododendrons grow. The perpetual snowline lies at
16000
ft. Luxuriant forests cover 36% of the land, more than 4000 species of plant
have been recorded in Sikkim. Over 600 species of orchids grow in Sikkim,
Epiphytal and terresterial types, in the tropical and temperate zones. 35
species of rhododendrons grow in temperate and alpine regions, their
flowering from May to August colours hillsides. The Animal Kingdom
The Mammals
Amongst the mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer and Blue Sheep. Some other mammals found in Sikkim are - Bharal, Clouded leopard, Fishing Cat, Golden Cat, Himalayan Tahr, Leopard Cat, Lesser or Red Panda, Marbled Cat, Musk Deer, Nayan or Great Tibetan Sheep, Pangolin, Snow leopard, Spotted Lingsang, Tibetan Fox, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Wild Ass, Tiger, Tibetan Wolf.
The Birds
Birdlife is abundant with Giant Lammergeier, Vultures, Eagles, Whistling Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and Pheasants among the 550 species to be seen in Sikkim. Some other birds are - Blacknecked Crane (Migratory), Blood Pheasant Lammergeier, Large Falcon, Monal Pheasant, Peafowl, Tibetan Show Cock, Tragopan Pheasant, Snow Partridge.
