Train to Sikkim may chug through Patna

PATNA: With railways expediting the work of laying new lines in Sikkim, Patna may have direct connectivity with the state in a few years' time, according to ECR CPRO Neeraj Ambastha. Direct rail connectivity of Sikkim through north Bengal would also benefit the people living in Bhutan. Tourism to and fro Sikkim would also get a fillip.
Railways is currently implementing an ambitious project to lay new lines in Sikkim. Civil work has been going on smoothly after it was kicked off during the then railway minister, Mamata Banerjee 's tenure last year.
Dwelling on its importance, a Railway Board official said that the whole project would now cost about Rs 1,335 crore. Railways intends to complete it in 2015 to cater to the needs of a large number of people, including tourists, he said, adding Sikkim is already listed on the map of Indian Railways.
According to a Board official, the distance to be covered under the new rail linking project is about 52.7km, between Sevoke in Siliguri and Rangpo in east Sikkim. This rail link is being completed on a priority basis during the first phase of work, he said.
Railways is also keen to complete the doubling of railway tracks between Changrabandha and Malbazar, work on which is presently going on in full swing. It would help Bhutan carry out freight movements easily, he said.
Railways is building five stations linking Siliguri with Sikkim. As many as 100 bridges and four manned level crossings would be built between these places. To lay tracks in such difficult terrains, railways has no option but to build 13 tunnels to extend rail link in Sikkim. The longest tunnel is said to be about 1,814-metre-long, a Board official said .
Indian Railway Construction Company Ltd has been carrying out work on this project. Completion of this project in time will open a new chapter for the Indian Railways in the northeast region, added a Board official
Incidentally, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is said to have shown keen interest in the railway project. He is also in favour of early completion of the project, sources said.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Train-to-Sikkim-may-chug-through-Patna/articleshow/11101702.cms

'Forested Vidarbha needs to learn from Sikkim

NAGPUR: Sikkim, India's second smallest state after Goa, has 47% of its geographical area under tree cover; 31% area network under sanctuaries and national parks and only 11% area under agriculture. Yet, it has not recorded farmers' suicides.
The forested region like Vidarbha needs to learn from Sikkim, says Kishor Rithe, who recently visited Sikkim to inspect the proposed project site on behalf of ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) as a member of the standing committee of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
Rithe inspected the proposed skywalk and ropeway project in Maenam sanctuary in south Sikkim region. A report on the site visit will be submitted to the MoEF soon.
Sikkim is least populous state in India and the second-smallest after Goa in total area, covering approximately 7,096sqkm. It has merely 11% agriculture land for its 6 lakh population and yet has no record of farmers' suicides unlike Vidarbha. Most of the farmers are marginal land holders and their crops are raided by wild animals.
On the contrary, Vidarbha, which has 97,321sqkm geographical area - equivalent to 13 states like Sikkim, and 2.30 crore population - 38 times more than Sikkim - has many things to learn from the small hilly state.
"Both the regions are forested and have to think of alternative options along with agriculture for overall development," says Rithe.
The Sikkim government has imposed a complete ban on use of pesticides and reduced the cost of agriculture production. The farmers there grow organic food and believe that this will help them in boosting tourism by inviting foreign tourists.
As Sikkim has no industries, it draws major source of revenue from tourism business. At present, the tiny state is planning to plough economic benefits of tourism industry to every household leaving in remote villages by encouraging 'home-stays' and developing village level community tourism infrastructure.
The Sikkim government has impressive plans to boost tourism industry. The government took a bold step to ban cattle grazing in reserve forest and focus on better livestock management to stop destruction of forest wealth.
There is a ban on felling of timber in reserve forest and export of timber outside Sikkim. Tree felling rules on private lands also have been framed and are implemented effectively.
Implementation of rules regarding ban on plastics and poly-bags is followed rigorously. For his green ideas, Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling has been awarded as 'Greenest chief minister of India', said Rithe.
Forest minister Bhim Dhungel met Rithe and requested him to help Sikkim in framing policy on wildlife management.

source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Forested-Vidarbha-needs-to-learn-from-Sikkim/articleshow/11025354.cms

Trekking In India

Trekking in India is the best way to comprehend India, a land of beauty and contrasts. The gorgeous valleys and mountains of India offer easy, moderate and arduous trek which one can select as per their abilities to deal with the difficulties. No matter where you go for your eventual trekking experience, adventure India is there to overwhelm your senses with its untamed beauty of cliffs and villages. On your trekking experience the traditional cusine will seduce your taste buds and inspire you to celebrate the bounty and goodness of life itself. The unsurpassed beauty of India with ancient culture, hearty cusine and fresh mountain air offer absolute solitude and grandeur to the travelers.

There are many tour operators who can customize your tour trekking packages keeping your interest in mind and aims to offer you the true essence of India. The mighty Himalayas offer breathtaking enthralling trekking routes that are sure to leave you speechless. Experience limitless possibilities with our trekking tour package, book holidays with trekking events in India as we will make sure that you experience the most thrilling vacation ever. With our trekking tour packages engulf the rugged beauty of lofty mountains romancing the shimmering waterfalls cascading down in glee and much more.

On your trekking India tour you can opt for trekking to Leh and Ladakh, trekking in Sikkim, trekking in Gharwal Himalayas and many more. Our treks in Himalayas range from easy adventures for the family to strenuous ones for those seeking high adventure trips. In fact we have something for everyone so it’s time to pack your bags and put on your sports shoes and get going on trekking to India. Himalayan foothills are just ideal for trekking tours, offering energetic outdoor people a different and exciting option for holiday.

So if you are totally on your trekking tour in India than you can select from wide range of trekking options offered by Indian trekking event. The trekking season in India runs between April and November, but some routes are only open foe couple of months, each year. With the trekking packages offered by trekking event one can take back memories which you will cherish all your life. In fact through our trekking packages even foreign travelers can get to know the life style of the locals and thus create unity. So get ready to explore Indian trekking event and create lifetime memories.

Sourse:- http://blog.xpertravels.com/2011/10/12/fabulous-indian-trekking-event/

Mountain Biking in Sikkim

Sikkim hosts mountain biking camp to boost adventure tourism in state

Gangtok, Dec 2 (ANI): In a bid to promote adventure tourism, state authorities of Sikkim organised a training camp for mountain biking.
 Capacity Building Training for the Tourism Stake Holders of North East Region was organized by the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) with an aim to attract the youth towards adventure sports and to make them aware of its scope.
 

 Approximately 25 participants from across northeastern states underwent training and appreciated the efforts of the Sikkim government in organising the mountain biking camp. "I think it's a very exciting adventure. Moreover, we learn something new. I knew nothing about mountain biking but after coming to this place, we got to learn more about these bikes. What are the parts and what are the things we need to learn, we got to know it," said Lalrintluanga Varte, a biker from Mizoram.
 The organisers of the event said that the objective of such a training camp was to ensure that the tourism industry is revived in the state and they are able to generate more employment.
 "Basically, our aim is to focus on this adventure tourism because we have so many things to offer even in adventure tourism. But lacking is like manpower and resource person. So, that way we could, I mean, enhance our tourism in a better way also in this adventure tourism. That is our main goal," said Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, general secretary, TAAS.
 Lachungpa added that by promoting the sport, they would be able to create awareness about the adverse impact of global warming on the environment.
 A large number of tourists from various parts of the country as well as from abroad visit Sikkim and of late adventure-tourism have gained popularity. (ANI)

News Source :http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/252942

 

Sikkim Snow Fest 2012

                                                 Sikkim Snow Fest 2012

Sikkim Snoe Fest 2012

Travel agent of sikkim(TAAS) and Sikkim Tourism is going to organise Sikkim Snow Fest 2012 from 19th january to 27 february 2012.Some of the activities of this festival are:

Adventure
•           Mountain Biking Race.
•           Trekking.
•           Hiking.
•           Camping.
•           Angling.
•           Skiing.
•           Bird watching.
•           Rock Climbing.
•           Butterflies Watching.
•           Rafting.
•           Treasure Hunt.


 

Convention and Exhibition:

• Conventions: Tour Operators.
• Conference
• Photography Contest
• Painting Exhibition.
• Handicraft Exhibition.
• Mountaineering Equipment Displays & Sale.
• Sale Counters.
• Music Fest.
• Fashion

Tour Activities:

1.Cultural Activities.

2.Food Festival.

3.Tea Tourism.

4.Handicraft.

5.Yak Ride.

6.Heli Ride.

7.Yak & Singhi Walk in M.G.Mar

If are in facebook and want to get latest update check..... http://www.facebook.com/groups/250862624968436/254225244632174/?notif_t=group_activity


For more information regarding Sikkim Snow Fest log on to  http://www.sikkimsnowfest.com/#