PM Narendra Modi mesmerised by the biodiversity of this city: Calls it “truly extraordinary”

Photo Courtesy: @narendramodi/XWith Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit bringing renewed attention to Sikkim, many travellers are once again looking toward Gangtok as one of India’s most rewarding Himalayan escapes. While the city is often celebrated for monasteries, mountain roads and clean urban charm, one of its greatest treasures lies beyond the usual tourist checklist, its extraordinary biodiversity. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is surrounded by forests, alpine meadows, mountain lakes and rich ecological zones that support an impressive range of wildlife, birds and plant species.

Photo Courtesy: @narendramodiPM Narendra Modi shares from his personal handle on X, his appreciation for the beauty of the Orchidarium in Gangtok. His post reads, “Visited the Orchidarium in Gangtok and was mesmerised by its beauty. Sikkim’s rich biodiversity is truly extraordinary. Such efforts reflect our deep harmony with nature. They also inspire us towards conservation and sustainable living.”

Gangtok has its forests buzzing with Himalayan birdlife, making it the ideal place for all kinds of bird watchers. Different species of birds such as laughingthrushes, flycatchers, yuhinas, sibias, sunbirds, minivets, and pheasants can be witnessed depending upon the time of travel. One may encounter the melodious calls of these birds during the walks along woodland-lined roads, monasteries and forests early in the morning.

One thing that Sikkim is well known across the world for is its orchids. Gangtok provides a gateway to those wishing to see the diverse flora of this beautiful state. There are numerous types of orchids in Sikkim which bloom during various periods in a year. Tiny as well as colorful flowers are found blooming at different places in Gangtok throughout different seasons.

The clean atmosphere, forest covers, and varying elevations of Gangtok make it suitable for butterflies and their habitat. During summers and spring, open areas, walkways and gardens buzz with swallowtail and jezebel butterflies, among others.

There are some interesting animals found in and around the town of Gangtok. The best-known animal is the shy Red Panda. Other wild animals found in Sikkim, apart from this beautiful animal, are the barking deer, civet, Himalayan black bear, and other mountain animals. It makes a visit all the more interesting if one knows that such creatures exist here.

The town of Gangtok happens to be one of the important entry points for Sikkim, particularly Khangchendzonga National Park. This beautiful national park is a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO and is an interesting destination, comprising glaciers, alpine lakes, rhododendron forests, deep valleys, and unique habitats of wildlife.

Springtime is when many hillsides across Sikkim burst into life due to the blooming of rhododendrons in red, pink, white and purple hues. Certain roads that head out of Gangtok to higher elevations get transformed into beautiful floral pathways. The sight of flowers amidst snow-capped mountains can be very picturesque and one of the most photo-worthy locations in the Himalayas of India.

The forested areas around Gangtok go beyond being green since they comprise diverse ecosystems with moss-covered trees, giant ferns, lichen, bamboo stands and thick undergrowth. The forest areas have mist rolling through them, which gives them a very mystical feel to them. Such ecosystems are necessary for supporting various forms of insect, bird, animal and plant life.

Another feature of nature found near Gangtok are high altitude lakes such as Tsomgo Lake. They are alpine ecosystems influenced by altitude, snow melt and seasonal weather conditions. Alpine ecosystems have specialized vegetation and are also a destination for various species of birds that migrate seasonally.