http://www.indiatraveltrails.com

I am a wildlife lover and leave no stones unturned to explore the wilds of the country. So when I got a chance to visit Sikkim, I grabbed it with my both hands. The reason: I had heard much about the state’s wonderful wildlife and its rich flora and fauna.

Located in the Lower Himalayas, in the eastern part of India, Sikkim is one of the smallest though one of the most beautiful states of the country. The wildlife of Sikkim much attracts the lovers of wildlife and nature enthusiasts, who visit Sikkim from all over the world.

The state boasts of mind-blowing varieties of flora and fauna, which is, in fact, much more than many other areas which are similar in size and landscapes. Largely owing to its wide variations in altitudes, Sikkim is home to alpine and tropical flora and fauna.

One of the three eco regions of India, Sikkim has a staggering 4,000 species of plants. This includes 30 species of rhododendrons. Sikkim is sometimes called the “Home of the Orchids” as it has wonderful species of flowers (more than 400).

Sikkim is also a haven for the ornithologists and has more than 500 species of birds. Actually, it has about 30 percent of the total species of birds in the sub continent. The state also boasts of an excellent butterfly population and has more than 600 species of butterflies.

The state has some wonderful wild reserves in Kanchendzonga National Park, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. The Kanchendzonga National Park is the biggest and the most interesting of the lot.

These wild reserves are home to a wide species of fauna and flora. Snow Leopard, Wild Ass, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Deer, Musk Deer, Flying Squirrel, and Barking Deer are some of the animals which are the pride of these wild reserves in particular and Sikkim in general. However, Snow Leopard has almost become extinct. Now it is more of a mythical figure.

Among the birds, Whistling Thrush, Vultures, Eagles, Giant Lammergeyer, and Pheasants are Sikkim’s pride. Many ornithologists make it a point to visit the state as besides these species of birds, Sikkim is also home to several other species of birds.

The state also boasts of many species of fishes that include, among others, Trout, Salmon, and Carp. In fact, the streams and lakes of Sikkim are full of these and several other varieties of fishes that attract no end those interested in fishes and fishing.

I also discovered that apart from boasting of excellent species of plants, animals, fishes, and birds, Sikkim also has great some plantations that include cardamom, orange, and tea plantations which fabulously complement the stunning wildlife of Sikkim, in the process, making Sikkim one of the most nature-endowed and sought after tourist destinations of India.