Sikkim to host International Rhododendron Festival

Gangtok, Dec 18 (PTI) Sikkim would host International Rhododendron festival in April-May 2010 showcasing its rich varieties of this flower.

As many as 39 varieties of rhododendron will be on display during the month-long festival to be held in the sanctuaries at Singba, Varsey and Lachen-Thangu where the flower blooms around April and May, Forest officials said.

A number of other events like conference and seminar, rhododendron nature walk, photo exhibition, bird watching, angling, mountain biking, ethnic food festival, cultural shows, camping, exhibition of local handicrafts would be held during the festival, the first of its kind in the Himalayan Belt, they said.

The International Rhododendron Festival will come handy in promotion of vast potential of eco-tourism in Sikkim, the officials said.