www.sikkimrhododendrons2010.com

International Rhododendron Festival on internet for global promotion

Click on www.sikkimrhododendrons2010.com

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK, December 28: Sikkim Tourism is expected to hit a new benchmark by celebrating the Year 2010 as the Year of Tourism where the Himalayan State is offering a plethora of attractions to the tourists ranging from nature, adventure, ecotourism and pilgrimage tourism.

Ushering in the eventual year for Sikkim Tourism will be the showpiece event, the International Rhododendron Festival (IRF) 2010 scheduled to woo the nature lovers from April 25 next year.

Sikkim is the treasure trove of rhododendrons of the nation with 36 species of Rhododendrons which is 72 percent of the country's rhododendrons.

Seeking to encash on this rich natural resource, the State government has visualized and initiated the IRF whose inaugural function has been scheduled to be held at Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary in North Sikkim on April 25 and will conclude on May 15, the best season for tourism in Sikkim.

Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary in North Sikkim is the repository of over 30 species of rhododendrons which are the glory of Sikkim Himalayas.

The more areas of natural habitat of rhododendrons trails like Lachen, Zema, Thangu, Tholung Kesongla in North Sikkim, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary in East Sikkim and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim will be the major destinations covered under this festival, said State forest secretary ST Lachungpa.

The closing ceremony of the IRF would be held at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim in April 2011.

By the year 2015, we are targeting to have 10 lakhs tourist arrivals in Sikkim annually, said Dhungel, Tourism Minister-Sikkim. He acknowledged the support of Ministry of Tourism and local stakeholders in the overall growth of tourism in Sikkim.

More than 5 lakhs tourists have visited Sikkim this year.

The IRF 2010 is aimed to generate awareness and promote conservation of Sikkim’s rich heritage of rhododendrons at a global level. The festival is slated to offer a unique eco-tourism package, to highlight cultural heritage and ‘close to nature’ experience to the visitors.

“This area of eco-tourism will facilitate the tourists to travel in undisturbed areas of uncontaminated natural beauty with specific objectives of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants, flowers and animals by the nature lovers, trekkers, scholars, scientists, mountaineers and tourists of national and international level as well”, said Lachungpa. He added that Rhododendron Festival will be held annually for a period of 15-20 days from 2010.

The forest secretary pointed out that there has been a tremendous growth in forest areas, green cover, wildlife and biodiversity in Sikkim in recent years due to conservation measures of the State government.

The main events of the IRF 2010 are live rhododendron show, trekking for adventure tourists, nature camps, bird watching, wildlife watching through wildlife trail, mountain biking, angling for trout fish, food festival, exhibition of local handicrafts and culture shows.

Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) is actively participating to make the event a success along with other local stakeholders.

TAAS general secretary Lukendra Rasaily, vice president Sailesh Pradhan and other members of the organization were also present during the website launching ceremony.
CCFs HP Pradhan and Pradeep Kumar were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, State tourism secretary SBS Bhaduriya said that the tourism department is preparing the calendar of activities for the Year of Tourism. The calendar will be released to the media as soon as it is finalized, he said.
The website on the IRF 2010 offers all the required information to tourists and visitors seeking to know about the festival and other allied tourism activities. It also provides credible knowledge about the local rhododendron species found in Sikkim.