Get an Orchid carpet welcome in Sikkim

By: Fiona Fernandez



Come June-July and the pint-sized, scenic state of Sikkim dons an even more colourful hue, as orchid beds take centrestage across its stunning landscape.

It's no surprise then that the region, along with the adjoining Darjeeling hill tracts is home to over 600 species of orchids.

Found mostly in the tropical regions of up to 7,000 feet elevations, some species inhabit altitudes as high as 10,000 feet and above.

Sikkim's orchids belong to two categories: epiphyte and terrestial; epiphytes are better known and more numerous.

The popular epiphytal orchids in Sikkim belong to the Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Vanda, Phalaenopsis, Caelogyne, Arachnanthe or Saccolabium.

Of these species, the Dendrobium Nobile has been adopted by the state as its official flower. In fact, as one explores the countryside, it's easy to spot Cymbidium orchids.

Introduced in the 1950s, it was meant for local aristocrats, and was grown inside the palace gardens. These days, it can be found in the eastern slopes of the Sikkim's Himalayas.

Today, Sikkim's orchids are exported to Japan, Malaysia, the Middle East, New Zealand and Singapore.

These orchid beds are part of several alpine sanctuaries and are protected areas. Special permission needs to be obtained before entering these parts.

Contact the Sikkim Tourism (www.sikkimtourism) for information on orchid trails.