STUDY TOUR REPORT by RONSON LALTANPUIA

STUDY TOUR REPORT

DARJEELING AND GANGTOK

In Fulfilment of Course GEOG/2/CC08

Submitted

by

Laltanpuia

II Semester

Roll No. GEOG/12/206

Regd No. 1704/07-08

Under the supervisor of

Prof. (DR. CH.UDAYA BHASKARA RAO)

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

  SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

MIZORAM UNIVERSITY

AIZAWL:  MIZORAM

2013

CONTENTS

    

TITLE                                                                                     PAGE NO.

Certificate                                                                                         (i)

Acknowledgements                                                                          (ii)

List of Figures                                                                                  (iii)

List of Plates                                                                                     (iv)

CHAPTER 1:  INTRODUCTION

1.1   INTRODUCTION                                                                       2

1.2   AIMS AND OBJECTIVE S OF STUDY TOUR                        3

1.3   TOUR DIARY                                                                                      4

1.4   TOUR PROGRAMME                                                               5

CHAPTER 2:  STUDY  AREAS

2.1     DARJEELING

2.2     GANGTOK

CHAPTER 3: VISITED PLACES IN DARJEELING

3.1      CHOWRASTA

3.2     MAHAKAL TEMPLE

3.3     PEACE PAGODA

3.4     LLYOD BOTANICAL GARDEN

3.5     TEA GARDEN

3.6     ROCK GARDEN

3.7     TENZING ROCK CLIMBING

3.8     DARJEELING RANJEET VALLEY ROPEWAYS

3.9     TIGER HILL

3.10   BATASIA LOOP

CHAPTER 4:  VISITED PLACES IN GANGTOK

4.1    RIVER TEESTA

4.2   NATHU LA

4.3   LAKE TSONGMO

CHAPTER 5:  CONCLUSION

BLIBLIOGRAPHY

DEPARTMENT   OF GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES AND   NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

MIZORAM UNIVERSITY, AIZAWL

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Laltanpuia Roll No. Geog/12/206, Regd. No. 1704/07-08, has participated in the study tour conducted by the Department of Geography and Resource Management, Mizoram University for II semester students during 13rd February – 23rd February, 2013. I further certify  that the report being brought out in this form is the result of his endeavour and hard work, under my supervision. I recommend the report for evaluation.

(DR. CH.UDAYA BHASKARA RAO)

Supervisor

(i)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am very grateful to Dr.Rintluanga Pachuau, Head, Department of Geography and Resource Management, Mizoram University for organizing  study tour.   I express my sincere gratitude to Mr.Benjamin L. Saitluanga Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Resource Management, Mizoram University, for  his unfailing support and  for  conducting study tour successfully.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to                   Mr.Vanlalhmuaka, Attendant,  for his co-operation and support throughout the tour.

          I am grateful to my superviser Dr. Ch.Udaya Bhaskara Rao, Assistant  Professor,  for  his valuable suggestions and encouragement  to successfully complete the  study tour report.

I express my sincere thanks to all teachers  in the department  for selecting places like Darjeeling and Gangtok for study tour.                   

I am thankful   to my class mates for their constant motivation and encouragement.

(LALTANPUIA)

(ii)

List of Figures

Sl. No.               Title                                                                 Page No.

1.         Route Map of Study Tour                                                     1

2.         Darjeeling City Map                                                              7       

3.         Gangtok City Map                                                                 13

(iii)

List of Plates

Slno                                  Title                                                           Page No

1.         A VIEW OF DARJEELING CITY                                                     8

2.         A VIEW OF GANGTOK CITY                                                14

3.         CHOWRASTA                                                                          18

4.         MAHAKAL TEMPLE                                                              19

5.         PEACE PAGODA                                                                     20

6.         LLYOD BOTANICAL GARDEN                                            21

7.         TEA GARDEN                                                                          22

8.         ROCK GARDEN                                                                       25

9.         TENZING ROCK CLIMBING                                                 26

10.       DARJEELING RANJEET VALLEY ROPEWAYS              27

11.       TIGER HILL                                                                            28

12.       BATASIA LOOP                                                                      30

13.       RIVER TEESTA                                                                                31

14.       NATHU LA                                                                               33

15.       LAKE TSONGMO                                                                   35

(iv)

 

Fig. 1    Route map of study tour

CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

            Geography being a multi-disciplinary science   of spatial studies requires verification of facts through observation. It requires an understanding of several natural processes as well as man induced socio- cultural events   in different regions. Field studies with observations are essential for establishing various geographical facts and processes which influence them.

            It is essential to comprehend the most complex geographical phenomena by observing and   analyzing the physical features as well as human activities of a certain area through field surveys. Study tour provides such opportunity         to find out some facts of geographical importance and also to make judgments.

            To have detailed information of an area for better understanding, it is necessary to study selected area intensively. Keeping in view, Mizoram University has designed a curriculum stipulated study tour, to enable the students of Geography at post graduate level to have exposure of various geographical phenomena and associated processes outside Mizoram also.

            The course stipulates study tour to expose the students   to various geographic  features, cultures and socio-economic conditions  along with    the processes   of  growth and development in different parts of the country. The Department of Geography accordingly conducts the study tour which includes writing of tour report. Thus, this is for fulfilment of course GEOG/2/CC-08 Curriculum Stipulated Study Tour.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY TOUR

The main objectives of the study tour are :

1)    To study the diversity of places in  topography, climate, socio-economic  conditions and  cultures   of  the studied area.

2)    To understand how the physical environment influences the life of people, their culture and society, habits and mode of occupation.

3)    To have an overview of the impact of tourism on the economy of the visited places.

TOUR DIARY

We the students of Department of Geography and Resource  Management, Mizoram  University  studying  II semester, with a number of 26 students and 2 teachers as tour in-charge  visited  the important places in Darjeeling and Gangtok cities.

            Our study tour has been started from the capital of Mizoram, Aizawl on 13th February, 2013 at 3:30 pm. We have travelled by Capital Travels   bus to Guwahati on the national highway No. 54. After passing  Cachar valley, we travelled through the Meghalaya plateau there we experienced contrasting  weather and physical conditions as compared to Mizoram. We arrived  Guwahati on 14^th February at 2:30 pm. We stayed overnight at Muanna Hotel, there. Next day we have visited Brahmaputra  river and had  a ride on a boat. On that night at 9:30 pm we travelled by Train to the New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

            We arrived at New Jalpaiguri on 16^th February at 6:00 am. At 8:30 am     we departed from New Jalpaiguri by Tourist Bus and  at 2:30 pm  we have  reached  Darjeeling and stayed in a  Hotel named  Morning Glory for 3 days and 4 nights. There  we visited Chowrasta, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rock garden  and Tea garden, Lloyd Botanical Garden, Tenzin Rock climbing, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway, Tiger Hill and Batasia Loop.

            We departed from Darjeeling on 19^th February at 8:30 am  by Tourist Bus to Gangtok. We arrived Gangtok on the same day at 2:00 pm and stayed   in  Hotel  Kanchan Norbu for  two  days and two  nights. There we have visited snow covered areas.

            We left Gangtok  for  New Jalpaiguri on 21^st February at 6:45 am by bus and reached  New Jalpaiguri  at 12:30 pm and departed at 7:30 pm by train to Guwahati. We reached Guwahati on 22nd February at 5:00 am and we left Guwahati for Aizawl by bus at 9:15 am and reached Aizawl at 7:00 am. The study tour route along with the places visited is presented in figure.1.

 Tour Programme

 

SL.NO	DATE	STATION FROM	DEPARTURE TIME	MODE OF TRANSPORT	STATION TO	ARRIVAL DATE & TIME
1.	13.2.13	AIZAWL	3:30 pm	BUS (Capital Travels)	GUWAHATI	14.2.13. 2:30 pm
2.	15.2.13	GUWAHATI	9:30 pm	TRAIN	NEW JALPAIGURI	16.2 13. 6:00 am
3.	16.2.13	NEW JALPAIGURI	8:30 am	BUS (Tourist Bus)	DARJEELING	16.2.13. 2:30 pm
4.	19.2.13	DARJEELING	8:30 am	BUS (Tourist Bus)	GANGTOK	19.2.13. 2:00 pm
5.	21.2.13	GANGTOK	6:45 am	BUS(Sakuntala Travels)	NEW JALPAIGURI	21.2.13. 12:30pm
6.	21.2.13	NEW JALPAIGURI	6:30 pm	TRAIN (Assam Express)	GUWAHATI	22.2.13. 5:00 am
7.	22.2.13	GUWAHATI	9:15 am	BUS (Capital Travels)	AIZAWL	23.2.13. 7:00 am

               

CHAPTER 2

STUDY AREAS

DARJEELING

2.1 Introduction

            Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal.  It is a popular tourist destination, located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya at an average elevation of 6,710 ft (2,050 m). It is noted for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is the headquarter of Darjeeling district which has a partially autonomous status within the state of West Bengal.  The development of the town dates back to the mid-19th century, when the colonial British administration set up a sanatorium and a military depot. Subsequently, extensive tea plantation was done in the region, and tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermenting techniques. The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognized and ranks among the most popular of the black teas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India.

            Darjeeling has several British-style public schools, which attract students from India and neighbouring countries. The varied culture of the town reflects its diverse demographic milieu consisting of Nepalese, Tibetan, Bengali and other ethno-linguistic groups. Darjeeling, with its neighbouring town of Kalimpong, was a centre of the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s. The town's fragile ecology has been threatened by a rising demand for environmental resources, stemming from growing tourist traffic and poorly planned urbanization.

Physical Setting

Darjeeling is located between 88°16′ -   / 88° 26’ east longitudes and 27°3′ – 27° 50’ north latitudes (Fig.2) / 27.050; 88.267. Darjeeling is the main town of the Sadar subdivision and also the headquarters of the district. It is located at an average elevation of 2,050metres in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region on the Darjeeling-Jalapahar range that originates in the south from Ghum. The range is Y-shaped with the base resting at Katapahar and Jalapahar and two arms diverging north of the Observatory hill. The north-eastern arm dips suddenly and ends in the Lebong spur, while the north-western arm passes through north point and ends in the valley near Tukver Tea estate.

Fig.2.1   Darjeeling city map

Plate No. 1 :  A view of Darjeeling city.

The hills are nestled within higher peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town in the distance. Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, 8,598 metres high, is the most prominent mountain visible. In days clear of clouds, Nepal's Mount Everest, 8,848metres high, can be seen. The hills of Darjeeling are part of the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya. The soil is chiefly composed of sandstone and conglomerate formations, which are the solidified and upheaved detritus of the great range of Himalaya. However, the soil is often poorly consolidated (the permeable sediments of the region do not retain water between rains) and is not considered suitable for agriculture. The area has steep slopes and loose topsoil, leading to frequent landslides during the monsoons. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, the town falls under seismic zone-IV,  near the convergent boundary of the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is subject to frequent earthquakes.

Climate

Darjeeling's has five distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter, and the monsoons. The annual mean maximum temperature is 15.98 °C while the mean minimum temperature is 8.9 °C with monthly mean temperatures range from 5–17 °C. The lowest temperature recorded was −5 °C on 11 February 1905. The average annual precipitation is 309.2 cm, with an average of 126 days of rain in a year. The highest rainfall occurs in July. The heavy and concentrated rainfall that is experienced in the region, aggravated by deforestation and haphazard planning, often causes devastating landslides, leading to loss of life and property.

Civic administration

          The Darjeeling urban agglomeration consists of Darjeeling municipality and the Pattabong Tea Garden. Established in 1850, the Darjeeling municipality maintains the civic administration of the town, covering an area of 10.57 km² (4.08 sq miles). The municipality consists of a board of councillors elected from each of the 32 wards of Darjeeling town as well as a few members nominated by the state government. The board of councillors elects a chairman from among its elected members. The chairman is the executive head of the municipality. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJMM) holds power in the municipality as of 2011.

            The Gorkha-dominated hill areas of the whole Darjeeling district is under the jurisdiction of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) since its formation in 1988. The DGHC's elected councillors are authorised to manage certain affairs of the hills, including education, health and tourism. Law and order in Darjeeling town comes under the jurisdiction of the district police force, which is a part of the West Bengal Police; a Deputy Superintendent of Police oversees the town's security and law affairs. Darjeeling municipality area has two police stations at Darjeeling and Jorebungalow. Since 2005, there has been no elections to the DGHC and from March, 2008 the West Bengal government directly runs the DGHC through an administrative officer.

Transport

            Darjeeling can be reached by the 88 km (55 miles) long Darjeeling Himalayan Railway from New Jalpaiguri, or by National Highway 55, from Siliguri, 77 km (48 miles) away. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a 60 cm (24 in) narrow-gauge railway that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 for being "an outstanding example of the influence of an innovative transportation system on the social and economic development of a multi-cultural region, which was to serve as a model for similar developments in many parts of the world", becoming only the second railway in the world to have this honour. Bus services and hired vehicles connect Darjeeling with Siliguri and Darjeeling has road connections with Bagdogra, Gangtok and Kathmandu and the neighbouring towns of Kurseong and Kalimpong. However, road and railway communications often get disrupted in the monsoons because of landslides. The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, located 90 km (56 miles) from Darjeeling. Within the town, people usually traverse by walking. Residents also use bicycles, two-wheelers and hired taxis for travelling short distances. The Darjeeling Ropeway, functional since 1968, was closed in 2003 after an accident killed four tourists. It was proposed to be reopened in 2007, and finally opened in February 2012.

Population

According to provisional results of 2011 census of India, Darjeeling urban agglomeration has a population of 132,016, out of which 65,839 were males and 66,177 were females. The sex ratio is 1005 females per 1,000 males. The 0–6 year’s age group of population is 7,382. Effective literacy rate for the population older than the age group of 6 years is 93.17 per cent.

According to the 2001 census, the Darjeeling urban agglomeration, with an area of 12.77 km² had a population of 109,163, while the municipal area had a population of 107,530. The population density of the district was 12,000 per km². The sex ratio is 1,017 females per 1,000 males which is higher than the national average of 933 females per 1000 males. The three largest religions in this area are Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, in that order. The majority of the population are Gorkhas of ethnic Nepali background. Indigenous ethnic groups include the Limbu, Rai, Magars, Gurung Tamangs, Lepchas, Bhutias, Sherpas and Newars. Other communities that inhabit Darjeeling include the Marwaris, Anglo-Indians, Chinese, Biharis, Tibetans and Bengali. The most commonly spoken languages are Nepali, Hindi, Bengali and English. Darjeeling has seen a significant growth in its population, its decadal growth rate being 47% between 1991 and 2001.

            Darjeeling has seen a significant growth in its population, its decadal growth rate being 47% between 1991 and 2001. The colonial town had been designed for a population of only 10,000, and subsequent growth has created extensive infrastructural and environmental problems. The district's forests and other natural wealth have been adversely affected by an ever-growing population. Environmental degradation, including denudation of the surrounding hills has adversely affected Darjeeling's appeal as a tourist destination.

Economy

The two most significant contributors to Darjeeling's economy are tourism and the tea industry. Darjeeling tea, due to the unique agro-climatic conditions of Darjeeling, has a distinctive natural flavour, is internationally reputed and recognised as a geographical indicator. Darjeeling produces 7% of India's tea output, approximately 9,000,000 kilograms every year. The tea industry has faced competition in recent years from tea produced in other parts of India as well as other countries like Nepal. Widespread concerns about labour disputes, worker layoffs and closing of estates have affected investment and production. Several tea estates are being run on a workers' cooperative model, while others are being planned for conversion into tourist resorts. More than 60% of workers in the tea gardens are women. Besides tea, the most widely cultivated crops include maize, millets, paddy, cardamom, potato and ginger.

            Darjeeling had become an important tourist destination as early as 1860. It is reported to be the only location in eastern India that witnesses large number  of foreign tourists. It is also a popular filming destination for Bollywood and Bengali cinema. Satyajit Ray shot his film Kanchenjunga (1962) here, and his Feluda series story, Darjeeling Jomjomaat was also set in the town. Bollywood movies Aradhana (1969), Main Hoon Na (2004), and more recently Barfi! (2012) have been filmed here. Tourist inflow into Darjeeling has been affected by the political instability in the region, and agitations in the 1980s and 2000s have hit the tourism industry hard.

GANGTOK

Introduction

            Gangtok is the capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of 1,800 metres. The total population of town  1,98,658 belongs to different ethnicities such as Indian-Nepalis, Lepchas and Bhutia, is administered by the "Gangtok Municipal Corporation". Nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild temperate climate, Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim's tourism industry.

            Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and cities such as Kolkata in British India. After India won its independence from Britain in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975, after the integration with the union of India, Gangtok was made India's twenty-second state capital.

Physical Setting

            Gangtok is located between 88°37′ - 89° 02’east longitudes and 27°20′-    27 33’ north latitudes (Fig.2.2)  WikiMiniAtlas.  It is situated in the lower Himalayas at an altitude of 1,768 metres. In addition to being the state capital, it is the headquarter of the East Sikkim district. The town lie on one side of a hill, with "The Ridge", a promenade housing the governor's residence, at one end and the palace, situated at an altitude of about 1,829 metres, at the other. The city is flanked on east and west by two streams, namely Roro Chu and Ranikhola, respectively. These two rivers divide the natural drainage into two parts, the eastern and western parts. Both the streams meet the Ranipul and flow south as the main Ranikhola before it joins the Teesta at Singtam. Most of the roads are steep, with the buildings built on compacted ground alongside them.

Fig. 2.2  Gangtok city map

         

Plate No.2 : A view of Gangtok city

Most of Sikkim, including Gangtok, is underlain by Precambrian rocks which contains foliated phyllites and schists; slopes are therefore prone to frequent landslides. Surface runoff of water by natural streams (jhora) and man-made drains has contributed to the risk of landslides. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, the town falls under seismic zone-IV (on a scale of I to V, in order of increasing seismic activity), near the convergent boundary of the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is subject to frequent earthquakes. The hills are nestled within higher peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town from the distance. Mount Kanchenjunga (8,598 m)—the world's third-highest peak is visible to the west of the city.

Climate

          Gangtok features a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate. Because of its elevation and sheltered environment, Gangtok enjoys a mild, temperate climate all year round. Like most Himalayan towns, Gangtok has five seasons: summer, monsoons, autumn, winter and spring. Temperatures range from an average maximum of 22 °C  in summer to an average minimum of 4 °C in winter. Summers (lasting from late April to June) are mild, with maximum temperatures rarely crossing 25 °C. The monsoon season from June to September is characterised by intense torrential rains often causing landslides that block Gangtok's land access to the rest of the country. Rainfall starts to rise from pre-monsoon in May, and peaks during the monsoon, with July recording the highest monthly average of 64.96 cm. In winter temperature averages between 4 °C and 7 °C. Snowfall is rare, and in recent times Gangtok has received snow only in 1990, 2004, 2005 and January 2011. Temperatures below freezing are also rare. During this season the weather can be unstable, and change abruptly from bright sunshine and clear skies to heavy rain within a couple of hours. During spring and autumn the weather is generally sunny and mild. Owing to its elevation, Gangtok is often enveloped in fog during the monsoon and winter months.

Civic administration

            Gangtok is administered by Gangtok Municipal Corporation along with the various departments of Government of Sikkim, particularly the Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). These departments looked after the civic functions such as garbage disposal, water supply, tax collection, license allotments, and civic infrastructure. An administrator appointed by the state government headed the UDHD.

            As the headquarters of east Sikkim district, Gangtok houses the offices of the district collector, an administrator appointed by the Union Government of India. Gangtok is also the seat of the Sikkim High Court, which is India's smallest High Court in terms of area and population of jurisdiction. angtok does not have its own police commissionerate like other major cities in India. Instead, it comes under the jurisdiction of the state police, which is headed by a Director General of Police, although an Inspector General of Police oversees the town. Sikkim is known for its very low crime rate.^[27] Rongyek jail in Gangtok is Sikkim's only central jail.

            Gangtok is within the Sikkim Lok Sabha constituency that elects a member to the Lok Sabha (Lower House) of the Indian Parliament. The city elects one member in the Sikkim state legislative assembly, the Vidhan Sabha. The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) won both the parliamentary election in 2009 and the state assembly seat in the 2009 state assembly polls.

Transport

            Taxis are the most widely available public transport within Gangtok. Most of the residents stay within a few kilometres of the town centre and many have their own vehicles such as two-wheelers and cars. The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities. City buses comprise less than one percent of vehicles. Those travelling longer distances generally make use of share-jeeps, a kind of public taxis. Four wheel drives are used to easily navigate the steep slopes of the roads. The 1 km (0.6 miles) long cable car with three stops connects lower Gangtok suburbs with Sikkim Legislative assembly in central Gangtok and the upper suburbs.

            Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, National Highway 31A, which links Gangtok to Siliguri, located 114 km (71 miles) away in the neighbouring state of West Bengal. The highway also provides a link to the neighbouring hill station towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van, and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a linear city that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A. Most of the road length in Gangtok, is of two lane undivided carriageway with footpath on one side of the road and drain on the other. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic.

            The nearest railhead connected to the rest of India is the station of New Jalpaiguri, a suburb of Siliguri, situated 124 km (77 miles) away from Gangtok. Work has also commenced for a broad gauge railway link from Sevoke in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkimthat is planned for extension to Gangtok.

 The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, (IATA airport code IXB), 16 km (10 miles) from Siliguri. Gangtok is linked to Bagdogra airport by a daily helicopter service that operates only once a day and carries four passengers. Pakyong Airport, a greenfield airport under construction southeast of Gangtok, is expected to be operational by 2013.

Population

          According to   2011 census of India, the population of  Gangtok  was 1, 98,658. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. The density of population is 5,675/km² .The Gangtok subdivision of the east Sikkim district has a population of 2,81,293, Gangtok has an average literacy rate of 82.17%, higher than the national average of 74%. The male literacy is 85.33%, and female literacy is 78.68. About 8% of Gangtok population live in the nine notified slums and squatter settlements, all on Government land. More people live in areas that depict slum-like characteristics but have not been notified as slums yet because they have developed on private land. Of the total urban population of Sikkim, Gangtok Notified Town Area has a share of 55.5%. Including Gangtok, east district has a share of 88% of the total urban population. The quality of life, the pace of development and availability of basic infrastructure and employment prospects has been the major cause for rapid migration to the city. With this migration, the urban services are under pressure, intensified by the lack of availability of suitable land for infrastructure development.

            Ethnic Indian-Nepalis, who settled in the region during British rule, comprise the majority of Gangtok's residents. Lepchas, native to the land, and Bhutias also constitute a sizeable portion of the populace.Additionally, a large number of Tibetans have immigrated to the town. Immigrant resident communities not native to the region include the Marwaris,who own most of the shops; the Biharis, who are employed in mostly blue collar jobs and the Bengalis.

Economy

The hospitality industry is the largest industry in Gangtok as the city is the main base for Sikkim tourism. Summer and spring seasons are the most popular tourist seasons. Many of Gangtok's residents are employed directly and indirectly in the tourism industry, with many residents owning and working in hotels and restaurants. Ecotourism has emerged as an important economic activity in the region which includes trekking, mountaineering, river rafting and other nature oriented activities. An estimated 351,000 tourists visited Sikkim in 2007, generating revenue of about Rs 50 crores (Rs 500 millions). The Nathula Pass, located about 50 km (31 mi) from Gangtok, used to be the primary route of the wool, fur and spice trade with Tibet and spurred economic growth for Gangtok till the mid-20th century. The government is the largest employer in the city,  both directly and as contractors. Gangtok's economy does not have a large manufacturing base, but has a thriving Cottage industry in watch-making, country-made alcohol and handicrafts.Among the handicrafts are the handmade paper industry made from various vegetable fibres or cotton rags. The main market in Gangtok provides many of the state's rural residents a place to offer their produce during the harvest seasons. The majority of the private business community is made up of Marwaris and Biharis. As part of Sikkim, Gangtok enjoys the status of being an income-tax free region as per the state's 1948 Income tax law. As Sikkim is a frontier state, the Indian army maintains a large presence in the vicinity of Gangtok. This leads to a population of semi-permanent residents who bring money into the local economy.

CHAPTER-3

PLACES VISITED IN DARJEELING

3.1      CHOWRASTA

Plate No. 3: Chowrasta

            Chowrasta in Darjeeling is a spread around a large, open and asphalted area, surrounded with shops, small and big restaurants, cafeterias and pony stables. Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road. Chowrasta at Darjeeling is situated at a good height from the low lying areas and offers breath takingly beautiful views of the mountains. People can take leisurely horse rides here and take a few rounds of the Darjeeling Chowrasta. Chowrasta in Nepali means a place where four road meet. The promenade is also popularly known as “Mall”. Situated on the upper ridge of the town Chowrasta truly reflects the charm of this hill station. One will invariably find locals relaxing on the benches, gossiping and lazing around the square. The roads leading to Chowrasta are filled with shops of garments, curious & local handicrafts, information centre, studios, cafes and restaurants and also an arena for pony rides. Located on top of Nehru Road, this is a nice flat land where tourists and locals come to lounge in the sun, take a seat on one of the many benches along the periphery, and watch the wonderful views of the mountain peaks and valleys all around.

3.2      MAHAKAL TEMPLE

Plate No.4: Mahakal Temple

           

            The Mahakal temple atop the Observatory Hill is a most revered place for the locals and you will be surprised to find a Hindu priest sharing a common altar with a Buddhist monk. The oldest site in Darjeeling is said to be the Observatory Hill, where a Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt' once stood. Darjeeling derives its name from this spot. In 1782, three Siva-Lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar are said to have manifested themselves here. From then on, the Mahakala temple dedicated to Lord Shiva came into being and is today greatly venerated as devotees from all sections of the community go up for worship. Prayers are chanted by a Hindu priest while a Buddhist monk reads from the Buddhist Holy Scriptures. Devotees circum ambulate the shrine three times, barefoot while ringing the bells that are placed around it. You will see hundreds of prayer flags hung all over the shrine and on trees, fluttering in the breeze. Watch out though for the mischievous monkeys that swarms around the hill side. The holy site is popular with both Buddhist as well as Hindu worshippers. The whole scene is one of great peace and tranquillity.

3.3      PEACE  PAGODA

Plate No.5: Peace Pagoda

            Darjeeling or Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is one of the Peace Pagodas designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds to help unite them in their search for world peace. It is located in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Like most of the other Peace Pagodas, it was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii (1885–1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order.The foundation stone of the pagoda was laid on 3 November 1972 by Nichidatsu Fujii, and was inaugurated on 1 November 1992. The pagoda was designed by M. Ohka, and it took 36 months for constructing it. The height of the pagoda is 28.5 metres (94 ft) and diameter is 23 metres (75 ft). It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha.

3.4      LLYOD BOTANICAL GARDEN

Plate No.6: Llyod Botanical Garden

            Lloyd's Botanical Garden was established in 1878 when 40 acres (160,000 m²) of land was acquired at Darjeeling to form a botanic garden as a distant annexe of the Calcutta Botanical Garden. The land was provided by William Lloyd, in whose name the botanical garden has been named. It comprises several species of bamboo, oak, magnolia, arisaema, cotoneaster, wild geranium, and rhododendron-forest native plants of the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region, Sikkim region, and other neighbouring regions. Also, several exotic plants are preserved. The Cacti and Succulent collection of 150 species is displayed in the Conservatory. The collection of native Orchids from the Singalila Ridge in present-day Singalila National Park is rare and notable. Located at an altitude of almost 1800 meters, the Lloyd Botanical Gardens houses many rare species of flora. The collection of flora gives a clear picture of the vegetation that is dominant in the Himalayan region, especially Sikkim and other neighbouring places. Lloyd Botanical Gardens is known for its collection of orchids (in the Orchid House) and different herbs. There is a separate conservatory for cactus and some succulent species of plants as well as about 150 floral species.

3.5      TEA GARDEN

Plate No.7: Pure Bio-Organic Darjeeling Tea Garden

            The many tea estates (also called "tea gardens") in Darjeeling each produce teas with different characteristics in taste and aroma. The Touzi Section of the West Bengal government deals with the control and supervision of all tea gardens in the district of Darjeeling as per the provisions of West Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953. All the tea gardens are leased out for a term of 30 years as per Form I, Schedule F of the WBEA Act. The Touzi Section realizes revenues in the form of land rent, penalty, and fines payable by a tea garden to the Collector.

The Touzi Section deals with the control & supervision of all Tea Gardens in the district of Darjeeling as per the provisions of West Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953. This Section also realizes revenues in the form of land rent, penalty, fines payable by a tea garden to the Collector. The other miscellaneous functions of the Section are to grant permission for bringing virgin land under tea plantation, uprooting tea bushes, felling shade trees for the fuel wood, repair and construction of labour quarters and various other uses. Such permissions are bases as the field enquiry reports submitted by respective Block Land & Land Reforms Officers. All the tea gardens are leased out for a term of thirty years as per Form I, Schedule F of the WBEA Act, 1953. Since the penal provisions for illegal felling and illegal extension of retained leasehold land were not stringent enough, a large no. of gardens used to resort to such unlawful activities and get away scot-free. However, with the introduction and addition of several clauses in the lease Format, effort to curb such activities was made by the Government. For instance, the new clause 14(c) has imposed       Rs. 5000/- as fine for every tree felled illegally plus such a tree can be forfeited by the Collector. It also empowers the Collector to impose a fine of Rs. 20000.00 (maximum) for breach of provisions like use of land for tea & other purposes without prior approval, of the Collector. The Darjeeling Collectorate has brought all the penal sections into immediate effect in right earnest, thus fulfilling the purposes with which these clauses have been introduced by the Government.

Table 2.1: Information on Land of Tea Gardens (area in acres)

Total no of Tea Gardens	114
Retained Area	141056.02
Area Under Tea	74843.82
Area Under Housing, etc.	12499.98
Un used Area	16308.93
Area under Forest	17217.27
Doubtful Area	20186.02

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea

Darjeeling Tea occupies a place of pride for the whole of India. The aroma and taste of Darjeeling orthodox tea is unparalleled in the world. There are a total of 78 tea estates in the hills which have been accorded the status for its produce, as Darjeeling Tea by the Tea Board of India. These estates cover over 17,500 hectares producing over 9 million kg of tea engaging about 50 percent people of the district. The Darjeeling Tea industry is the mainstay of the economy up in the hills and provides a rewarding life to its workers by way of a steady livelihood and other facilities like housing, statutory benefits, allowances, incentives, crèches for infants of working mothers, children's education, integrated residential medical facilities for employees and their families and many more.

In Darjeeling the first trial plantation of seed was planted at an altitude of 700 ft. by Dr. A Campbell and in 1845 an experimental nursery in Darjeeling was set up by the Government. In 1847 the Government planted a nursery at Lebong and the rest, as they say, is history. Tea plantations in Darjeeling are restricted to Darjeeling and Kurseong sub-divisions only. Kalimpong sub-division was left out as it already had agricultural holdings and reserved forest. 

Tea is grown at an altitude ranging from 600 to 2000 meters above mean sea level and requires a minimum of 50" to 60" of rainfall in a year and for this Darjeeling did not lack. The cool and moist climate , the soil, the rainfall and the slopping terrains all combine to give Darjeeling tea its unique "Muscatel flavour" and "Exquisite Banquet". The combination of natural factors give Darjeeling tea its unique distinction not found anywhere else in the world. Thus, it is the most sought after and highly valued. In the affluent Western and Japanese markets, 80% of the total produce is exported every year.

3.6      ROCK GARDEN

Plate No.8: Rock Garden

            The Rock Garden (also known as Barbotey Rock Garden) at Chunnu Summer Falls and Ganga Maya Park, near it, are recently added tourist attractions in the hilly town of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India. It is a show piece meant to lure tourists back to Darjeeling after political agitations disrupted the visit by tourists in the 1980s. There is another rock garden in Darjeeling known as Sir John Anderson Rock Garden, which is part of Lloyd's Botanical Garden.

            It is situated at about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Darjeeling. While proceeding from the town along Hill Cart Road, one has to turn right, well before reaching Ghum. The road descends rapidly into the valley. With sharp bends all the way, there are breathtaking views at many points. Tea gardens dot the hill slopes.

            Constructed by The Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department, it was inaugurated by Subhash Ghising, the GNLF supremo. The Rock Garden is not one in the conventional sense. A multi-level picnic ground terraced around a natural waterfall, its attraction is in it “being a sort of road-side facility but with a little too much concrete.”The garden offers a beautiful view of a hill stream cascading over rocks along the slope, done up with flower gardens and sitting spaces at different levels. There also is a small lake. With tourists pouring in large number, tea shops and snack kiosks have come up.

3.7      TENZING ROCK CLIMBING:

Plate No.9: Tenzing Rock Climbing

Tenzing Rock, a gigantic natural rock in Darjeeling is named after Tenzing Norgay, the man who created history by climbing the Everest first time along with Edmund Hillary in 1953. These rocks  are used for rock climbing training by HMI. There is a board right on top of the Tenzing Rock that says "HMI Rock Climbing Training Area". While facing the Tenzing Rock, the left side or the left face of the rock is used by the professional rock climbers and the trainees. Most tourists make a mistake of going over to the right side where the approach to the top of another parallel rock is quite shorter. Actually the right face of the rock can be used by amateur climbers or even tourists for climbing. However one needs to take help of guides and pay some nominal fee. The gradient of the right face is gentle and surface is easier for climbing.

Rock Garden is now developed into a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The park offers boating facilities and is endowed with great scenic beauty. Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local delicacies and one can even buy souvenirs. No fees are charged for taking photographs. Visitors are however, required to make arrangements for transportation. A two way travel arrangement is advisable.

3.8      DARJEELING RANJEET VALLEY ROPEWAY

Plate No.10: Darjeeling Ranjeet Valley Ropeway

                       

            Darjeeling Ropeway is a ropeway in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The ropeway used to be a popular tourist destination in the town. It consisted of sixteen cars and plied between the "North Point" in the town of Darjeeling and Singla on the banks of the Ramman river. The journey on the ropeway offered beautiful views of the hills and the valleys around Darjeeling.

            The ropeway, which was started in 1968 and revamped in 1988, was stopped in October 2003 after four tourists died when the cable snapped causing two cars to plummet down the hill. In 2005, the state forest and public works department (PWD) ministers formed a three-member committee to oversee safety issues. The committee, which included a PWD engineer and two Kalyani Government Engineering College teachers, found the services unfit after a trial run. The ropeway was reopened on 2^nd February, 2012.    

            The ropeway was started in 1968 by the forest development department and comprised only a single car which ran one way. Later, it was upgraded to 16 cars and went to and fro. From an elevation of 2,134 m in Darjeeling’s North Point (Singamari), this bicable ropeway descended to 244 m at Singla on the banks of the Ramman river, which with Little Rangeet, meets the Great Rangeet. Stopping at Tukver, Burnesbeg and Singla tea estates, it took 45 minutes to reach Singla Bazar, 8 km away. The ropeway passed over dense forests, mountain ridges, waterfalls, flowing rivers, green valleys and tea gardens. The Great Rangeet flows from the glacier  of Kabru, in the lower regions of the Kanchenjunga, meeting first the Ramman and then the Little Rangeet further down. Singla offers is a fascinating view of the lovely valleys of these two streams. The Little Rangeet flows across the lush green Bijanbari valley. While the Little Rangeet is overflowing with trout, the valley has wildlife, flowers and butterflies. The passenger ropeway was operated as a joint venture of the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation and the Conveyor and Ropeway Services Private Ltd. It had been revamped in 1988.

3.9      TIGER HILL

Plate No.11: Tiger Hill

           

            Tiger Hill is the summit of Ghoom, the highest railway station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for the panoramic view  and  it offers Mount Everest along with Kangchenjunga.

            It is 11 km from the town of Darjeeling and can be reached either by jeep or by foot through Chowrasta, Alubari (incidentally the oldest tea plantation in Darjeeling) or Jorebangla and then climbing up the incline to the summit, which takes about 2 hours at an easy pace.

             The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour. From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest (29,002') is just visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side. Makalu (27,799') looks higher than Mt. Everest, owing to the curve in the horizon, as it is several miles closer than Everest. The distance in straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest is 107 miles.

            On a clear day, Kurseong is visible to the south and in the distance, along with  the rivers of Teesta , Mahanadi, Balason and Mechi  meandering down to the south. Chumal Rhi mountain of Tibet, 84 miles away as the crow flies, looks like a great rounded mass over the snowy Chola Range. One comes face to face with this peak of superb beauty from Phari Jong which is 129 miles away from Darjeeling

3.10    BATASIA LOOP AND THE WAR MEMORAIAL

Plate No.12: Batasia Loop and the War Memorial

            The Batasia Loop is a spiral railway created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India.

            At this point, the track spirals around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop. It was commissioned in 1919. It is 5 km from Darjeeling, below Ghum. There is also a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947. The Batasia loop situated almost 5 km away from the town is a gigantic railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360 Degree turn. It was basically built to make it possible for the Toy Train to cut the deep ascend. From the Batasia Loop one can get a panoramic view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga and other snowy mountains in the back-drop. A War Memorial constructed in the memory of the brave sons of the soil who laid down their lives in the different wars since the independence of the nation adds to its attraction. There is also a well furbished market where visitors can buy locally made purses, bags and other decorative items.

CHAPTER-4

VISITED PLACES IN GANGTOK

4.1      TEESTA RIVER

Plate No.13: Teesta River

           

            The Teesta River or Tista is said to be the lifeline of the Indian state of Sikkim, flowing for almost the entire length of the state and carving out verdant Himalayan temperate and tropical river valleys. The river then forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal before joining the Brahmaputra as a tributary in Bangladesh. The total length of the river is 309 km  draining an area of 12,540 km². Before a large part of this was situated in Nepal. But after Sugauli Treaty it was acceded to British India.

            The river originates from Tsolamu Lake in North Sikkim.The Teesta River is then fed by rivulets which arise in the Thangu, Yumthang and Donkia-La ranges. The river then flows past the town of Rangpo where Rangpo River merges into it and where it forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal up to Teesta Bazaar. Just before the Teesta Bridge, where the roads from Kalimpong and Darjeeling join, the river is met by its main tributary, the Rangeet River. At this point, it changes course southwards flowing into West Bengal. The river hits the plains at Sevoke, 22 km (14 miles) north of Siliguri, where it is spanned by the Coronation Bridge which links the northeast states to the rest of India. The river then courses its way to Jalpaiguri and then to Rangpur district of Bangladesh, before finally merging with the mighty Brahmaputra at Fulchori.

            Through its course, the Teesta river has carved out ravines and gorges in Sikkim meandering through the hills with the hill station of Kalimpong lying just off the river. Variegated vegetation can be seen along this route. At lower elevations, tropical deciduous trees and shrubs cover the surrounding hills; alpine vegetation is seen at the upper altitudes. The river is flanked by white sand which is used by the construction industry in the region. Large boulders in and around the waters make it ideal for rafting enthusiasts.

            Between Rangpo town and the railway bridge (popularly called Lohapul or iron bridge) on it as it enters the plains at Sevoke, the Teesta flows with a very strong current, ideal for white river rafting. Towns like Teesta Bazaar and Melli have facilities for group rafting. Though the river looks innocuous, the underlying current is very strong. In 1915, G.P. Robertson, the then Municipal Engineer of Darjeeling, drowned after losing control of the boat in the turbulence while surveying the river. The boat struck a partially hidden boulder and was sucked in by a whirlpool, leaving no trace of the occupants.

            During the monsoons, this humble river distends its banks; both in size and turbulence. Landslides in this region often dam up parts of the river in this season.

            India has proposed a series of dams within the Teesta river system that should produce some 50,000 MW of electricity within the next 10 years. With some of the largest sediment loads, the creation of a reservoir will lead to an increased pressure on an active fault area. There are concerns that the building of these dams may lead to river-induced seismicity. Despite such worries the construction of the dams had started. Links are suspected between the dam construction and the deadly 2011 earthquake in Sikkim.

4.2      NATHU LA PASS

Plate No.14: Nathu La Pass

            Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass, at 4,310 m above mean sea level forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. Nathu means "listening ears" and La means "pass" in Tibetan. On the Indian side, the pass is 54 km east of Gangtok, the capital of Indian state of Sikkim on JN Marg and only citizens of India can visit the pass, that too after obtaining a permit in Gangtok.

Nathu La is one of the three open trading border posts between China and India; the other two are Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh (or Lipulech) in Uttarakhand. Sealed by India after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was re-opened in 2006 following numerous bilateral trade agreements. The opening of the pass was expected to bolster the economy of the region and play a key role in the growing Sino-Indian trade but that has not happened. Currently, agreements between the two nations limit trade across the pass to 29 types of goods from India and 15 from the Chinese side. The opening also shortens the travel distance to important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the region.

Nathu La is located on the 563 km Old Silk Route, an offshoot of the historic Silk Road. The Old Silk Route connects Lhasa in Tibet to the plains of Bengal to the south. In 1815, trade volumes increased after the British annexed territories belonging to the Sikkimese, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. The potential of Nathu La was realised in 1873, after the Darjeeling Deputy Commissioner published a report on the strategic importance of mountain passes between Sikkim and Tibet. In December 1893, the Sikkimese monarchy and Tibetan rulers signed an agreement to increase trade between the two nations. The agreement culminated in 1894 when the trade pass was opened. Nathu La played a key role in the 1903–1904 British expedition to Tibet, which sought to prevent the Russian Empire from interfering in Tibetan affairs and thus gaining a foothold in the region. In 1904, Major Francis Younghusband, serving as the British Commissioner to Tibet, led a successful mission through Nathu La to capture Lhasa. This led to the setting up of trading posts at Gyantse and Gartok in Tibet, and gave control of the surrounding Chumbi Valley to the British. The following November, China and Great Britain ratified an agreement approving trade between Sikkim and Tibet.

 The pass is 54 km east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim and 430 km from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. In the winter, the pass is blocked by heavy snowfall. Because there is no meteorological centre in Nathu La, systematic measurements of meteorological data  are not available for the region. However, it is known that in the higher reaches of the Himalayas around the region, summer temperature never exceeds 15 °C.

On the Tibetan side two highways — from Kangmar to Yadong and from Yadong to Nathu La — were listed in the 2006 construction plans. Plans are also underway to extend the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Yadong over the next decade. The nearest railheads are New Jalpaiguri in India and Lhasa in China.

The Chinese government is planning to extend its rail service to Yadong, barely a few kilometers from Nathu La. In addition, the Government of India is planning an extension of rail services from Sevoke in Darjeeling district to the Sikkim's capital Gangtok, just 38 miles from Nathu La.

4.3:     LAKE TSONGMO

 

Plate No.15: Lake Tsongmo

            Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim, India, some 40 kilometres  away from Gangtok at altitude of 3,780 metres.The road to Nathu La passes the lake on north side. The Chinese border crossing is only some 5 kilometres east-northeast in a straight line, but some 18 kilometres by road. The water in this lake has been accumulated from the melting snow on the mountains located nearby. The river Lungtze Chu originates from this lake, which meets Rangpo-chu down its course. According to the history, the colour of water of this lake was studied by Lamas so as to forecast about the future. They believed, if the water had a dark tinge, it indicated a year full of trouble and unrest in the state.

            It is literally known as "source of the lake " in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.

            Between May and August it is possible to see a variety of flowers in blooms, including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises etc. It is also an ideal habitat for their various species of birds.

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

            The main aim of the present study tour is to comprehend variations in topography, climate, vegetation, cultures, socio-economic conditions, occupation, man and environment relationship, and also to assess the impact of tourism on economy of the places visited. In general, study tour helps one to understand the interaction of different spatial phenomena, their distribution and casual relationship.

            The present study tour has provided immense knowledge on various aspects of landscape, environmental, socio-economic and cultural variations. In addition, this is a rare opportunity to study the influence of tourism on the economy of the people living in these areas. We have experienced notable changes in all aspects of physical environment right from Silchar to Gangtok. Most of the places which we have visited are tourist sites. Their rich cultural heritage and beautiful sites attract a large number of tourists from all over the world as well as from other states of the country. We have also experienced drastic changes in climate. My specific observations and experiences are presented here.

I have observed  distinct topographic variations  right from Mizoram to Gangtok. Initially, after travelling across the mountainous region of Mizoram, we passed through the plain topography of Cachar valley of Assam. After crossing the Cachar plain, we have come across the Meghalaya plateau region.  In this region, we observed that the topography was fascinating and the landforms are entirely different from the hilly topography of Mizoram. There is also a huge deposit of coal in different parts across the plateau. After crossing the Meghalaya plateau, again we have experienced the plain topography of Brahmaputra valley. Darjeeling and Gangtok are located on high mountainous terrain of Himalaya ranges. In fact, they are parts of the foot hills of Himalaya ranges. The third highest mountain in the world-Kanchenjunga is visible from these two places.

            The dissimilarity of the visited places with Mizoram is climate.            The climate of Darjeeling is different from  Mizoram. Darjeeling and Gangtok experience temperate climate while, Mizoram experiences tropical humid climate. Rainfall  with moderate intensity was  occurred in  Darjeeling during tour and we have experienced very low temperate of 1°C. Though, Gangtok also experiences temperate climate, but not very cold as Darjeeling during our tour. Darjeeling enjoys mild cold climate with high humidity and the maximum temperature do not exceed 16°C throughout the year. The seasons of Gangtok and Mizoram are almost similar but Gangtok is a temperate region and snow fall occurs in the mountainous province throughout the year.

            Owing to the location of Darjeeling and Gangtok  in the temperate zone of Himalayas,  the Himalayan moist temperate forest covers the entire length of the mountain ranges. Such forest is mainly composed of coniferous species of about 30 to 50 metres high. In the wetter parts of east, the broad leaved evergreen forest mixed with dominant conifers can be seen. Pines, cedars, silver firs, spruce, oaks etc.,  are the most  prominent tree species which  lie around the town.

            As compared to Mizoram, Darjeeling has a lesser population. Darjeeling has formed as an independent state from West Bengal state, as West Bengal is a Bengali land while the people of Darjeeling are Gorkhas. The density of population of   Darjeeling is rapidly growing higher as compared to Mizoram. The settlements are of compact type and the density is also found to be high in the district.  The female population dominates the male population. The literacy rate is little higher than Mizoram.

            Gangtok population is also low as compared to Mizoram. The male population is higher than the female population. The density of population is also higher than Mizoram but less than Darjeeling district, and the settlements are also quite dense at  this place. The urban population density is found to be high as most of the population migrated from rural areas for employment and business.  The overall literacy rate is lower than the literacy rate of Mizoram. A little proportion of   population in the Gangtok city is Tibetan. Gangtok is the most populous and urbanized area in the district.

The Darjeeling urban agglomeration consists of Darjeeling Municipality and the Pattabong Tea Garden. Darjeeling municipality maintains the civic administration of the town.  

            Gangtok is administered by Gangtok Municipal Corporation along with  various departments of Government of Sikkim, particularly the Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).

In Gangtok  women also do tough work like cement work, digging earth, hammering of rock in quarry etc., such works are never done by  women  in Mizoram.

It is found that there is a lot of variation in the cultures of both Darjeeling and Gangtok as compared to Mizoram. In Darjeeling major religious festivals of Dashain (Durga puja), Tihar (Diwali) and Christmas the diverse ethnic populace of the town celebrates several local festivals. In Gangtok also the festivals  like  Diwali, Christmas, Dusshera, Holi etc., are  celebrated.

                                    In Gangtok Taxi is the most widely available public transport within Gangtok. Natural springs in the Senchal Range provide most of Darjeeling's water supply. In Darjeeling  and Gangtok schools are either run by the state government or by private and religious organizations. Corporation Bank, HDFC Bank , State Bank Of India,  Axis Bank, Union Bank Of India and Central Bank of India are the banks in Darjeeling. 

            In Gangtok schools are either run by the state government or by private and religious organizations. Schools mainly use English and Nepali as their medium of instruction.

More than 50 newspapers are published in Sikkim Multiple local Nepali and English newspapers are published, whereas regional and national Hindi and English newspapers, printed elsewhere in India, are also circulated. Banks like State Bank of India, Axis Bank LTD, HDFC Bank Ltd,Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank are the banking facilities in Gangtok.

            The state of Mizoram lacks in most of the  aspects as compared to the places visited. Darjeeling and Gangtok are the tourist centres and hub of northeast India,  provide immense financial resources to develop their historical sites as they realized that tourism is the main source of income.  The government of these places is also interested in tourism as it contributes to economy of the public. As the  two places fall under  temperate region, they attract more tourists than the tropical places like Mizoram. Though, they are mountainous regions, they attract tourism because they have tourist sites and centres and the government provide better sites to attract more tourists and they use their natural resources in a  more suitable way for tourist attraction.

Though, Mizoram is also rich in natural resources with scenic beauty but, due to lack of proper planning for tourism, its remoteness, inaccessibility to large part the state as well as its unique lithological condition due to presence of soft rocks  the state government could not take initiative. Besides, the inner line permit regulation is also found to be one of the hindrances for tourist attraction.

I would like to put forward some suggestions based on my observations and experience gained during our study tour for the economic development of Mizoram state.

       I.            The government should take steps to initiate rural recreation and eco-tourism as Mizoram is rich in natural resources (Biological hot spot region).

     II.            Government should enter into partnership with the private sector to develop certain unique products of the region.

  III.            Paper industry can be established as Mizoram is rich in bamboo production.

  IV.            Infra-structure need to be developed to the best possible extent.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1)   Sikkim Developmental Report, Planning Commission Government of India, 2008, New Delhi. First published.

2)   Joshi HG, Sikkim Past and Present, Mittal Publication New Delhi First edition 2004.

3)   Datta Amal, Sikkim since Independent, 1991,Mittal Publication New Delhi. First Edition.

4)   Bhatt SC & Bhargava Gopal K, Land & People of Indian States & Union Territories, Kalpaz Publications Delhi, Volumes 24, 2006

5)   Discover Himalaya – Travel Guide to Sikkim, Darjeeling and Dooars, S.K Audio Vision, Gangtok 2012.

6)   Sikkim Pocket Guide, Milesto nes Metroprints, NH 31A Gangtok, 2012.

7)   Gangtok in an nutshell, Milestones Metroprint NH 31A, Gangtok, 2012.

8)   Khullar, D.R.(1999) India: A Comprehensive Geography, Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.

9)   http://www.mapsofindia.com