Travelogue: Spiritual Sikkim
By Kartik Lokhande Sikkim is known for its beautiful landscapes, flowers,lakes, snow-clad mountains. But, of late, it is also acquiring the reputation of being one of the fastest emerging states in the area of religious tourism. Apart from Buddhist tourist centres, there are new centres like Siddheshwar Dham at Solophok that are attracting tourists from all over the country. Of course, many more sites are still under development. Here are glimpses of some major religious and spiritual sites: Pics by Kartik Lokhande Rumtek Rumtek’s main attraction is its Tibetan Buddhist monastery, which has been designated as an important ‘Dharma Chakra Centre’ – the International Headquarters of Karma Kagyu sect of Mahayana Buddhism, and the main seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa in Exile. It is home to some of the most sacred, rare scriptures and religious objects. According to references available, the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje originally built it in the 16th century. But in ...