Spiritualism

This is a gigantic statue (108 ft tall) of the Hindu Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, who is one of the primary forms of God in Hinduism in Siddhesvara Dham at Solophok, Namchi, South Sikkim.

A few kilometers off is the other huge statue of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim. Both these statues are incredibly built and brings a spiritual feel around.

Tibetan colourful prayer flags are common not just in Sikkim but all along the Himalayas. There's also a holy temple of Sai Baba in South Sikkim. A lot of spiritualism lives!

Tongba - a local alcoholic drink of the Sikkimese

Tongba is sort of a warm beer. The alcoholic content is about 5%. It is a millet based alcoholic drink served with warm water. The best thing about it is that you can keep refilling warm water for about three to four times and is usually drunk slowly. Its a 'laid-back' drink in the sense that it is supposed to be drunk slowly, so sit down, relax, stretch yourself with a tongba in your hand and appreciate nature and life around you.

The fresh scent of tea

South Sikkim is covered with lush green tea gardens and the tea is of excellent quality- fresh and new tea gardens grown in great quality land in the foothills of the great Himalayas complemented by its climate with fair amount of humidity. The aroma that comes from a cooked cup of tea is refreshing to the senses and opens you up to happiness. It is just so good. I bought a pack of tea leaves and hope to cook when I am back in England and feel the way I felt when I was sipping from the cup in the middle of the tea gardens in Sikkim. Wonderful tea!