International Flower Festival, Gangtok

I can’t forget our Girls Gang trip to Sikkim and the picturesque city, Gangtok. You feel like you are in heaven at Gangtok, and the International Flower Festival scheduled in May turns it into more heavenly. Even on off days you can enjoy the beautiful garden, now image how vibrant it looks while hosting the International Flower Festival.

The vibrant event showcases the culture, botanical heritage, variety of flowers and plants, mouth-watering local food, cultural performances and seminars. If you love being with nature, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Sikkim has everything for you.

An Overview of the Festival

The Sikkim Tourism Department organized an International Flower Festival every year in the month of May to encourage cultural biodiversity and tourism.

• Dates: The festival runs throughout May, with the main exhibition and events taking place during the first two weeks.
• Location: Flower Exhibition Centre near White Hall in Gangtok, located adjacent to the Ridge Park.

What to Expect in the Festival

• Floral Diversity: In the festival you will administer over 600 species of orchids, 240 varieties of trees and ferns, and countless species of rhododendrons, gladioli, magnolias, roses, cacti, and alpine plants. In the stunning display, you can get botanical knowledge as well.
  a. Orchid Pavilion: A stunning exhibit of rare and exotic orchids, renowned for their
  intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
  b. Rhododendron Garden: A visual treat with crimson, pink, and yellow shades.
  c. Cactus and Succulent Section: Featuring a remarkable variety of these hardy,
  drought-resistant plants.
  d. Bonsai Exhibition: Displaying the delicate art of miniaturized trees, symbolizing
  patience and precision.

• Floral Competitions and Workshops: The Floral Arrangement competition organized where florists present the creative floral display and winner got the hamper.
• Seminars & Workshop: The Renowned botanists and horticulturists conduct seminars and interactive sessions and share insights on floral conservation, sustainable gardening, and Sikkim’s biodiversity. If you love to learn about horticulture techniques, you can join the Gardening and Bonsai Workshops.

• Cultural Performances: The cultural performances are performed by Sikkimese people, Nepali and Tibetan performers. You can enjoy the diverse cultural performances and the vibrant costumes of different tribes. The local artisans perform folk dance and musical performances. The performance represents the unity in diversity.
• Food Festival: The cuisine of Sikkim gives a combine flavour of Nepal and Tibet. You can taste the mouth-watering delicious local and authentic Sikkimese delicacies. I am not a good fond of Momos, but Sikkim Momos are unbeatable, you can also try, Soups known as Thupka, and Sisnoo, Yak Cheese – Chhurpi, Gundruk – a fermented leafy vegetable and Chaang, a millet beer. You can also add fusion dishes made with edible flowers and herbs.

• Adventure Activities: If you are sporty and love adventure activities, the Sikkim Tourism offers variety of thrilling activities. You can enjoy River Rafting on the Teesta River, try Kayaking, Yak or Pony Rides, and go trekking and explore the breathtaking views of the region.

How to Reach Gangtok

• By Air: Nearest Airport is Pakyong Airport which is approximately 30 km from Gangtok. When I planned this airport was not built, we fly into Bagdogra Airport (in West Bengal). From Airport, you can easily get taxi for Gangtok which is at 124kms.
• By Train: Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), located in Siliguri, West Bengal, around 148 km from Gangtok. You can hire a private taxi or take a shared cab to reach Gangtok.
• By Road: Gangtok is well-connected by road from nearby cities like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri. You can avail bus services for a budgeted trip.

Accommodation and Amenities

Gangtok offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget homestays to luxurious hotels. Popular hotels near the festival venue include:

• The Elgin Nor-Khill Gangtok – A heritage hotel offering stunning mountain views.
• Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino – A luxury retreat with spa services.
• Denzong Regency – Known for its warm hospitality and traditional decor.

For a more local experience, you can also opt for homestays or eco-resorts in and around Gangtok.

Travel Tips for Visitors

• The weather is pleasant, but in some parts of Sikkim, you can witness very low temperatures, so carry warm clothes. In Gangtok, stole is enough, but also carry raincoat or umbrella, as light showers are common.
• In Monasteries, please try to remain as quiet as possible, especially inside the main monastery. I spoke loudly and I can’t tell you what happened next.
• If you love photography, carry DSLR and click the scenic view, vibrant flowers and breathtaking landscapes. If photography is prohibited, please try not to click pictures there.

Final Thoughts

In this blog, I have mentioned specially about Gangtok’s International Flower Festival. The landscape and festival give you unforgettable experience and a perfect gateway for travelers. During your visit you can explore nearby places as well like Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, and Rumtek Monastery. To plan nearby attractions, you need an itinerary of atleast 8-10 days.