The dense forests, hills and valleys lend a serene and surreal feel to this little state of Sikkim. Mountain peaks with glistening silver caps of snow, crisp blue skies, and the very glint of fantastic landscapes with the glimmer of purity and organic rearing are what Sikkim is all about. These landscapes of Sikkim are home to a huge variety of animal species right from musk deer and red panda, to the Himalayan black bear, bharal or blue sheep, and also the elusive snow leopard.
There is a lot to explore in Sikkim, whether it is the ancient forests, treks, or the unseen secrets of this vast land. These highlands are perfect for hikes and treks that will take you very close to nature. Let’s have a look at the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim.
1. Khangchendzonga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park in Sikkim
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Khangchendzonga, also known as Kanchenjunga falls in the North Sikkim district of the state. It boasts of having the highest mountain peak in India and it also happens to be the third highest in the world. Standing tall at 28,169 ft ASL, the peak along with a section of the Himalayas was declared a National Park in the year 1977. The area of the National park is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the flora and fauna here.
An exquisite Sikkim Wildlife experience is what you are in for when you visit Kanchenjunga. There are a plethora of varieties of trees, plants, flowers and animals. The landscapes are breathtaking and the waterfalls soul-stirring. Some exquisite Himalayan birds like blood pheasant, Western tragopan, Himalayan griffon etc, and Red Pandas are among the many fauna varieties found here.
Best Time to Visit KNP
The best time to visit the Kanchenjunga National Park is between the months of March and May as well as September and mid-December as there are clear skies with some spectacular mountain views in the summer.
Though, a point to note here is that winter months do lend magical views of the Kanchenjunga and the frozen lakes surrounding it. It looks nothing less than a winter wonderland in the sub-zero temperatures covered in snow. The park is open in the other months too but there may be monsoon showers or extreme winter which makes it a little difficult to watch the wildlife here.
How to Reach KNP
If you decide to fly in, then the only option is the Bagdogra airport, from where cabs are available for the 4-5 hour road journey to this National Park.
The New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station has good rail connectivity to the major cities of Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati among others. A 4-5 hour cab ride will take you to the National Park.
The road journey, to be honest, can be uncertain from Siliguri to the KNP since it is a little bumpy in between. You know what the best part about such a road is, it makes the natural beauty of the park even more beautiful!
2. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Rhododendron bloom
Pic credits: depositphotos.com
The best of Sikkim Wildlife experiences await you, away from all human disturbances and crowds at the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary. It is most famous all over the world for its Avocado trees. Some people also regard it as an extension of the Kanchenjunga National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is located 30 km west of Gangtok and lies in the Gangtok district in Sikkim is one of the most visited by travellers.
Avocado trees in Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Pic credits: depositphotos.com
Best Time to Visit Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is from April to July. This is the time of the year when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom and it is a spectacular sight to watch!
3. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary falls in the East Sikkim district of this hilly state. The forests of Bhutan and West Bengal state have a unique connection with this wildlife sanctuary. There are many villages in the vicinity too, that are enriched with wildlife, making this place a must-visit.
Red Panda in Sikkim
Pic credits: depositphotos.com
The most exotic animals of Sikkim are found here, namely the Red Fox, Asiatic Black Bear, and almost 300 Red Pandas which is the largest number of these animals in one place. The sanctuary also boasts of some rare species of flora like Rhododendrons, Silver Fir, Oak and Bamboo. There are more than 101 species of trees in the forest area of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also many endangered bird species that are accommodated here.
Best Time to Visit Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is good to visit all year long and is easily accessible all 12 months.
4. Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary
Bursts of colour during the Rhododendron bloom in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in the Spring season
Pic credits: offbeatracks.com
Another one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim, the Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the West Sikkim district of the state. The most beautiful part is that some of the best lakes of the Singalila range in Sikkim surround this sanctuary.
Home to exotic flora and fauna like the Leopard cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, and Himalayan Langur among others, it is also known for the variegated bird species found here. Birdwatchers and bird lovers flock to this sanctuary for this very reason. The Singalila range along with the misty Mt Kanchenjunga makes for a fabulous view!
Spot myriad exotic birds and animals at the Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim.
Best Time to Visit Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to May. During other months, there may be monsoon showers deterring the trekking plans and also, and the Rhododendron flower showers may also be absent at other times of the year.
4. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Slipper orchids found in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
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Many endangered and rare species of plants are found in the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. It is situated in East Sikkim and has Rhododendron and slipper orchid trees in abundance. There are many other trees found rarely the likes of Oak, Orchids, Ferns and Champ.
Himalayan Black Bear
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Apart from the flora, there are also glimpses one can catch of the musk deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear etc. one has to be at the right place at the right time in order to spot the rare animals. We hope you do get lucky.
Best time to visit Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is either the months between April to August or October to November. The rest of the months are either monsoon months with too much rainfall or extreme winter conditions with harsh cold weather.
How to Reach Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport in case you wish to fly in and then take a cab/govt vehicle to reach the sanctuary. The closest railway station is at New Jalpaiguri and cabs/taxis are available for hire from there.
5. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Pink Rhododendron blooms in spring
Pic credits: depositphotos.com
Unparalleled natural beauty welcomes you at the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Sikkim. Beautiful coloured rhododendrons and orchids make this sanctuary one of the must-visit sanctuaries not only in Sikkim but in the entire Indian subcontinent. Nature and adventure lovers find this place very appealing. The plethora of colours of flowers like pink, red, maroon, purple and cream attracts innumerable tourists from all over the world year after year.
Best Time to Visit Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
The best time to visit this sanctuary is April and May as the flowers are in full bloom and the sights are prettiest to watch!
6. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Serow is similar to a goat with a short body and long legs
Pic credits: depositphotos.com
Another one among the popular wildlife sanctuaries of Sikkim is the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Namchi district. It is rich in many types of medicinal plants and serves as a treat for nature lovers too. There is rich flora and fauna that this sanctuary flaunts of the likes of the red panda, serow, and marbled cats among many others. A first-of-its-kind wildlife skywalk is coming up in the Maenam wildlife sanctuary and it will be the only one in India!
Best Time to Visit Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit the Maenam Wildlife sanctuary is April to June to see the medicinal plants in full bloom and also to just revel in the chirping of birds to reunite with nature and its many bounties.
How to Reach Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary can be reached easily by cab or govt transport from Namchi. Buses and private taxis ply this route frequently.
7. Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary
Kitam Bird Sanctuary is situated in Kitam which is close to Namchi in South Sikkim. It is a protected sanctuary and a riverside nature conservation site which is a haven for nature and bird lovers. Many species of birds like the peafowl, oriental white-eye, red jungle fowl, Green magpie, and Himalayan flame as well as many others are found in their natural habitats.
Green Magpie found in the Kitam Bird Sanctuary
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The highest point of the Kitam Bird sanctuary, called the Tumbol Schor is famous for lending panoramic views of the encompassing mountains. Your camera lens can tickle away for the most stunning pictures here.
This Sikkim wildlife sanctuary is known all over for the beautiful walking trails that make you observe and spot the birds around.
Best Time to Visit Kitam Bird Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Kitam Bird Sanctuary is between October to May as, during the winter time, there are numerous colourful migratory birds that flock to this sanctuary. They all are a stupendous treat to watch!
How to reach Kitam Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located very close to Namchi in South Sikkim and can be easily reached from there.
Mesmerising views, beautiful rivers and waterfalls, hard-to-find and rare wildlife and so much more are what comes your way at these national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Your Sikkim holiday isn’t complete without visiting these beautiful sanctuaries that have the most natural habitats for you to feel one with nature and its many amazing marvels. Come to Sikkim for a wildlife tour of the gems of nature in their most natural habitats and have the most memorable experience!
