Attend to the Sound of Divine at Sikkim Monasteries

Sikkim is a tranquil destination in India. It boasts of about 200 monasteries. Dotted with numerous monasteries, the land offers you a different experience on your Sikkim tour. These monasteries belong to different sects like the Nyingmapa, Karugpa sect, Sakyapa sect and Bon Faith.

Pemayangtse Monastery Sikkim

The most famous Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim include:

Pemayangtse

This is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. It positions itself atop a ridge high above the Rangit River, enveloped by the magnificent snow-covered Himalayan peaks. Pemayangtse monastery got its name from ‘Padma yang tse’ which literally means the ‘Sublime perfect lotus’. The monastery was meant only for ta-sang’ lamas.

Rumtek

If you spend some time to regain your energy through meditation, visit the Rumtek Monastery. It is the largest monastery that covers over magnificent area. Your Sikkim monasteries tour will be incomplete if you skip a visit to Rumtek. It houses a proper school to exchange teachings of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Visitors can also capture the glimpses of the most unusual birds in the monastery complex. World-renowned Rumtek Monastery organizes various festivals, usually in July.

Enchey

Sikkim Enchey Monastery

The monastery stands atop a hill, just 3 km away from the town centre. Built in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda, the monastery serves as an important seat of the Nyingmapa order of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism. Enveloped by tall pine trees, Sikkim Enchey monastery has the two storey structure. The murals depicting the guardian deity along with the wheel of law on the porch are the features of this sacred spot. Tourists can also see the conch shells. Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava are the three Gods, worshipped in the monastery.

Tashiding

Lying atop of a hill, Tashiding monastery emerges up between the Rathong River and the Rangeet River with the backdrop of the Mt. Kanchendzonga. Established in the year 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo, the monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa order. Carved exquisitely on stone plates enveloping the monastery are sacred Buddhist mantras like “Om Mane Padme Hum” by the skillful craftsman Yanchong Lodil.

Phensang 

Lying in the capital city, the monastery positions itself on the gentle slope. Counted among the well-known Sikkim monasteries, it dates back to 1721 and belongs to Nyingmapa order. This sacred site is also a home to around 300 monks. Phensang Monastery Sikkim also hosts an annual event on the 28^th and 29^th day of the 10^th month of the Tibetan Calendar. Travellers can also witness the sacred dances, performed during the festival.

Found in solitary places, Sikkim Monasteries provide you an ideal escape from mundane temptations. Plan a tour to Sikkim Enchey Monastery to spend some time in tranquillity.

Article Source: http://eastindiatravel.blogspot.in/2013/04/sikkim-monasteries.html

Discover the Land of Serenity with Arunachal Pradesh Tourism

Known as the “Land of Rising Sun”, Arunachal Pradesh positions itself in the Trans-Himalayan area of the Northeast. The snow-covered peaks, breathtaking landscapes and tropical rainforests add the charm to Arunachal Pradesh tourism.

Monasteries

Bomdila Monastery Arunachal Pradesh

The monasteries of Arunachal Pradesh are among the prominent attractions of the state. These religious spots are the best places to sit and meditate. Travellers throng to the sacred sites to experience the sheer tranquillity.

• Bomdila
• Nunneries of Tawang
• Tawang
• Urguelling

Adventure

The state of Arunachal Pradesh offers excellent opportunities for adventure buffs. The rapid rivers, mountainous ravines and virgin forests invite adventure enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill and fun at its best. Tourists can take delight in the following adventure activities, which are counted among the popular Arunachal Pradesh attractions.

• Rafting
• Angling
• Trekking
• Climbing

Wildlife

Arunachal Pradesh travel takes you to a land of rich wildlife. It has the species that are extinct today. Tourists can spot the four main species of the big cats including clouded leopard, Royal Bengal tigers, leopard and snow leopard. The marbled cat and golden cat can also be spotted. Visitors can also observe about 500 species of birds in the state.

Arunachal Pradesh wildlife includes the following sanctuaries:

• Eagle nest
• Pakhui
• Mouling
• Kane
• Dihang-Dibang
• Namdapha
• Mehao

Hill Stations

The soaring mountains, lush greenery and lovely streams are the elements that make hill stations of Arunachal Pradesh world-famous. The invigorating locations will refresh you up to the hilt. If you are looking for an ideal escape in summers, then heading to Arunachal Pradesh hill stations will be a good option.

• Along
• Ziro
• Pasighat
• Bomdila
• Itanagar
• Tawang

Tourist Places in Arunachal Pradesh

Parashuram Kund

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism

It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the state that lies 13 miles far of the Teju. The place receives a large crowd of visitors every year. It is most visited during November to February. The site also hosts a fair, Parshuram Mela that gathers many people from all over the world.

Ita Fort

It serves as a significant historical site in the state. The fort in Papum Pare dates back to 14^th or the 15^th century. It has the three entrances at three different sides, western, southern and the eastern.

 Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum

Located in Itanagar, the museum dates back to 1980s. It exhibits various aspects of tribal life in the state. The collection includes headdresses, clothing, handicraft, weapons, jewellery and music instruments.

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism has all the fascinating elements to allure tourists. Visit Arunachal Pradesh Monasteries for a tranquil experience that will soothe your mind.