Gangtok Zoo : The Himalayan Zoological Park in Gangtok is a 205-acre park established to protect and rehabilitate Himalayan wildlife in their natural surroundings. It features large enclosures mimicking natural habitats for animals like red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears, offering visitors a peaceful forest-like atmosphere. The park is located about 6 km from Gangtok and is a prime spot for viewing regional fauna, including various pheasant species, and provides views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Constructed in 1922, Saramsa Garden was set up in order to provide fruits for the colonial officers and the Namgyal Royal Family. The Forest Manager’s interest in horticulture and floriculture meant the garden soon became the place to introduce new varieties of fruits and flowers. Everything from oranges to lychees, guavas to pineapples were planted here.
Post 1940, a particular medicinal plant was cultivated here and the garden is still home to a number of plants that have curative abilities.
Don’t forget to visit the massive nursery inside that forms an exhibit of Sikkim’s rich floriculture. In fact, Saramsa Garden is the perfect introduction for botany lovers who visit Sikkim because of its rich flora. The shrubs and short tress spread around Samsara Garden are manicured into different shapes adding to the aesthetic of the park.
The park is divided into several blocks, and one of the most beautiful sections is towards the north-west as you enter the main gate. A canopy of trees have grown thick blocking out the sunlight and creating a natural shed where one can sit and spend some quality time amidst nature.
