Parks in Gangtok

Situated at Bulbuley, Gangtok, the Himalayan Zoological Park is first of its kind in the Northeast designed with the concept of the modern zoo that the animals have been kept in simulated natural conditions. The park was established in 1991 and is in the infant stage now. The park has been set up with the objective of conservation and breeding of endangered and other Himalayan species of animals and birds. Spread over an area of 205 hectares of mountainous land, the park is situated at an altitude of 1780 metres. The terrain is suitable for high altitude animals and birds.

Wildlife in the park

The Himalayan Zoological Park is home to various animals that include the red panda or cat bear, state animal of Sikkim, panther or common leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan palm civet, Tibetan wolf, common langur, Goral spotted deer, barking deer and leopard cat. There is also high altitude pheasants kept in simulated natural environment.

Tourist Activities in the park

There are picnic spots, watch towers and lawns in the park for the convenience of the tourists to enjoy the park. From time to time wildlife educational programmes are conducted in the park specially during the Wildlife Week in October every year. The best time to travel to the park is from February to May and September to December.

Sikkim Deer Park

Also known as Rustamji park, the Sikkim Deer Park is located on a ridge at the side of the New Secretariat in Gangtok. The park was established in 1950s and was named after Rustamji who was one amongst the dewans of the Chogyal of Sikkim.

Attractions of the park

As per the name, the Sikkim Deer Park is the home to several species of deer. These deer in the park are brought from other parts of Sikkim as well as the neighboring states. Different species of deer are kept in the open enclosure in the park. There are also cages for red panda Himalayan bear and other animals. From the peak of the park tourists can have a view of the nearby hills. A huge statue of Buddha could be seen in the park. It is said that the park has been built to commemorate Buddha’s reincarnation as a musk deer.

One of the important tourist destinations of Gangtok, the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Park was established in 1987. The park is situated at an altitude ranging from of 1800-2200 metres and is situated adjoining the Rumtek Monastery and the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary. The park comprises of virgin temperate forests of oaks. As many as 50 varieties of tree species are found in the park.

Attractions in the park

The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Park is an ultimate destination for the nature lovers as the varied species of trees in the park give the onlookers a feel of awe. Recreational centers and playing spots have been made inside the park. The best time to travel to the park is from March to May and October to December.