Sikkim International Flower Festival 2008

The International Flower Festival is an exceptional show of unusual varieties of flowers, orchids and other plants native to Sikkim, a north eastern state of India.This Festival is being hosted by Sikkim and the Saramsa Garden, a well-known picnic spot stretch on an area of 6 acres and sited 3 kms away from Ranipool in East Sikkim is currently undergoing an absolute makeover which has been selected as the venue for the approaching International Flower Festival 2008.

This Flower Show of Sikkim is the first professional floriculture presentation primarily of orchids in nature's own garden Sikkim, prominent for its flora which is full flourish during the month of March-May and has around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other shrubbery plants. The main displays in the flower show are orchids, alpine plants, gladioli, roses, ferns, herbs, cacti, creepers, climbers etc.

The festival is accompanied by food and entertainment in grand terms and also includes attractions like river rafting and yak safari. The experts and masters of botanical sciences also come up to hold lectures and seminars. This Festival is a vibrant pleasure for the eyes and the event is important not only on state but on the national level. The marvelous collection of flowers confirms it as an incredible event and attracts a massive amount of people from all over. It provides an exceptional opportunity to bring together the professional orchid growers of Sikkim with importers and input suppliers from India as well as abroad.

According to the Secretary, Horticulture and Floriculture Department, more than 30 participants have registered from the country itself and 18 countries have confirmed their participation in the International Flower Festival.

Most Popular Yumthang Valley in Sikkim is known as “Valley of Flowers.” Located at a distance of 148 Kms from Gangtok, it is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic beauty.

In spring season wild flowers such as primulae and rhododendrons bathe the landscape in rich colors making it a tourist hot spot. It is also a nice experience to visit Yumthang during February/March, when the place is full of snow and during October/November when the towering snow peaks dazzle against the clear, blue sky.