Sikkim Tourism veteran unveils new guide map
GANGTOK,: At times, one needs to revert to the original way of doing things instead of following the crowd or conforming to trends.
Lukendra Rasaily, a tourism veteran, has done exactly that – switching from online to offline promotional means.
The former Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) president has come up with an eye-catching tourist guide map of Gangtok, harking to a traditional yet effective way of promoting a tourist town.
In this QR code-driven era where every corner has a Google Map pin, the chart paper-size guide map developed by Lukendra gives a feel of authenticity and natural charm that Gangtok offers to its visitors. Something that the seasoned tour operator feels has been overlooked amidst the mad rush to pack tourists to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.
“There are several beautiful locations in and around Gangtok that tourists can visit. One can also indulge in recreational engagements like birding and hiking here. Many people are interested in doing such activities. Birding, hiking and eco-tourism are niche markets that Gangtok can offer but it has not been highlighted so far. Through this guide map, we have listed all such spots and tourism products that can attract tourists. Gangtok has plenty to offer and should not be restricted to mere seven-point or five-point tourism spots as done so far,” said Lukendra.
The map, which features illustrations by local artist Peter S. Lepcha, highlights scenic routes and key recreational areas around Gangtok. One of the prominent routes outlined is the Bhusuk-10th Mile-Nandok-Assam Lingzay-Naitam corridor, which serves as an ideal destination for birding and mountain biking enthusiasts. Detailed text on the map provides information about the specific species of birds and butterflies that can be spotted in and around Gangtok area, further enriching the visitor experience.
Besides the images, adequate text information is there in the map to highlight where one can do bird watching and butterfly watching in and around Gangtok. Details of the birds and butterflies that can be spotted at the regions around Gangtok are also provided.
Lukendra asserts that tourists visiting Sikkim can be tempted to spend two more days in Gangtok itself. What we have been doing so far is to hurry the tourists around five-six tourist spots in Gangtok in a single sightseeing trip and next day send them to North Sikkim or Tsomgo-Nathu La tour…but if we do the required promotion, the tourists would be interested in spend two days touring Gangtok and nearby areas, he said.
Accordingly, the seasoned travel operator has recommended two days of local sightseeing trips in the guide map which includes visits to the 13-14 monasteries, temples, waterfalls and Himalayan Zoological Park. Details of these destinations can be found in the map.
“There are around 13-14 monasteries of all the four sects of Tibetan Buddhism in and around Gangtok but the tourists are not aware about all of them. They know only about a few prominent monasteries or those that are told to them by the drivers and travel agencies. Through this map, we want to give a clear picture to those tourists interested in exploring the monasteries in Gangtok. The major aim of developing this guide map is to encourage our tourists to prolong their stay in Gangtok,” said Lukendra.
There are about 1200 hotels, ranging from budget stays to five-star accommodations, in Gangtok.
Lukendra is confident that by promoting Gangtok’s rich cultural and eco-tourism offerings, visitors will be tempted to stay longer, boosting both local tourism and the economy.
About 4,000 copies of this guide map have been published. The maps are being provided to the Tourism department who will then issue it to Tourist Information Centres for the interested visitors.
We are also requesting the hoteliers and travel agencies to provide this tourist guide map to their clients, shared Lukendra.
In a world of fast-paced digital distractions, Lukendra Rasaily’s guide map brings a refreshing focus back to the natural beauty and cultural richness of Gangtok—reminding us that sometimes, the old ways can be just as effective, if not more so.