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Flower power

You have to visit Sikkim just to see the variety of orchids on display at a show

Be dazzled By the orchids

Make your travel plans now, for it is springtime in Sikkim, one of the most scenic States of the country. The highlight of the season is the orchids that are on display at the Flower Show in the capital Gangtok.

The show is extremely popular with tourists as one can see the various species of these exotic blooms that grow in the tiny State under one roof.

The mighty Mount Kanchenjunga at 8,586 m, the third highest peak in the world, towers over the land.

The Himalayan terrain is said to be extremely conducive to the growth of orchids, and some 600 species grow in the State. In fact, they can be seen flowering on the hillsides till August.

The Gangtok orchid show is held in a glasshouse made of plexiglass. The orchids are grown under controlled conditions in a specially designed orchidariums. The plants are temperature-sensitive.

Thus the display area is well ventilated, and efforts are made to recreate conditions akin to tree shade as orchids in Nature grow protected from direct sunlight.

The plants enjoy humid and warm climes, and burst into life when there is even a light rainfall. To keep the humidity levels high, there is a small water body in the middle of the display area.

The flowers are prized for their ornamental value. The Indian Council For Agricultural Research (ICAR) has set up a National Research Centre for Orchids at Pakyong, Sikkim.

One of the most important species, Cymbidium goeringii, is native to the State. Popularly called Noble Orchid, this small white blossom is the State flower. The research centre also protects endangered species. Walking through the orchid show is an experience by itself. Understandably, it is a paradise for shutterbugs. At every turn, you are bound to find different colours and mind-boggling variety.

Some of the irresistible species are the Pure Choice Susan, Abacus Pure Love, Splatters Spotted Velvet, Valley Splash, Green Spectacle and Porter’s Dream.

There is also an exhibition of flowers throughout the year, and the highlight is the rhododendron, of which 36 species can be found here.

The show is on near the White House Complex at Gangtok. Entry fee is Rs. 10, and visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. There are also two established orchid sanctuaries at Singtom and Deorali.

MURALI KUMAR K.

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