If you are planning to visit Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, you cannot miss MG Marg, the main street and shopping hub of the town. MG Marg, short for Mahatma Gandhi Marg, is a pedestrian-only zone that is lined with colourful buildings, shops, restaurants, bars, and statues. It is the perfect place to experience the culture, cuisine, and lifestyle of Gangtok and Sikkim.
MG Marg has a rich history and significance, as it was the site of many political and social movements in the past. Today, it is a symbol of the harmony and diversity of Sikkim, as it hosts the annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival, which showcases the various cuisines and traditions of the state. MG Marg is also known for its cleanliness, green initiative, and smoke-free and vehicle-free policy, which make it a pleasant and eco-friendly place to visit.
In this article, we will tell you why you should visit MG Marg Sikkim, and what to do, see, and eat there. We will also give you some tips on how to reach MG Marg from different locations, and what to expect and enjoy there. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences on MG Marg. So, read on and get ready to explore the heart and soul of Gangtok.
Why You Should Visit MG Marg Sikkim
MG Marg Sikkim is a must-visit destination for anyone who visits Gangtok or Sikkim, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit MG Marg Sikkim:
1. MG Marg Shopping
One of the main attractions of MG Marg is its shopping scene, which offers a wide range of products and items that reflect the culture and heritage of Sikkim. You can find everything from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, tea, and books, to Thangkas, Choktse, and Sikkimese knives. Thangkas are traditional Buddhist paintings on silk or cotton, which depict various deities and scenes from the life of Buddha. Choktse are wooden tables with intricate carvings, which are used as furniture or decorative pieces. Sikkimese knives are curved blades with ornate handles, which are used as weapons or tools.
Some of the best places to shop on MG Marg are Lal Bazaar, New Market and Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom.
Shopping hours are usually from 10 am to 8 pm, but some shops and markets may close earlier or later, depending on the season and the day. The best time to shop is in the morning or the evening, when the weather is cooler, and the crowd is lesser.
2. Restaurants and Bars at MG Marg
Another reason to visit MG Marg is its restaurants and bars, which offer a variety of cuisines and drinks to suit every taste and budget. You can find local, regional, and international dishes, such as Sikkimese, Tibetan, Nepali, Chinese, and Continental, as well as some fusion and experimental options. You can also find some of the best places to drink and party on MG Marg, as it has some of the most popular and lively pubs and clubs in Gangtok.
Some of the best places to eat and drink on MG Marg are The Coffee Shop, Taste of Tibet, Baker’s Cafe and Pub 25.
Eating and drinking hours are usually from 10 am to 10 pm, but some restaurants and bars may open earlier or later, depending on the season and the day. The best time to eat and drink is in the afternoon or the evening, when the weather is cooler and the mood is more festive.
3. Gangtok Food and Culture Festival
One of the highlights of MG Marg is the Gangtok Food and Culture Festival, which is an annual event that takes place on MG Marg in December, showcasing the diverse and rich food and culture of Gangtok and Sikkim. The festival is a celebration of the harmony and diversity of Sikkim’s people and traditions, as it features various cuisines, dances, music, art, and crafts from different communities and regions of the state.
The festival is organized by the Tourism Department of Sikkim, in collaboration with various associations and organizations, such as the Sikkim Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, the Sikkim Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department, and the Sikkim Arts and Crafts Association.
The festival dates and timings are usually from December 15 to December 20, from 10 am to 10 pm, but they may vary depending on the year and the weather. The best time to attend the festival is in the afternoon or the evening, when the weather is cooler and the atmosphere is more festive. The festival entry is free, but you may have to pay for some of the food, drinks, and activities.
4. Statue of Unity and Statue of Mahatma Gandhi
One of the landmarks of MG Marg is the Statue of Unity and the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi, which stand on opposite ends of the street, representing the unity and peace of Sikkim and India. The statues are made of bronze and are about 10 feet tall. They are surrounded by fountains, flowers, and flags, creating a beautiful and patriotic scene.
The statues are open to the public, and can be visited at any time of the day. However, the best time to visit them is in the morning or the evening, when the weather is cooler and the lighting is better. You can also visit them during the national holidays, such as Republic Day and Independence Day, when the statues are decorated and illuminated, and special ceremonies and programs are held.
5. Victorian Lamps and Benches
One of the features of MG Marg that adds to its charm and elegance are the Victorian-style lamps and benches that line the street, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance. The lamps and benches are part of the green initiative of MG Marg, as they use solar energy and recycled materials, making them eco-friendly and sustainable. The benches are designed to resemble the benches that were used in the Victorian era, which were also a period of British history from 1837 to 1901, when Queen Victoria reigned.
The lamps and benches are free to enjoy, but you may have to share them with other visitors, as they are limited in number and in demand.
How to Reach MG Marg Sikkim
MG Marg Sikkim is easy to reach from different locations, as it is well-connected and accessible by various transport options, such as air, rail, road, and local transport. Here are some of the ways to reach MG Marg Sikkim from different locations:
By Air
The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport, which is located in West Bengal, about 125 km away from Gangtok. You can take a flight from major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati, to Bagdogra Airport, and then take a taxi or a bus to Gangtok.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is located in West Bengal, about 120 km away from Gangtok. You can take a train from major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati, to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, and then take a taxi or a bus to Gangtok.
By Road
Gangtok is well-connected and accessible by road from different towns and cities in Sikkim and neighbouring states, such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Pelling, and Lachung. You can take a taxi, a bus, or a shared jeep to reach Gangtok, and enjoy the scenic views and the adventure along the way.
MG Marg Sikkim is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. You can shop, eat, drink, party, and enjoy the culture and the festival on MG Marg, and admire the statues and the lamps that add to its charm and elegance. You can also reach MG Marg easily and conveniently from different locations, by using the various transport options available. MG Marg Sikkim is the heart and soul of Gangtok, and a must-visit destination for anyone who visits Sikkim.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive and informative guide to MG Marg Sikkim, and has inspired you to visit this vibrant and charming street.
