Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary or Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary occupies 104 km2 in the Singalila Range in western Sikkim. It borders on Nepal to the west, and on the state of West Bengal to the south across the Rambong Khola stream. The rhododendrons bloom during March and April.
| Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
| Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary | |
 | |
  Location in Sikkim, India | |
| Location | South Sikkim District, Sikkim |
| Nearest city | Soreng |
| Coordinates | 27°11.65′N 88°7.10′E |
| Area | 104 km2 (40 sq mi) |
| Established | 2004 |
| Governing body | Government of India, Government of Sikkim |
Fauna
Spotted Laughingthrush
Access
The Varsey Sanctuary can be reached from three points, Hilley, Dentam and Soreng. The most popular entry is Hilley since it is approachable by road and Varsey is only 4 km trek from this point along an undulating path shaded by different species of rhododendron.
Tourism
Sikkim government has an arrangement for tourists to stay on top of the hill in a forest barrack. There are now several home-stays at the entrance of Versay Rhododendron Sanctuary as well as at Okhrey, which is a small village inhabited by mainly the Sherpa community.
References
- Dutta, Rangan (3 October 2004). "Next weekend you can be at... Varsey". The Telegraph (India). Retrieved 25 August 2009.
- Atreya, Sarikah (11 January 2008). "Flower-decked trails". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
External links
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary travel guide from Wikivoyage
Media related to Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary at Wikimedia Commons