Ganesh Tok — Attraction in Chandmari Ward

A visit, not far from the city, worth making for all - the devotees and the travelers alike The short trip leading up to the temple is journey in its own right. Among the many other good roads of the city, the one coming to the temple is ideal for a pleasurable long walk as much as it is favorite among bikers, both local and from elsewhere given how impeccably well maintained it is, for the whole stretch and even beyond the temple, with thick vegetation and tall trees overlooking on both sides. A little peek down across and one can see endless mountains usually covered in mist most part of the year when it's not brightly sunny. The temple sits perched upon an elevation with several flights of shallow stairs criss crossing all the way up, and can be climbed without much effort. Once on top, after paying obeisances, or even without, as the case may be, thin chance you'd think twice before grabbing whatever photography device you have and start capturing all that you can around the railed periphery, getting shots as far off as the horizon and the sikkimese design that the newly built temple has been constructed in. Once spent, you can just climb your way down and across the parking to a cozy, popular chai shop right behind a small souvenir shop that sells Sikkimese headgear, Keychains, wind-chimes, prayer flags and such. The ginger tea served at this chai shop is a must! Though there's a few more sorts of teas pick from, the simmering concoction of crushed ginger in freshly brewed tea is highly difficult to resist! Throw in a bowl or two of Alu Dum With Chura (a curried dish of mashed potato covered with fistfuls of red pepper masala), and you're sure to sweat even on the coldest day! Unless of course, a ginger tea followed by walking your way back into town thru the thick vegetation is your way of building some swear up. Word of advice: The road though well lit, could get isolated towards evening, so you might want to consider before walking...

Ganesh Tok Temple & View Point, Gangtok

Close to Tashi View point is Ganesh Tok, a temple of Lord Gansha. It's located at an altitude of 6,500 ft and at a hill adjacent to that of the huge TV Tower. Like Hanuman Tok, tourists come here not only to offer prayers to Ganesh, but also to soak in the views from the viewing lounge and the circular balcony around it.

You will need to climb a stair case to reach to the upper levels where the temple and viewing area are located. Mid-away along the staircase you will be required to take off your shoes.

The temple itself is quite small. However next to is the enclosed viewing lounge with glass panels. The balcony around is even better for the views. You can see the Gangtok town, rolling hill and the snow capped mountains including Kanchenjunga.

Amenities

There is gift and souvenir shop in the complex. Down stairs a few steps away is a cafe serving tea, coffee and various snack items like toast & omelet, veg momos, noodles, paratthas, cold drinks, bottled water etc at reasonable price. Ask them to put less sugar in tea or else they are very generous in making the tea sweeter than what you may like. But that I guess is the case in whole of Gangtok.

While veg momos are nice and served with sauce, I like the toast & omelet here. They sandwich the omelet in toast, cut them into triangular pieces and serve with ketchup

Admission

There is no admission fee at Ganesh Tok, however donations aer welcome. Just next to Ganesh Tok is the Pinetum garden. Take a stroll through the pine trees and enjoy the ambience.

How to reach

Ganesh tok is only 6kms from Gangtok Town. The standard local tours offered by the taxi drivers cover this as part of sightseeing. You can otherwise just hire a taxi and come here. Opposite to Ganesh Tok is the...

Ganesh Tok is a small temple and a loved viewpoint in Gangtok. Situated on top of a hill, the quaint place has mind-stirring views - the Kanchenjunga hill can be seen in its true form of glory from here and is at its best especially in the morning. The Ganesh Tok viewpoint, situated at a distance of 6500, offers stunning views of the mountains dusted with snow. The temple (dedicated to Lord Ganesh) is, however, so small that it can only fit one person at a time. The sublime place takes you a step closer to nature with its surreal surroundings and comforting ambience.

The Ganesh Tok Temple itself is quite small. Colourful flags are tied across the stairs making it stand out. There is a place where shoes can be kept safe, and hands can be washed before entering the temple. There is also a lounge and a balcony in front of the temple which is the main attraction of the place. The serene Ganesh Tok is surrounded by hills, landscape, and beautiful mountains. It is so overcrowded that the devotees have to go down on all fours to worship Lord Ganesha.

Hanuman Tok, dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated near Ganesh Tok at an altitude of 7200 feet at a distance of 11 km from Gangtok and offers an amazing view of the Kanchenjunga range. The temple has a religious significance attached to it and offers a peaceful surrounding. It is known for fulfilling the wishes of its devotees. Ganesh Tok should definitely be visited at least once to experience its beauty and break away from the monotonous routine. It is a perfect place for all nature lovers and...