Community-based tourism refers to the idea where the locals of any particular region invite the tourist to come to stay with them providing them with an overnight accommodation which in return helps the tourist to understand the local culture, lifestyle of the place in a better perspective...

Community-based tourism, wouldn’t just be referred to as the normal activity of tourism but it also needs to have key characteristics like indigenous leadership, sustainability, and cultural immersion. While staying with the community not only drives one closer to the community belief and life but also develop the feeling of sustainability as all the meals prepared by the community are from that of local agriculture, also it develops leadership over time. 

Sikkim the 22nd state of India is culturally as well as geographically different from the other states of the country. Communities, cultures, religions and customs of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. Ethnically Sikkim has mainly three groups of people viz Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. The state is known for its mists and clouds, forests with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli and a host of other flowers, rustling, tumbling streams and torrents, mountain monasteries and quaint shopping plazas.

 Referring to the residents of the state warm, simple and friendly with a nature gaiety who loves to celebrate, be it the chasing away of the evil spirit or the celebrations or the occasion of the New Year. Sikkimese offers “Chaang/Tongba” – a preparation from fermented millet that is served in bamboo containers with a hollow bamboo pipe. The Sikkimese culture finds expression in its beautiful arts and crafts such as intricately carved pieces of furniture (Choktse), highly embellished carpets or the artefacts of woven bamboo. The unique point of Sikkim is described as “The Land of Peace and Tranquillity”. 

The nature of the surroundings of the state could leave an individual astonished. The state has beautiful attractions to provide with the utmost support of the government so the movement of the tourist would be crime-free.

Talking about the tourism of the state is elaborated and a mix of different types of tourism activities.  Also, tourism accounts for one of the major revenue drives for the economy of the state. It is the third-largest industry for the state after agriculture and mining. Having recognized “Tourism” as a major engine of economic growth, employment generator and poverty alleviator, the State Government has endorsed this sector as the main civil industry of the State. Hence, improvements are made to enhance the efficiency of the industry for social and economic benefits and employment generation.  The success of tourism in the state is duly because of the continuous support from the government. Also, Sikkim is the first organic state in the country, but also the first one to have a policy on ecotourism.

Travellers from across the country, as well as the world, wants to experience soothing and heartwarming sustainable tourism. With the increase in awareness about the drastic changes occurring in our environment, travellers want to make a change in the way they opt for a destination and Sikkim has beautifully welcomed its gates by offering the privilege of cultural tourism. 

One must just not visit Sikkim for its beautiful landscape and snow-covered mountains and should also look for the hostile and friendly and welcoming support that the locals have to offer in the form of community tourism and very well engage in it.