Mahatma Gandhi Marg , M.G.Marg

This place is a ‘must visit’ because without it a visit to Gangtok is really incomplete. ‘Marg’ in Hindi means ‘Road’. So MG Marg means MG Road … all Indians will know that always an important road (if not the most important road) in any city or township in India would be named as Mahatma Gandhi Road or MG Road. Gangtok is no exception and this is the town center of the hill town.

The road and the area around it has transformed over the years. It is now more like a long stretch of open mall or boulevard square where locals and tourists take leisure stroll or just sit and relax on one of the many benches laid along the middle and both sides of the road to soak in the ambience.

The road is lined up with glittering shops, restaurants, cafes &Â bars on both sides. Many tourists take a table on a roadside restaurant and watch the activities on the street. It’s like a carnival like atmosphere out here. The annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival is held here at MG Marg in December.

The entire area is free of litter, smoke and vehicle. It’s a pedestrian only zone and vehicles are not allowed on this approximately 1km stretch of the road.

Smoking is not allowed either although I could not find any signs saying so. It seems all locals know it and will immediately warn you if you try smoking here. However I did notice a board right at one end saying ‘Welcome to M.G. Marg, Spit and Litter Free Zone’.

In line with government’s green initiative, all buildings on both sides of this road are painted green. TheÂ Statue of UnityÂ overlooks MG Marg. The statue comprises of the figures of Bhutia Chieftain Khye Bumsa, the Lepcha leader Thetong Tek and his wife Ngo-Kong-ngol.

The statue depicts peace, love and harmony. About midway is an imposing statue of Mahatma Gandhi. There are Victorian lamps along this road. When lit up after dark, the entire place looks magical.