Buddha on Thimphu Hill

One of the tourist destinations for international travellers after landing at Paro International airport is Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. Bhutan is a wonderful destination for vacation for various reasons. It is indeed far away from the maddening crowds, for one. The natural beauty of the hill country, its unspoiled rivers and forests, hills and valleys, leisurely pace of life are all contributing factors for a peaceful holiday spend. 

For a traveler from a city of over 10 to 12 million people, Bhutan and Thimphu make very interesting study. The entire population of Bhutan is well below one million, actually around 8,20,000. The capital city of Thimphu is the biggest city and its population is just about 100,000. Its land mass area is about 26 square kilo meters, spread over the valley and hills.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Fortress) is a beautiful and grand building that houses the main government offices. It has a throne room and the King's offices, the secretariat and ministries of Home affairs and Finance. This 13th century building can be seen from a distance as the tourists move around the city. There are no traffic lights in the city. There is only one traffic policeman in the main junction of the city and he is a tourist attraction. Tourists stop near the junction and take his pictures. It is especially amusing for visitors from cities where the traffic hardly moves despite glowing green lights at traffic junctions. The city has three movie theatres, but only Bhutanese movies are screened there.

The Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the Thimphu city (see picture at the top) was completed in 2015. It is said to be the largest Shakyamuni Buddha statue ever built and sits on a mountain overlooking the city and the valley. The statue measures 177 feet (about 54 meters). The view of the city from the base of the statue is breathtaking one. The sight within the temple is also worth visiting and gives insight into Buddhism, Bhutan culture and way of life in the country. There are more than 100,000 small Buddha statues inside the temple each of which is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It is surrounded by 36 statues of Yakshis and each of them is different from the other.

Agriculture and tourism are the two major activities in Bhutan. One can see farmers selling their produce in designated market areas as well along road side in the highways connecting the three main cities, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Abundant quantities of vegetables are grown in the hill slopes and valleys. A type of red rice is grown in the valley taking advantage of abundant water resources and fertile lands in the slopes and valleys. Two crops a year are common and in some areas even three crops a year is grown. Selling local handicrafts, working as guides and drivers for tourists are other important job creators. Government jobs are sought after for the job security they bring.

The many rivers in the country provide opportunity for generation of hydro electricity. There are four major and several small electricity generating stations in the country. Electricity generation is surplus in summer and exported, mainly to India. The many resorts along the river sides provide delightful stay points for the tourists. Spending a few hours on the river front amidst nature in the front or backyard of one's room in the resorts is a delightful experience. The rich variety of Bhutanese food, trekking, fishing and a mere walk on the way to places of tourist interest make a visit to Bhutan a memorable experience.