Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee arrived in Gangtok on Friday on a four-day visit of Sikkim during which he will meet Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, his Cabinet colleagues and officials.

"I have been looking forward to this visit. This would enable me to see development works in the state. Sikkim has always been the centre of attraction for tourists from all over the country and I am very happy to be here," Vajpayee said.

Governor V Rama Rao and the Chief Minister received the prime minister at the helipad. Vajpayee was accompanied by his foster daughter Namita and granddaughter Niharika.

Security across Sikkim has been tightened in view of his visit. This is the first visit of the prime minister to Sikkim in nine years. Former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao had visited the state in 1994.