Ravangla is a beautiful town in the south of Sikkim, where you can enjoy the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and spiritual tranquility of the Himalayan region. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best places to visit and things to do in Ravangla, as well as some tips on how to plan your trip.
Ravangla is located at an altitude of 7000 ft, between Pelling and Gangtok, the two major tourist destinations in Sikkim. It is well connected by road to the nearest airport at Bagdogra and the nearest railway station at New Jalpaiguri, both about 120 km away. You can also reach Ravangla from other towns and cities of Sikkim and West Bengal by taxi or bus. Ravangla has a pleasant climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from September to December, when the weather is clear and you can get stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.
One of the main attractions of Ravangla is the Buddha Park, also known as Tathagata Tsal, which was built in 2006 to commemorate the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha. The park features a 130 ft high statue of Buddha, surrounded by a well-maintained garden and a serene lake. The park also has a meditation hall, a museum, and a Buddhist conclave. You can spend some time here admiring the majestic statue, learning about the life and teachings of Buddha, and experiencing the peace and harmony of Buddhism.
Another place worth visiting in Ravangla is the Bon Monastery, or Yungdrung Ling, which is one of the two monasteries in India belonging to the Bon sect of Buddhism. The Bon sect is considered to be the oldest form of Tibetan religion, predating Buddhism. The monastery was built in 1980 by Yungdrung Tsultrim, and has a unique architecture and design. The monastery houses a large collection of ancient scriptures, statues, paintings, and artifacts related to Bon culture. You can also interact with the monks and learn more about their traditions and practices.
If you are looking for some adventure and trekking opportunities, you can head to Maenam Hill, which is a popular trekking destination in Ravangla. The hill has an altitude of 10,500 ft and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trek starts from Ravangla town and takes about 4 hours to reach the top. The trail passes through dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, magnolia, and fir trees. You can also spot various birds and animals along the way. The summit of Maenam Hill has a small temple dedicated to Bhaley Dunga, a local deity. You can also camp here overnight and enjoy the sunrise in the morning.
Ravangla is also home to several other monasteries and temples that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim. Some of them are Ralong Monastery, Tumlong Monastery, Doling Gompa, Mangbrue Gompa, and Kheunpheling Carpet Centre. You can visit these places to witness the architectural beauty and artistic craftsmanship of Sikkimese people. You can also buy some souvenirs like carpets, shawls, wooden carvings, etc from these places.
Ravangla is not only a place for sightseeing but also for experiencing the local lifestyle and cuisine. You can stay in one of the many homestays or hotels in Ravangla that offer comfortable accommodation and delicious food. You can try some of the local dishes like momos, thukpa, phagshapa, sel roti, etc that are made with fresh ingredients and spices. You can also interact with the friendly locals and learn about their customs and festivals.
Ravangla is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. It is a place where you can relax your mind, body, and soul in the lap of Himalayas. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and explore Ravangla South Sikkim Tourism!
