One of the most visited places in south Sikkim is Ravangla, which is situated halfway between Pelling and Gangtok. This modest town is not designed to be a tourist destination; rather, it is a tranquil haven tucked away in the mountains, where you may decelerate and indulge your senses in the natural world. You may discover Ravangla, which many locals refer it as Rabongla, at an elevation of 7000 feet. Treks beginning in Ravangla are an excellent opportunity to take in the splendor of the mountains, even though the major streets are not in the finest location to offer stunning views of the Himalayas.
If they want to venture off the main path, they frequently use Ravangla as a base from which to visit other cities in Sikkim. Ravangla is a unique town with a wide variety of flora and fauna, charming little villages that encircle the main town and offer a glimpse into local life, breathtaking scenery, historic monasteries, and cultural events. Any traveler, Indian or not, will enjoy the vibrant celebration of the ancient festivities held here.
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Places to Visit in Ravangla
Buddha Statue
Another wonder of Ravangla is the Buddha Statue, a monument standing 130 feet tall and surrounded by lush surroundings. The location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes in addition to being a place of spiritual retreat.
Ralang Monastery
A specific Sikkim monastery isn’t like most. It’s distinct, featuring a skillfully crafted design and precise symmetry. Only on foot can you reach this special spot, 13km from Ravangla. This symbol of Buddhist splendor traces back to an old story. As they tell it, upon Sikkim’s fourth king’s return, the Karmapa spread blessed rice grains across Tibet. Some fell right where this monastery stands now. Hence, it was built at this very place. Each August, the monastery stirs up the Pang Lhabsol. It’s a yearly event where Buddhist traditions come alive in grand and lively fashion. Want to watch? Remember to confirm the festival dates before your trip.
Buddha Park
Buddha Park came to life in 2006. It was built on Gautam Buddha’s 2550th birthday. Sikkim welcomes it as a part of their pilgrimage tourism. A giant 130-foot Buddha statue stands proud in the park. The park has a stunning landscape and offers Himalaya views. It’s great, with the mountains seeming to float in the sky. Nearby, Cho Djo Lake enhances natural beauty even more. The park is man-made, yet it blends into natural surroundings. It feels peaceful. It’s a perfect place to breathe in the cool mountain air and meditate. The park houses a Buddhist conclave, a museum, and a spot for meditation.
Mangbrue Gompa
A hidden treasure with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains is Mangbrue Gompa. It is situated on top of a hill. It is the perfect place for introspection and contemplation because of the serene surroundings and unique Tibetan architecture.
Borong Hot Springs
The Borong Hot Springs is a healing retreat for unwinding. Encircled by lush greenery, these fundamental underground aquifers are believed to possess restorative properties, which makes them a well-liked option for revitalization.
The warm, mineral-rich waters provide a welcome diversion from the stresses of daily life by relieving tired muscles and lowering pressure.
Kewzing Village
The greatest venue to experience Ravangla culture is Kewzing Village. The village offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the locals with its quaint homestays and friendly greetings.
Bonn Monastery
The Bon Monastery, also known as the Bon Yung Dung Monastery, is a short distance from Ravangla in Kewzing. Yung Dung Tsultrim constructed this monastery in 1980. It is one of the two Buddhist monasteries in India that are part of the Bon sect. It is a center for studying Bon teachings that also offers accommodations for less fortunate pupils. It offers a peek into the daily lives of the young monks of the Bon sect and showcases various Buddhist artifacts, paintings, and Buddha statues.
Also Read: Legship Travel Guide
Best Time To Visit Ravangla
Ravangla In Winter (October To March)
Ravangla experiences bitter cold throughout the winter, with lows of below zero. Both during the day and at night, it is quite frigid. Wintertime in Ravangla is a fantastic time to explore, despite the cold weather. We suggest that you bring bulky woolen clothing.
Ravangla In Summer (April To June)
In Ravangla, the summer months have a temperate climate with 15 to 25 degree Celsius temperature ranges. Ravangla gets summer rainfall every now and again.
Ravangla In Monsoon (June To September)
Ravangla receives 300 cm of rain on average throughout the monsoon season. Strong winds can occasionally accompany periods of heavy rain. The range of temperatures is 12°C to 17°C.
How To Reach Ravangla
Ravangla By Air
Flying to Bagdogra, the closest airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, will get you to Ravangla quickly. It takes about four to five hours to travel 129 kilometers to get to the airport. One has the option of using a shared taxi or hiring a private vehicle. Several of India’s largest cities are connected by the airport’s regular flights.
The easiest method to go to Ravangla, which is 68 kilometers away from Gangtok, is to travel to Gangtok first, then take a car down to Ravangla. Sikkim’s closest town to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is Gangtok, about 125 kilometers away.
The good news is that Sikkim now has Pakyong Airport, which when it’s completely operating will connect it directly with India’s major cities. The airport is situated in the town of Pakyong, approximately 35 kilometers south of Gangtok. Situated at an elevation of 4,590 feet, this airport is the first in Sikkim and among the highest in India. Once it’s up and running, getting to Gangtok won’t take long.
Ravangla By Train
The closest train station to Ravangla is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 122 kilometers away from Ravangla. The easiest method to go to Ravangla, which is 68 kilometers away from Gangtok, is to travel to Gangtok first, then take a car down to Ravangla. The railway station has excellent connections to major cities, including Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata. It’s simple to take a private taxi from Gangtok to Ravangla after New Jalpaiguri.
Ravangla By Road
Ravangla is well-connected by road to the major cities of Sikkim and other parts of northeast India. By road, Ravangla is easily accessible from the surrounding areas. The easiest method to go to Ravangla, which is 68 kilometers away from Gangtok, is to travel to Gangtok first, then take a car down to Ravangla. To get to Ravangla, state-run buses and rented taxis are readily available.
Conclusion
Ravangla in South Sikkim offers a serene escape amidst the mountains. While not heavily tourist-focused, its tranquil ambiance, treks, charming villages, and cultural events make it a delightful destination for any traveler seeking natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Also Read: Pelling Travel Guide
Buy Sikkim Tour Packages Here: Sikkim Tour Packages
Frequently Asked Question
How many days are enough for Ravangla?
For how many days is the entire Ravangla covered? Two or three days should be sufficient to see all of the picturesque sights in and around Ravangla.
Is Ravangla worth visiting?
The ideal location for people who wish to go on quick hikes up the hills is Ravangla. The town’s surrounding hills and dense forests add to its attractiveness. Visitors come to this location to witness the numerous migratory bird species and to take in the breathtaking vistas of peaks such as Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt.
What is the entry fee for Ravangla?
You are welcome to visit Buddha Park from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It costs 50 rupees per person to enter.
What is Ravangla famous for?
Situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, Ravangla is renowned for providing an unparalleled perspective of the Greater Himalayan Range. Due to its ethereal beauty, Ravangla is a must-visit location in Sikkim for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway.
Is there snowfall in Ravangla?
The typical temperature is between 3°C and 10°C. It also frequently snows at this time of year, which can cause extremely low temperatures.
