Ravangla

In the foothills of Sikkim, there is a small village to spent your vacations at which is Ravangla. This town is located in the state's southern region at an elevation of 8000 feet. Ravangla is 120 km from NJP and 65 km away from Gangtok. 
Ravangla also known as Ravongla or Rawangla is in perfect condition, constrained by the earth's ability to sustain life and with a peculiar view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. You can escape the scorching heat of the fields in this strange hamlet because of its consistently mild temperature throughout the year. The village transforms into a picturesque setting throughout the Spring as various Rhodrodrendons and Orchids bloom. In certain circumstances, snow even falls on the top portions of Ravangla throughout the winter. The town of Ravangla also attracts bird watchers because it serves as a haven for several bird species in the surrounding woodlands. The Tibetan People have a space for Ravangla's residents.

How To Reach Ravangla

The well-known town of Ravangla is easily accessible by plane, train, and road. The methods for entering these alluring communities are discussed below.

By Air

You may decide to fly directly to Pakyong (PYG). The only airport in Sikkim is Pakyong which is 74 km from Ravangla in Sikkim. However, flights to this airport are not frequent because it is surrounded by mountains and clouds. Flying to Bagdogra International Airport is an alternative. There are frequent flights from Kolkata and other major cities to Bagdogra. Since flights to Bagdogra are more frequent than flights to Pakyong, this is the ideal route to travel to Ravangla via air. Ravangla is 125 km from Bagdogra Airport.
You must take a shared taxi or your own private vehicle to get to Ravangla from Bagdogra.

By Train

The railway station New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest one. The major cities of the country, particularly from Kolkata, have excellent train connections to NJP. To get to Ravangla from NJP, you must take a shared cab, taxi, or private vehicle. You can take an auto from NJP to Siliguri, where you can join a bus run by SNT (Sikkim Nationalised Transport) that travels to Ravangla.

By Road

The roads of Ravangla are excellent for driving. You can choose to drive to both locations if you would like. Drivers must be tough, though, as driving conditions on plains and hills are very different.

Sightseeing at Ravangla

There are a few Ravangla sightseeing destinations and one of it is Ravangla Buddha Park, sometimes referred to as Tathagata Tsal, is situated 1 km from Ravangla's major bus station. Ravangla Buddha Park is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Ravangla. The Sikkim government meticulously maintains what is essentially an eco-park.

The 130-foot-tall Buddha Statue that is located here is what gives the Ravangla Buddha Park its name making it one of the top places to visit in Ravangla Sikkim. The statue's construction started in the year 2006 and was ultimately finished in the year 2013. During the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha in the year 2006, the Sikkim government chose to build this location as a tourist attraction in Ravangla. On March 25, 2013, the 14th Dalai Lama officially opened Buddha Park. The state government established the park to promote tourism.

Buddha Park is beautifully planted with room for visitors to enjoy the outdoors and plenty of flowers and walkways. A prayer hall, meditation room, and museum that details Lord Buddha's life are all located inside the park.

The Buddha Park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and has an entry fee of Rs 50 per person.

Ralong Monastery

After Ravangla Buddha Park, Ravangla's oldest monasteries, Ralong Monastery, comes on the list of places to visit in Ravangla Sikkim. Ralong Monastery, which is 10 km from this picturesque town's main bus stop, is Ravangla's second-most popular tourist attraction after Buddha Park. Ralong Monastery is one of the revered monasteries in this state and is a part of the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

It is important to know that this is not the original Ralong Monastery. 3 km separate this new monastery from the original, which is still in existence. Only by a strenuous journey is it possible to reach the historic old monastery. This new monastery was built by the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche in 1995 as a tourist destination in Ravangla for this purpose. One of Sikkim's biggest monasteries is Ralong Monastery. This monastery houses a sizable collection of thangkas and paintings by Buddhist artists.

The monastic administration observes two well-known holidays. One is Pang Lhabsol, where Mount Kanchenjunga is worshipped. This festival is observed beginning on the 15th day of the Buddhist calendar's 7th month (August to September) and lasts until the 29th day of the Buddhist calendar's 10th month (December). Mahakala Dance, which takes place in November, is another celebrated event at this monastery.

Ralong Monastery is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Maenam Hills

Maenam Hill is situated within the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful Ravlanga sightseeing spot, is 12 km from Ravangla in Sikkim. It is one of Sikkim's top trekking routes as well as one of the best spots for sightseeing in Ravangla South Sikkim. At a height of 10,000 feet, the location provides a stunning view of the entire Kanchenjunga Range and the nearby Himalayas, which are dwarfed by the dense forest. On a clear day, the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong can be seen from the south of the Maenam Hills, while the Indo-China border can be seen from the north, overlooking the Bengal Plains.

The journey to Maenam Hills begins at 7000 feet and climbs steadily to 10500 feet. The journey through the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is 12 km long. The trek's path is steeply inclining, making it more challenging. For experienced hikers, the entire walk takes about 4 hours for the upward route and about 2 hours for the downward journey. However, it would take a lot longer for a regular person or a city inhabitant like us than it would for the seasoned hikers. So, while making plans to visit Maenam Hill, have a full day in mind.

The four resting places and an abandoned monastery may be seen on the approach to Maenam Hill, which is at the top of the hill. You can reach the Bhaley Dhunga, a rock spur that protrudes from one of the ridge tops and hangs in the air, by adding 1.5 km to this 12 km journey. You can do the entire trek in one day, or you can decide to stay the night at the summit and come back the next day. A permission from the Forest Office Department office in Ravangla is required to hike to the Maenam Hills. The hike requires a guide, which is offered at the Forest Barack itself. The guide assists you in choosing the right route through the jungle and in organising the permit as well as your food, sleeping bags, and other essentials for the journey.

March to May are the ideal months for this trek. The trip runs from 8 AM to 4 PM, and there is a daily entry fee of Rs 100 per participant.

Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint

Another spot for ravangla sightseeing is Rayong Sunrise View Point on the Ravongla-Damthang Road which is situated 9 km from Ravangla India. It is one of the most breathtaking vantage points and a must-see attraction in Ravangla Sikkim. You may enjoy the most magnificent sunrise over Bhutan's snow-capped Singalila Range and Chola Mountains from the viewpoint, which is located at an elevation of 6700 feet. The peak points of Mount Narsing, Mount Jopuno, Mount Kabru, Mount Rathong, Mount Pandim, and other Himalayan ranges can also be used to obtain a glimpse of the dawn in addition to these two ranges. One must make a short foot climb to get to the viewpoint. Also from here, a hiking track leads to Deorali Dara and Gholey Bhir.

This viewpoint is accessible from 6 AM to 6 PM. To experience the vivid sunrise over the white peaks, it is advisable to arrive at this location before sunrise.

Borong

A few km separate Ravangla from the little, charming village of Borong which is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Ravangla Sikkim. It is a captivating location with a lot of natural beauty and also to enjoy Ravangla weather. One can choose this charming area if they want to get away from Ravangla's urban vibe. Since Borong is not that far away from Ravangla in Sikkim, one can finish all of the city's sightseeing from there. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Borong by its tranquil environment and stunning natural surroundings. From here, one may see Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, and Mount Narsing on a clear day. Additionally, this location acts as an overnight stop for hikers departing from Ravangla on other treks. One night in this stunning location will do it, I assure you.

Borong Hot Spring

The tiny settlement of Borong, which is located 21 km from Ravangla, is where you will find the Borong Hot Spring. It is yet another beautiful places to visit in ravangla sikkim. This hot spring is reachable from Ravangla by day journey or with a stopover in Borong. To get to the Hot Spring from Borong, a 3 km downhill hike is required. Although the distance is short, one must keep in mind that the walk is difficult because of the steep slope.

By the bank of the Rangit River is where you will find Borong Hot Spring. Locally, this spring is referred to as Borong Tsa-Chu. The sulphur found in the waters of Borong Hot Spring is widely renowned for its medicinal properties, which can treat a wide range of illnesses. Both locals and tourists frequently come here to unwind by taking a dip in the warm water. For hikers, Borong Hot Spring is a haven of tranquilly. By the hot spring, one can also see a variety of birds and vibrant butterflies.

A few temporary cottages are available for a night's stay by the hot spring. More trekkers than typicaltourists spend the night in these shelters. If you decide to spend the night at one of these cottages, make sure to bring your own bedding and cooking utensils because they are not provided. From 7 AM to 5 PM, Borong Hot Water Spring is open.

Best Time to Visit Ravlanga in Sikkim

Being a mountainous village, Ravangla provides you various views throughout the year. The optimum times to visit Ravangla depend on the view you wish to see, as mentioned below: 

Visiting Ravangla between the months of March and June is among the ideal times to do it. Temperature of Ravangla is calm throughout this period, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees centigrade. Throughout addition, you have the option of travelling to Ravangla in October through November.

During these two months, the days are still pleasant while the nights get cooler. You can visit during these two months even though the temperature of Ravangla gets a little chilly and enjoy the gorgeous sight of a blue sky with fluffy white clouds floating in it and a clear view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Visit this picturesque village of Ravangla between the months of December and February if you enjoy chilly weather and want to see snowfall. If you intend to travel during these months, don't forget to pack enough of warm clothing because temperatures can fall below 0 degrees Celsius.

Where to stay in Ravlanga India

There are quite a few Ravangla hotels where you can stay which offers a beautiful sight of the mountains. If you visit during winters when the temperature of Ravlanga is quite chilly you will find rooms with the view of snow capped mountains. Another popular way to spend the nights at Ravlanga South Sikkim is to stay at the Ravlanga homestays.