Ravangla

South Sikkim's one of the fascinating tourist places is Ravangla. Nestled between Pelling and Gangtok, the other two hot tourist destinations in Sikkim, Ravangla has emerged as a promising scenic site in recent years. Due to its close proximity to Maenam Hill and Borong, it acts as a base for the adventurous trekking to South Sikkim. In short, Ravangla is a Jack of all trades with its splendid temples, century-old monasteries, a plethora of sightseeing places, and adventure sports. At an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level, Ravangla is a perfect hill station for holidaymakers to wander around and relish the panoramic vista of the mighty Himalaya.

Planning to Visit Ravangla? Let North Bengal Guide help you to plan a tailor-made tour package that is not just pocket-friendly but also covers most of the finest destinations near Ravangla depending upon the package duration you choose.

Places to Visit in Ravangla (At a Glance)

• Buddha Park: Locally known as Tathagata Tsal
• Bon Monastery: Also known as Bon Yung Dung Monastery
• Ralang Monastery: Ravangla's one of the finest monasteries
• Maenam Hill: A trekker's paradise
• Ralong Hot Springs: Relax And Rejuvenate
• Temi Tea Estate: Lush green tea gardens
• Kewzing Village: Village with a bewitching view of Mt. Narsing and Mt. Kabru
• Rayong Sunrise View Point: For witnessing a splendid sunrise

Places to Visit in Ravangla (In Detail)

Curious to know which are the attractions you will get to see in and around Ravangla? Here are some of the most prominent places to visit in Ravangla that should be on your holiday itinerary. Now, let's have a look at the places in detail so that you become fond of Ravangla even more.

Buddha Park

Ravangla Tour stays incomplete if you don't visit Buddha Park. Among the locals, it is known as Tathagata Tsal which was started construction in the year in year 2006 and was finished completely in the year 2013. Buddha Park's major attraction is its 130-foot statue of Buddha. Apart from the statue, the park has walkways gardens, and enough space for the spectators to enjoy the beauty of this entire place. Cho Djo Lake is another attraction nearby which makes Buddha Park more enticing among the visitors.

Bon Monastery

Also known as Bonpo Monastery and Bon Yung Dung Monastery, this religious site should also be included in your holiday itinerary. It is the only non-Buddhist monastery in Sikkim. There are just two Bon Monasteries in entire India. The other one is located at Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Long before Buddhism in Tibet, during the 8th century, the Bon rituals were flourishing rapidly in Tibet. This particular Bon Monastery was established in the year 1980 by Yung Dung Tsultri. For those who seek solace and want a composed place to explore, this is one they should go to. Moreover, inside the monastery, you will get to see the beautiful paintings of Bon Demonic Buddha and Bon Deity. From the monastery, you will also be able to capture the amazing view of the surrounding hills and valleys of southern Sikkim.

Ralang Monastery

Another breathtaking monastery you may consider visiting is Ralang Monastery. From the main town of Ravangla, it is just 10 km driving distance away. The monastery falls under the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the other name of this monastery is Ralong Palchen Choling. The grand view of the huge collection of paintings, murals, and the thangkas make it quite a worth visiting place in Ravangla. The magnificent Tibetan-style architecture and the statue of Buddha outside are capable of bewitching any travelers visiting the monastery. Planning a tour in September? Don't forget to take part in the very popular Pang Lhabsol festival help at the monastery.

Maenam Hill

The trekker's paradise Maenam Hill is another prominent place to visit in Ravangla. The average altitude of this place is 3140 meters above sea level which is thriving rapidly as an alluring tourist spot known for offering the grand vista of the forest-covered hills and the complete panorama of Mount Kanchenjunga. Because of its offering of a sweeping view of the Himalayas, it is one of the popular trekking sites in Sikkim. By trekking, you can also visit the adjacent Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. This forest is the natural habitat of many wildlife species such as Barking Deer, Goral, Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Leopard-Cat, Civet-Cats, and more. Moreover, the birds found here are Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Magpies, Black Eagle, and Blue necked Pita, Sunbirds, etc.

Ralong Hot Springs

Popularly known among the locals as 'Ralang Cha-Chu', it is a hot spring adjacent to Ravangla. To make your mind and body refreshed, you should definitely bathe in the sulfurous rich water of Ralong Hot Spring. The surrounding picturesque setting covered with lush green vegetation and the serene ambiance makes you feel rejuvenated. The healing properties of hot springs are also capable of fixing many skin problems.

Temi Tea Estate

Those who want to experience tea tourism in Sikkim should definitely visit Temi Tea Estate. From the town of Ravangla, it is just about 20 minutes' driving distance away. Flanked on the gentle slope of Tendong Hills, Temi is one of the most popular tea estates in the entire state of Sikkim. Stretching over an area of 440 acres, the tea estate is the epitome of beauty in every sense and capable of bewitching its visitors with its immense tranquility, sweeping view of the surrounding hills, and the thickly wooded forest. Moreover, wandering around the tea garden, watching tea plucking, and clicking splendid photos for social media are some of the finest things to do here.

Kewzing Village

Love to witness the splendid view of mountains? If "yes", Kewzing Village is the place for you. At an average elevation of 1402 meters above sea level, Kewzing Village offers an astonishing view of Mount Narsing and Mount Kabru. From Ravangla, the approximate distance of Kewzing Village is around 9km. Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life; this village is nestled in the center of the peacefulness of the far slope secured with thick chestnut timberland. The inhabitants of the village are mostly Lepchas. You will surely be awestruck by witnessing their straightforwardness as well as the friendly behavior. With the help of the villagers, the Kewzing Tourism Development Committee [KTDC] and a neighborhood NGO, Sikkim Development Foundation (SDF) is trying to improve the tourism potential of this village.

Rayong Sunrise View Point

Craving to witness a splendid sunrise looming over the mountain peaks? You should visit Rayong Sunrise View Point then. From the center of Ravangla, Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint is just a 9 km driving distance away. To enjoy the great vista, you need to reach the viewpoint before dawn. The first ray of the sun being scattered in the entire valley slowly is truly a treat to watch and this view truly provides a permanent impact in the mind of the spectators. Being connected with several places like Deorali Dara, Tinkitam, and Gholey Bhir by the trekking trails, it is also one of the most preferred places for trekkers.

Things to Do in Ravangla (At a Glance)

• Relax and Rejuvenate at Hot Springs.
• Meditate in a Cave.
• Taste the renowned tea of Sikkim.
• Visit the Monasteries
• Shop for Souvenirs
• Trek through the Hilly Terrain

Things to Do in Ravangla (In Detail)

The following are the most popular activities you can indulge yourself in during your visit to Ravangla.

Take Bath at Hot Springs

If you want to get refreshed and have any aches or skin disease, take a bath at the hot springs of Ravangla. There are two hot springs at Ravangla. The one is at Borong and the other one is at Ralong. The approximate distance between them is just 7 km. The hot waters are high in sulfur making them excellent therapeutic properties to Relax and Rejuvenate your body and soul. Temporary tents and huts are there for night stay. However, you should carry sleeping bags. Being quite adjacent to the Rangeet River, you can soak in nature from these hot springs. Not just the locals of Sikkim, people from Nepal, Bhutan, and also from the other part of India visit these hot springs to spend weeks soaking in them.

Meditate in a Cave

If you are seeking peace, you can meditate in the four sacred caves of Sikkim. All these caves are located in Sangmoo village where Guru Padmasambhava did meditation once. Nestled amidst the calm and composed forested area, your distressed soul will find solace by mediating here for sure. There is also a small monastery nearby which was built in the year 1921 by a lama of the Kagyupa sect.

Taste the renowned tea of Sikkim

Not just Darjeeling, Sikkim also produces world-class organic tea. Sikkim's Temi Tea Garden produces tons of tea leaves every year. It is just about 20 minutes driving distance away from Ravangla. Located on the gentle slope of Tendong Hills, Temi is one of the most popular tea estates in the entire state of Sikkim. Stretching over an area of 440 acres, the tea estate is the epitome of beauty in every sense and capable of bewitching its visitors with its immense tranquility, sweeping view of the surrounding hills, and the thickly wooded forest. You can stay at the Temi Dak Bungalow which has a glass verandah overlooking a garden where you can sip a cup of tea. You can also visit the tea estate to witness the tea processing and packing.

Visit the Monasteries

Sikkim is full of monasteries. From Ravangla you can go for a sightseeing excursion to Ralang Monastery which is just 10 km driving distance away. The monastery falls under the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and locals also call it Ralong Palchen Choling. The grand view of the huge collection of paintings, murals, and thangkas will make you fall in love with this monastery. The magnificent Tibetan-style architecture and the statue of Buddha outside are also capable of bewitching any travelers visiting the monastery. A grand festival named Pang Lhabsol is celebrated here. You can be a spectator of this festival if you visit the monastery during the months of September or early December. You can also visit other popular monasteries nearby including Bon Monastery and Mangbrue Monastery.

Shop For Souvenirs

You can go shopping at Kheunpheling Carpet Centre which was established in the year 1878. This place is widely renowned for making carpets. To promote Sikkim's own handicrafts and the traditional handloom work, this carpet center was built. You can shop kurtas, shawls, carpets, and many other woolen products here which are solely made by Tibetan Refugee. All these beautiful products reflect the craftsmanship of Tibetan refugees. By buying their items, you will be delighted to support their work.

Trek through the Hilly Terrain

Ravangla is connected with several trekking trails which will lead you to some of the finest places and attractions of Sikkim. Maenam Hill is one such place vastly popular among the trekkers which offer a grand vista of the forest-covered hills and the complete panorama of Mount Kanchenjunga. By trekking, you can also visit the adjacent Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. This forest is the natural habitat of many wildlife species such as Barking Deer, Goral, Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Leopard-Cat, Civet-Cats, and more. Also, from Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint, you can trek to Deorali Dara, Tinkitam, and Gholey Bhir.

Best Time to Visit Ravangla

September, October, and November which are the months of summer are the best time to visit Ravangla. During these months in Ravangla, you will experience the soothing weather, clear blue sky, and the bewitching view of some of the most popular Himalayan peaks. Other season except monsoon can also be considered to visit this town.

F.A.Q about Ravangla Tour