Ravangla, nestled in South Sikkim at an altitude of 7,000 feet, is a tranquil destination offering panoramic Himalayan views, Buddhist heritage, and peaceful village life. This small hill town has emerged as a must-visit stop for those exploring Sikkim. Here is a complete travel guide to the popular tourist attractions in Ravangla, ensuring you experience its natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural richness to the fullest.
1. Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal)
Among the popular tourist attractions in Ravangla, Buddha Park stands as its prime icon. Featuring a 130-feet high statue of Lord Buddha, it is built amidst landscaped gardens with prayer paths, meditation spaces, and a museum hall depicting Buddha’s life. On clear days, the park offers breathtaking views of Mt. Narsingh and surrounding peaks, making it perfect for photography and peaceful walks.
2. Ralang Monastery
Ralang Monastery is the most revered monastery in South Sikkim, belonging to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is divided into Old Ralang and New Ralang Monastery (Palchen Choeling). The monastery houses vibrant murals, golden statues, and colourful prayer flags fluttering against the Himalayas. If visiting during Pang Lhabsol festival, you can witness mask dances and rituals unique to Sikkim’s Buddhist culture.
3. Samdruptse Hill and Statue
Located around 7 km from Ravangla towards Namchi, Samdruptse Hill features a towering 135-feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the patron saint of Sikkim. Perched atop a hill believed to be a dormant volcano, the site offers panoramic valley views and spiritual tranquillity. It is a must-visit for pilgrims and travellers seeking blessings before exploring the region.
4. Maenam Hill and Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
For trekking enthusiasts, Maenam Hill is among the top popular tourist attractions in Ravangla. The trail ascends through dense oak and rhododendron forests to Maenam Top at 10,300 feet, offering sweeping views of the Teesta river and Kanchenjunga range. The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary houses Himalayan black bears, red pandas, leopards, and numerous bird species, ideal for wildlife lovers.
5. Ralang Hot Springs (Ralang Cha-Chu)
About 6 km from Ravangla, Ralang Hot Springs are famous for their therapeutic properties, especially for skin ailments and joint pains. The sulphurous springs are located near the Rangit river and surrounded by dense forests, making it a serene spot for rejuvenation. Local pilgrims combine visits to Ralang Monastery and the hot springs as part of their spiritual journey.
6. Borong Village and Borong Hot Springs
Borong is a scenic village known for its natural hot springs, peaceful ambience, and panoramic views of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Sinolchu. The Borong Hot Springs (Ralong Cha-Chu) are a short trek from the village and are visited for their healing waters. Staying in Borong homestays lets you experience authentic Sikkimese hospitality and sunrise views over snow-capped peaks.
7. Temi Tea Garden
Located about 18 km from Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden is Sikkim’s only tea estate, producing organic tea of premium quality. The rolling green tea gardens against the backdrop of the Himalayas create postcard-perfect scenery. You can visit the factory to understand tea processing and buy fresh packs as souvenirs for family and friends.
8. Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint
Rayong Viewpoint, located 8 km from Ravangla, offers spellbinding sunrise views over the Eastern Himalayas. At dawn, watch Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Kabru, and Mt. Pandim bathed in golden light as birds chirp around. The peaceful environment makes it an ideal spot for meditation, photography, and simply soaking in the pristine mountain beauty.
9. Bonn Monastery (Bonpo Monastery)
Located near Kewzing village close to Ravangla, Bonn Monastery is unique as it belongs to the Bon faith – an ancient religion predating Buddhism in Tibet. The monastery is known for its distinct rituals, art, and teachings. It is quiet, uncrowded, and perfect for spiritual seekers interested in learning about lesser-known traditions of the Himalayan region.
10. Mangbrue Gompa
Mangbrue Gompa is a lesser-known monastery near Ravangla that offers panoramic views of Ravangla town, surrounding valleys, and distant snow peaks. It is ideal for peaceful contemplation away from crowds, featuring traditional architecture, prayer wheels, and fluttering flags adding to the spiritual ambience.
Best Time to Visit Ravangla
The ideal months to explore Ravangla are March to May for blooming rhododendrons and pleasant weather, and September to December for clear mountain views and autumn beauty. Winters (Dec-Feb) are cold but offer pristine snow views for travellers who love quiet mountain retreats.
How to Reach Ravangla
- By Air: Nearest airport is Pakyong (75 km) or Bagdogra (125 km). From there, hire a taxi to Ravangla.
- By Rail: Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (120 km).
- By Road: Ravangla is well-connected to Gangtok (65 km), Pelling (50 km), and Namchi (25 km) by shared jeeps and taxis.
Final Thoughts
This complete guide to the popular tourist attractions in Ravangla will help you plan a peaceful, enriching, and memorable Sikkim trip. Whether you seek spiritual rejuvenation in monasteries, healing dips in hot springs, treks through wildlife sanctuaries, or serene tea garden strolls, Ravangla promises an experience that refreshes your soul and connects you with the pristine Himalayan beauty.
