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Ravangla
(South Sikkim) |
The town
of Ravangla |
 This
is a relatively new tourist spot in south Sikkim. Situated
at an elevation of 8000 ft the small picturesque semi town
on the Gangtok-Gaysiling highway, Ravangla is becoming a hot
destination for its breathtaking landscape and tranquility.
Ravangla is among one of the few places
in Sikkim to offer an undisturbed view of the snow ranges
of Greater Himalayas. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinialchu,
Mt. Kabru are just a few of the major peaks that are clearly
visible from here. Upper parts of Ravangla experiences snowfall
during winter. Thousands of known and unknown flowers are
in full bloom during April-May and Ravangla gets a romantic
look with the colours and fragrance of the flowers. |
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Trekking around Ravalngla |
 Ravangla
also offers some fabulous short treks. A 12 km trek from Ravangla
through the Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, Magnolia and fir forests
will take you to Mainam peak at 10,600 ft. Another 1.5 km
uphill trek leads to valedunga, a hilltop offering beautiful
view to the surrounding mountains. The entire trek route passes
through the Mainam Sanctuary which houses a rare collection
of Himalayan species like the red panda, Himalayan black bear,
leopard cat, black pheasant cat etc. |
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Around Ravangla |
|  Rayong
Sunrise View Point: At a distance of 8 km from Ravangla
on the road to Damthang is the viewpoint that offers spectacular
view of the sunrise, as the first few rays sun lightens up
the snowy peaks of Mt. Narsing, Jopuno, Kabur, Rathong and
Pandim.
Temi Tea Garden : At a distance of only 16
km from Ravangla, it is one of the most beautifully located
tea garden of Sikkim. The journey through the winding road
via Dentham is even more attractive. A 9 km trek from Dentham
through the Tendon sanctuary goes to a dormant volcano, an
unforgettable place to view Kanchenjunga and Singalila range
in the west and vast plane lands in the south. Even Pelling
in West Sikkim and Siliguri town is visible from the view
point of Tendong.
Ralang hot spring is situated at a distance
of 26 kms from Ravangla. The monastery on the way holds the
famous kagiang festival in December.
Ralang Monasteries : 13 km from Ravangla
are the two monasteries at Ralang which follow the Kagyupa
sect of Buddhism. The Old monastery was built in 1768 AD and
legend has it that the 9th Karmapa, head of the Kagyupa sect,
blessed the site of the monastery with grains of rice thrown
from Tibet. 'Pang Lhabsol' the worship of Mt. Khangchendzonga
& 'Kagyed' Chaam (masked dances) is held in the monastery
every year.
Borong & Ralang Cha-chu : Cha-chu or
hot sulphur springs at Ralang & Borong are traditional
winter spas where visitors spend a week or more soaking in
these springs that have medicinal properties. Ralang Cha-chu
can be reached after a 1 hr downhill walk to the Rangit valley
from the Ralang monastery. Borong Cha-chu is a 7 km drive
from Ralang and a further 45-minute downhill walk. Both these
hot springs are located along the banks of the Rangit River
and can be visited from December to February. For overnight
stays temporary huts are available at nominal rates but all
bedding and cooking utensils have to be carried along. During
the hot spring season small shops selling basic vegetables
& provisions are setup and the local villagers sell diary
products.
Mangbrue Gompa & view point: Located
8 km above Kewzing, the Mangbrue Gompa is also an excellent
view point of the mountains and hills.
Tashiding Monastery: Tashiding, located 39
km away from Ravangla, literally means the 'Central Elevated
Glory'. Built in 1716 AD, it is the most sacred monastery
complex in Sikkim and hosts the annual 'Bumchu' festival during
which the barrel containing holy water is opened and the level
of water foretells the year lays ahead.
Tendong: Trek starts with a 13 km drive to
Damthang & 2.5 hrs trek. Tendong peak (8500ft) offers
a spectacular 360 degree view of Sikkim & the distant
plains of North Bengal.
Menam (10, 800ft.): is located about 12 km
up from Ravangla which can be visited on foot. A traditional
meditation site for the monks, it is also a vantage location
for spectacular view of the mountains at sunrise. The trek
takes 2.5 to 4 hrs and winds through a thick forest of oak,
chestnut, magnolia and rhododendron trees. The forest is a
riot of colours during spring (March/April). A natural habitat
of the red panda, Himalayan black bear and many species of
deer, this area is designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Hotels in Ravangla |
Hotel
Mt. Narsing
Hotel Zumthang
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Ravangla Travel Enquiry
form (* marked fields are compulsory) |
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