Ravangla or Ravongla is a place in the southern part of Sikkim that is becoming more and more popular with tourists every day. Ravangla is a small town at an elevation of 7000 feet and 25 kilometers from Namchi, the capital of South Sikkim. It greets and fascinates tourists with its simplicity, peace, and unobstructed view of the snowy peaks that stand like guards to the north. Ravangla is a place where calmness speaks. It's a real treat for the eyes to see the snowy peaks change from blue to pink to golden yellow.
It's time for you to let go! It's high time to stop settling down and start appreciating India for all it has to offer. Ravangla is a wonderful place to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sights of Sikkim, with the spectacular Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. Ravangla is the jack-of-all-trades and master of all Sikkim towns, with its abundance of temples, monasteries, sightseeing opportunities, and adventure activities.
How to Reach:
Ravangla, in South Sikkim, is a hotspot for ecotourists and adventure seekers. It is easily accessible from adjacent places like Namchi, Pelling, and Gangtok, and has good connections to other important towns in the state. Ravangla is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. Traveling by flight is the most convenient way to reach this beautiful land.
By train: The nearest railway station to Ravangla is New Jalpaiguri, which is approximately 110 kilometers away. When you arrive at the railway station, you can take a cab or a bus to Ravangla. Regular trains run from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station to major cities across India, making rail transport feasible and affordable.
By Road: Ravangla has a well-developed road network that connects it to significant places around Sikkim. It is also accessible from major states throughout the country. Private vehicles are easily available at regular intervals, however, hiring a car or riding the bus is the best option.
By Air: For those who prefer to fly, the nearest airport to Ravangla is Bagdogra Airport, which is 135 kilometers away. Ravangla is around 4 hours by car from the airport through Jorethang. When arriving at Bagdogra airport, take a cab or rent a taxi to Ravangla.
Best Time to Visit:
Are you a mountain buffs who desperately wants to see the Greater Himalayas in all their glory? If so, Ravangla is the place for you. Due to its proximity to the Himalayas, this tiny village enjoys pleasant weather all year round. It is recommended that you travel here during the summer months. Significant numbers of visitors also come in September, October, and November, when Ravangla is at its best. The splendour of the town blooming with unique flowers and clear vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan Ranges are only a few of the sights worth witnessing.
Ravangla in summer:
In Ravangla, summer begins in April and lasts till June. This season offers perfect conditions for tourists to soak in the magnificence of this location. This time of year, temperatures range from 25° C to 15° C. There is a possibility of scattered showers, which will make the weather considerably more pleasant. Summer is the greatest time to visit whether you are looking forward to a fascinating sightseeing tour or a thrilling outdoor activity.
Ravangla in monsoon:
July through September is the monsoon season, which brings persistent downpours and gusty winds. The average temperature during this time of the year is between 17 to 12 degrees Celsius. The entire town sees rain at this time, so going outside can be a little more difficult.
Ravangla in winter:
The winter season in Ravangla typically begins in October and lasts until March. The winters can be chilly, with average lows in the 3° C to 10° C range. Days are cool, and nights are even colder. Extreme cold and frequent snowfall characterise this time of year in Ravangla. If you insist on traveling to Ravangla in the dead of winter should pack enough of warm woolens to fight the bitter cold.
While Everybody Travelled to Shimla and Manali, I Found Peace in a Quaint Haven Called Ravangla.
10 Places to visit in Ravangla:
1. Buddha Park:
Tathagata Tsal, also known as the Buddha Park, is the primary tourist attraction in this area and is located close to the town of Ravangla. The 130-foot-tall sitting statue of the Buddha is a focal point of the park's beautiful design and can be seen from far away. The park is a part of the Rabong Gompa complex. On a clear day, the view of Kanchenjunga from the Buddha Park is spectacular. Buddha Park is nearly exclusively occupied by thinkers and international and domestic tourists who come to admire the scenic beauty of the memorial and its surroundings. Furthermore, Cho Djo Lake is located within the complex, adding to its allure.
2. Rayong Sunrise Point:
Just eight kilometers from Ravangla lies the Rayong Sunrise Point from where the Kanchenjunga looks absolutely stunning when it baths with the first ray of sun at the dawn. Rayong Sunrise View Point boasts stunning scenery, so be prepared to soak it all in. And when the sun peeks over the horizon in Bhutan, the Chola Range is illuminated with a breathtaking panorama that includes mountains such as Narsing, Kabur, Jopuno, Rathong, and Pandim. The beauty leaves an indelible mark on spectators.
3. Temi Tea Garden:
Temi Tea Estate, located near Ravangla, is the only tea garden in Sikkim. It's widely regarded as one of India's finest tea plantations. In the midst of fields full of ferns and grazing grasses, the road to the processing plant is marked by neatly pruned cherry blossom trees. The panoramas of Khangchenjunga covered in snow from the garden are well worth the effort of getting there.
Spend your weekend in the midst of ONLY Tea garden in Sikkim.
4. Maenam Hill:
Maenam Hill, at an elevation of 3,140 metres, is a popular place because it provides some of the best views of the lushly forested hills and the glittering Mt. Kanchenjunga in the background. Its verdant surroundings, adorned with meandering routes for hikers, offer breathtaking views of the charming town below and, on a clear day, further beyond.
The highest point in Sikkim, Maenam Hill towers over the state's two most important rivers, the Teesta and the Rangeet. Many endangered animal and bird species native to the Himalayas call this dense forest home. The tranquil and meditative atmosphere invites tourists to lose themselves in the hypnotic beauty of the surroundings and connect with nature. The picturesque village of Borong is only a short walk away from the peak of Maenam Hill.
Click here to read about Rahul's experience on the Maenam Hill trek.
5. Borong:
Borong, a picturesque village in southern Sikkim, is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Overflowing with beauty and charm, this location is a top pick if you're looking to spend some quality time in the presence of nature. The weather and environment attract many nature lovers from all over the world. Borong village provides a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains, including Kanchenjunga, Narsing, and Pandim.
Borong: A Himalayan Village Near Ravangla That Can Be Your Perfect Place To Rejuvenate.
6. Ralang Monastery:
Located six kilometres from Ravangla, the Ralang Monastery is a Kagyu Buddhist monastery. The monastery was renovated between the years 1975 and 1981, and in 1995, the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche established a new monastery that is today known as the Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute. This new monastery kept the traditional Tibetan architecture of the earlier structure.
When considering monasteries in Sikkim, none can compare to the amazing Ralang Monastery. Everyone who visits Ravangla should make a point to stop by this place. The symmetry and beauty of the monastery immediately put guests at peace. All the richness of Buddhist art is on display at Ralang Monastery in the form of its enormous collection of paintings and thangkas.
7. Ralong Hot Spring :
Ralong Hot Springs, also known as "Ralang Cha-Chu" by the locals, can be located near to Ravangla in South Sikkim. These beautiful pools of sulphurous water are actually natural steaming saunas with the medicinal capability to treat numerous skin problems. Because of its proximity to one of Sikkim's holiest caves, Ralong Hot Springs also has religious importance. This place is also a trekker's paradise, with numerous exhilarating trails and breathtaking vistas of carpeted hills all around.
8. Samdruptse hill :
Samdruptse is a mountain in south Sikkim, located 22 kilometres from Ravangla. At the top of Samdruptse Hill (an elevation of 21,34 metres), you'll find a massive statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. The height of this statue of Guru Padmasambhava is 148 feet, making it the tallest such statue in the world. It appears spectacular against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga Hills and the blue-painted sky, which is studded with gold that glitters in the sunlight.
9. Char Dham:
Char Dham or Siddheshwar Dham is a popular pilgrimage site in South Sikkim, and it is only about 30 kilometres from Ravangla. All of India's Char Dhams and the 12 Jyotirlingas are represented there. The hilltop of Solophok is home to a gigantic Shiva statue measuring 33 metres in height. At this vantage point, you can see for miles, including the valley below and the snow-capped mountains beyond.
10. Kewzing village:
Kewzing Village, in South Sikkim, is located at an elevation of 1402 m, not far from the town of Ravangla. From here, visitors may soak in breathtaking panoramas of nearby mountains such as Mt. Narsing and Mt. Kabru. Set far from the noise of the city, this picturesque village is situated on a hill covered in a dense chestnut forest.
Kewzing Village provides a secure environment for a wide variety of animals and birds to flourish in their native environment. When one visits this natural sanctuary and takes in the breathtaking views of the mountains against the backdrop of a brilliantly painted sky, they feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Kewzing: A Surreal Village In Southern Sikkim That Is Every Traveller's Utopia
Places to stay in Ravangla:
1. The Barfung Retreat:
This is the place to go if you want a calm, pleasant, yet offbeat and surreal experience. The resort is set in the middle of a forest, far from town. This place allows you to experience true Sikkimese hospitality while also providing all of the comforts of home.
Tariff: Rs. 4000 onwards.
2. Wild Flower Retreat:
This is the famous name in this region. Wild Flower Retreat is a destination by itself due to its location and the abundance of open space. Therefore, you can spend hours in our gardens, take a lazy stroll down the village road or the jungle trails. The retreat offers an excellent vantage point for watching rare birds.
Tariff: Starts from Rs. 2100 per night
3. Hotel Buddha Park Residency:
The Buddha Park Residency is one of the top hotels in Ravangla, and it features luxurious accommodations for guests. It is located next to Buddha Park and offers accommodations that are both spacious and have a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. You can spend your time in this hotel in the best possible manner that you desire.
Tariff: Starts from Rs. 2000 per night
4. Selep Homestay:
If you're looking for a retreat where you can get a feel of village life, consider Selep village homestay. For people travelling for business or leisure in Ravangla, this property provides a relaxing stay. Numerous attractions in Ravangla, such as Buddha Park, Ralong Monastery, and Doling Gompa, are close to this homestay. Travelers can unwind and relax here after a busy day. Here, you may get organic, fresh food.
5. Himalayan View Homestay:
Himalayan View Homestay is located in the lap of snow peaks mountains with clear vision of Mt. Narsing, Pandim, Sinolchu and even Kanchenjunga. Manjeel Gurung, the host of this homestay and his family are generous, humble, caring, fun-loving and try their best to make your stay unforgettable. Nature lovers would really enjoy the peace and tranquility of Borong with amazing views. Beside all these you can definitely get to know all the cultures and lifestyle practiced here and also the traditional methods including foods, cuisines, etc. You all can get the real feel of village life where only the peace environment exists.
You can contact Manjeel in this number : 8116246579 / 9735860060.
Are you ready for a vacation in Ravangla. This travel guide will surely help you a lot and make sure you must visit the places in Ravangla as mentioned earlier.
Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto and earn Tripoto Credits!