Ravangla
Description :
Ravangla is one of the most important and scenic tourist centers of West Sikkim. In Nepali the word 'ra' means ferocious sheep, 'bhang' means resting place and 'la' means pass. In earlier days herds of wild sheep used to rest here for a while and pass through the pass to the Minam forest. The beauty of this hill town situated at an altitude of about 8000 feet is truly indescribable. Against the backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Kabru, Mount Pandim and Mount Sinyolchu, Ravangla city like a green carpet is like a beautiful oil painting painted by an artist on canvas. Due to the slope of the mountain, snowfall occurs here almost every year. Then the nature here also takes on a more bushy and enchanting form to see. A lot of domestic and foreign tourists flock for it. 1.5 km from Ravangla town there is a Tibetan village which is called by many as the Tibet of Sikkim. The average temperature here ranges from 0° to 31°. The population is approximately 3600 people. A variety of flowers including rhododendrons and a variety of birds are also seen here.
Where to Stay :
There are various types and quality of hotels and homestays scattered around the city of Ravangla. However, keeping in mind the needs and convenience of tourists, we will stay in this well-equipped hotel in the heart of the city near Buddha Park. The monolova view of snow-capped mountain peaks and illuminated Buddha Park at night from the house will make a permanent place in the mind's eye forever. Each room has modern amenities including geyser, western toilet. Markets and hotels are available in the area adjacent to the hotel for shopping for essentials and gifts for family, relatives and friends. Cars will also come at the doorstep of the hotel for going to various places.
How to Reach :
Ravangla can be reached by reserve vehicle directly from Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra Airport. The distance is approximately 120 to 125 km. Besides, you can also reach this Ravangla town by reserve vehicle from the nearby Pakyong Airport. The distance is about 65 km. Other major tourist centers of Sikkim such as the capital Gangtok or Namchi or Peling can be booked directly from these places to reach here. The distance is 60 km from Gangtok, 26 from Namchi and 49 km from Pelling.
For those who have the benefit of getting a shared car, they can come directly from Sikkim Nationalized Transport Bus Stand (SNT Bus Stand) by taking a Ravangla-bound bus (one daily, leaves by 9 am). Also take the bus going to Namchi and come to Jordthang by shared car to Ravangla or any bus going to Gangtok or get down to Rangpo by shared car and get down to Gazing 70 km away by shared car or get down to Ravangla by shared car from Jordthang. Those coming from Gangtok or Peling or Namchi will get share cars from everywhere. Again you can come to Ravangla by share car from Siliguri by share legship.
Local Sightseeing :
Ravangla city has many places to visit. The main attractions here are Buddha Park and Ravangla Monastery. The breathtaking beauty of the illuminated Buddha Park at night will leave you speechless. Also see Ralong Monastery, Dalong Monastery, Tasiding Monastery, Minam Sanctuary, Valledunga View Point, So Jo Lake etc. Also visit Tibetan Village and Tibetan Carpet Factory. You can check Sikkim's only tea garden Temi Tea Garden and Sikkim's only hot spring Borong Hot Spring. Besides, those who are not staying at Namchi can visit Namchi Chardham, Sai Mandir, Namchi Ropeway Point along with Tare Bhir from here.
Expenses :
Rs. 4000 to 5000 for direct reserve vehicles from New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Bagdogra. Reserve car from Pakyong Airport Rs. 3500 to 4500. Rs. 3400 to 4000 from Gangtok. Reserve car from Namchi Rs. 1800 to 2200. Reserve car from Pelling Rs. 3000 to 3500. Rs. 380 to 400 taka from Siliguri to Ravangla by bus.
Share Car -
Siliguri to Ravangla Rs.550. Gangtok to Ravangla Rs. 250 to 300. Between Rs. 90 to 120 from Namchi. Rs. 200 from Jorthang. Rs. 230 from gauging. Siliguri to Rangpo Rs. 250. Kalimpong to Rangpo Rs. 150. Rangpo to Jorthang Rs. 250. Legship from Siliguri is Rs. 300. Legship to Ravangla Rs. 200. (Season, off-season, bereavement, natural calamities such as road closures or detours etc. will cause the car fare to vary).
Accommodation cost is 1200 taka per person per day.
Best Time to Visit :
October to March are ideal times to visit here.