Sikkim has many beautiful villages, hamlets and towns that have some of the most picturesque attractions and hidden gems. One such town is Ravangla, located in Namchi District of South Sikkim. This little town has refulgent Buddhist monasteries. The long stretch of the green and aromatic Temi Tea Estate is gorgeous to explore. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the Tibetan architecture of Bonn monastery. And what to say about the flora and fauna in Ravngla— it’s a nature lover’s paradise. There are many such interesting and awe-inspiring places and sights to discover in Ravangla. If you haven’t been here before, take this as a sign and add it to your Sikkim travel list. Scroll below to see a compiled list of best activities to do and attractions to explore in Ravangla.
Top 7 Exciting Attractions & Activities in Ravangla, Sikkim
- Experience Serenity at Buddha Park
- Visit Temi Tea Estate and Taste the Best Sikkim Tea
- Explore Kewzing Village and Watch Mountain Views
- Admire the Tibetan Architecture of Bonn Monastery
- Visit Ralong Monastery and Meditate
- Observe Flora and Fauna at Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Take a Healing Dip in Borong Hot Springs
1. Experience Serenity at Buddha Park
The most prominent attraction in Ravangla is the Buddha Park. This park has an ornamented copper and statue approximately 130 ft. The Budhha’s robe is painted in the shade of cobalt blue with a golden border. The backdrop behind the massive Buddha statue renders it all the more glory. One can see clear blue skies, snow capped peaks, and smelled mountains covered with forests.
If you want to capture some scenic shots of Buddha Park, visit in the evening or right before the sunset. The park and statue looks even more beautiful during the golden hours and when the lights of the park are turned on. People of all ages can visit this park and admire its beauty. You can spend time walking on open pathways in the park and soak in the peaceful vibes.
Timings: Opens everyday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person.
2. Visit Temi Tea Estate and Taste the Best Sikkim Tea
Temi tea estate or Temi tea garden is the only tea producing estate in Sikkim. It produces top quality tea that is sold both in local and international markets. This tea garden was established in 1969 by King Palden Thondup Namgyal. The garden is located between Damthang and Temi Bazaar. Go for a nature walk in this garden and learn about the production and cultivation of tea leaves. You will find different types and varieties of tea grown here, namely orthodox black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea. You can take a tea tour and go for a tea tasting session. If you are a tea lover, watch the process of plucking tea leaves, segregating and packaging.
Timings: There are no specific timings. But you can visit between 7 AM to 9 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹60 per person.
3. Explore Kewzing Village and Watch Mountain Views
Kewzing village is just near Ravangla and a wonderful place to explore on your Sikkim trip. This village is all about beautiful landscapes, fragrant cardamom forests, and mountain views. The warmth, friendliness and good vibes of its local people touches your heart. The word Kewzing translates to “the land of wheat fields” and is inhabited by people of Bhutia community. Once you reach here, you will notice the village is surrounded by monasteries from all directions. You will also get the majestic views of Mt. Narsing and Mt. Kabru. Visiting Kewzing is an excellent way to experience village tourism in Sikkim. You can choose a homestay for accommodation and learn more about the Sikkimese way of life.
4. Admire the Tibetan Architecture of Bonn Monastery
Just 5 kilometres from Kewzing village you will come across the beautiful Bonn Monastery. Belonging to the Bonn sect of Sikkim, this monastery was established by Yung Dung Tsultrim in the 1980s. The Bon faith once thrived in Tibet in the 8th century AD before the arrival of Buddhism. However later the rituals, practices and traditions of Bon faith were assimilated into Buddhism. Since Bonn was practised in Tibet, the monastery carries a remarkable showcase of Tibetan architecture on its exteriors. From time to time, the monastery also holds ceremonies, festivals and cultural events. The best time to visit this monastery is during Budhha Purnima.
Timings: 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free entry but you can always donate.
5. Visit Ralang Monastery and Meditate
Another significant and revered monastery in Ravalang is Ralang Monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It is believed to be established in 1768 AD and was constructed by the 4th Chogyal of Sikkim after successfully completing his pilgrimage to Sikkim. The monastery belongs to the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside the monastery, you will see beautiful murals, paintings, scriptures and other artwork related to Buddhism. Find a quiet corner and take some time to reflect and meditate. You can also take your camera inside and do some photography. Enjoy the scenic view of the Himalayas from this monastery. After exploring the monastery, try some snacks in the nearby canteen— their steamed momo is a must try.
- Timings: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free entry
6. Observe Flora and Fauna at Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
Ravangla also provides a wonderful escape for nature and wildlife lovers. Feel the wilderness of Maenam by walking on designated trails and exploring nature up close and personal. This wildlife sanctuary sits at an altitude of 10,600 ft above sea level. Speaking of flora and plants, Maenam sanctuary is called the treasure-house of medicines for the amount of medicinal plants that grow here. When it comes to fauna, you can spot animals and birds like Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Black Eagle, and Blue necked Pita, Sunbird, etc. While visiting the sanctuary, respect the natural surroundings and do not litter the streams or the forest.
Timings: The sanctuary is open 24 hours a day, but one should only visit during the morning hours between 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹110 for foreign visitors and ₹55 for Indian visitors
7. Take a Healing Dip in Borong Hot Springs
The Borong hot spring or Borong Chu Chu is 15 km drive from Ravangala. You have to walk downhill to reach the hot spring which is under a mountain. The pathway can be a little rough so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. The walk would be anywhere 35 to 50 minutes, depending on your speed. And a pro tip: always visit the hot spring with a local. They can guide you the correct way to reach here because sometimes google maps don’t work.
Just for a heads up, the water in the hot springs is quite searing. Do not take an all aggressive plunge in the hot spring. Rather slowly and steadily allow yourself to immerse in the water and let the temperature adjust with your body. It’s all about how much your body can tolerate the warmth of the temperature. But don’t worry, the cool hilly breeze comforts you as you dip yourself in water. The hot spring is known for its medicinal properties that can relieve body pain, stress, and release tension from your muscles.
Timings: Visit Borong Hot Spring between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Fee Entry
This concludes the top seven places to visit and things to do in Ravangla, Sikkim. This village is filled with wonderful monasteries, hamlets and the beautiful Temi tea Garde. Add Ravangla in your Sikkim tour packages and return home with pleasant memories.
