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Ravangla is a small
town and a tourist destination in South Sikkim District. Ravangla is getting
more popular owing to its spectacular background and serenity. Located at an
altitude of 8,000 ft, Ravangla is one amongst the few places that offer a
composed view of snow-covered mountains. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt.
Sinialchu and Mt. Kabru are some of the peaks that are observed from
Ravangla.
 Ravangla
appears in a romantic atmosphere, the whole town is colorful when myriad
flowers blossom during the months of April and May. Ravangla is also
getting popular for its short treks. It has Oak, Pine, Rhododendron,
Magnolia and Fir forests and Maenam Hill. A trek to Maenam Hill from
Ravangla takes around 4 hrs.
A further trek of 1.5 kms will bring you to Valedunga, which is hilltop
presenting a stunning view of the neighboring mountains. The whole trek
route passes through the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary that embraces a rare
assortment of Himalayan species. From Ravangla, one can also engage in
excursions to Rayong Sunrise View Point, Ralang Hot Springs, Ralong
Monasteries, Borong, Mangbrue Monastery, Tendong Hill, Temi Tea Garden and
Maenam Hill.
Trekking
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.
Ravangla - Places of interests:
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.
Location: South Sikkim District
Attraction: Beautiful Environs
Significance: A major trekking start-off
point
How to reach: One can easily reach
Ravangla by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis from Namchi |
