Ravangla

Ravangla is a small tourist town situated in the South Sikkim District of Sikkim at an altitude of 8000 ft. It lies between Pelling and Gangtok. It is also the starting point for the trek to the very own beautiful Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. Ravangla also showcases the traditional Tibetan Buddhism Culture. The flora and fauna along with the magnificent Buddha Park makes this place worth visiting.

Ravangla is surrounded by many flowers including Orchids and Rhododendron. It also attracts many species of Himalayan Birds such as verditer flycatchers, blue-fronted redstarts and grey bushchats which make the small town more beautiful.

CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO VISIT RAVANGLA

Winter - If you are a chionophile, there is snowfall in the upper parts of Ravangla during the winter season. The temperature hovers between 2-10°c.

Monsoon - Ravangla witnesses heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Nevertheless, it has a pleasant temperature of 12-17°c.

Summer - Although the best time to visit would be during the months of April-May. Since, many flora and fauna are attracted during this time. The temperature would be perfect for visitors as it ranges from 15-25°c.

THINGS TO DO IN RAVANGLA

Ravangla is the only place where you feel like you can even touch the mists and get lost in it. You can wander here in the streets and enjoy the greenery which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Here you can see and feel nature at its best as you get to see extreme greenery and fresh winds. You can visit many beautiful locations in the surroundings and all of them hold unique beauty and quality experiences. There are ways you can explore the town like hire a bike, cycle, go for a short hike, stay at a homestay, go camping through your agency, trekking and just explore according to your comfort. Here is a list of things that you can do in Ravangla.

BUDDHA PARK

Aprrox. 1 km from the city of Ravangla is the main attraction of Ravangla, Buddha Park also known as the Tathagata Tsal. It was built between 2006 and 2013 and features a 130 foot breathtaking  statue of Buddha. The statue was consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 2013.

RALANG MONASTERY

Around 6km from Ravangla is the Ralang Monastery which is a key monastery in Tibetian Buddhism. The extensive collection of Painting and Thankas makes the Monastery different from others.

TIBETAN CARPET FACTORY

One can also choose to visit the Tibetan Carpet Factory of Ravangla where  the carpets are woven manually in a traditional Tibetan mannar.

HOW TO REACH RAVANGLA

By Road - Ravangla is about 65 km away from the capital of Gangtok and 120 km away from SIliguri, West Bengal. It is easily accessible from destinations in the state and outside as it is linked by well knit road networks through which we can get there

By Train - New Jalpaiguri Railway station is the one closest to Ravangla, which is approximately 110 km in distance.

By Air - The nearest airport to get here is Bagdogra Airport which is approximately 135 km and 4 hrs drive  from the Airport. Once a person reaches these checkpoints. Private vehicles can be found across regular intervals, or one can choose to hire a vehicle or take the bus to get to the destination.