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About
Ravangla |
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Ravangla or Ravongla is a small tourist town which is located
at an altitude of 7000 ft in South Sikkim district of the
Indian state of Sikkim. It is linked by state highway to other
major towns in the state and lies between Pelling and Gangtok.
It acts as the starting point for the trek to Maenam La
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Kabru are
just a few of the major peaks that are clearly visible from
Ravangla. Although the town of Ravangla offers great views of
snow peaks, but the peaks are best viewed from Reyong Sunrise
Point (8 km).
Flora
Upper parts of Ravangla experiences snowfall during winter.
During the months of April–May the place is enclosed by many
flowers including rhododendrons and orchids.
Avi Fauna
Ravangla attracts a lot of Himlayan birds and is a bird
watcher's paradise. Birds like Verditer Flycatchers, Grey
Bushchats, Blue-fronted Redstarts, Dark-throated Thrush, Blue
Whistling-thrush, Green-backed Tit and White-browed Fantails
can be easily spotted.
The forests around Ravangla have other avi faunal species like
Laughing thrushes, Cuckoos, Babblers and Hill Partridge. The
rare Satyr Tragopan can also be spotted in Ravangla.
Tibetan Community
Ralang Monastery, a Buddhist monastery of the Kagyu school of
Tibetan Buddhism is located about six kilometres from
Ravangla. |
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Location of Ravangla |
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Ravangla (2440m) is located on the ridge separating the Teesta
valley from the Rangit valley Ravangla is South Sikkim’s latest
tourist attraction. The prime attraction of Ravangla is the
unobstructed views of the snow peaks. Ravangla offers breath
taking views of Kanchanjungha along with its sister peaks of
Kabru, Pandim, Sinialchu and many others. Ravangla is located at
the foot of Menam hill, housing a small hermitage. |
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Tourist Attractions Near Ravangla |
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Ralang Monasteries
Ralang Monasteries are about 13 kms from Ravangla. Ralang
Monasteries are the two monasteries at Ralang which follow the
Kagyupa sect of Buddhism. The Old monastery was founded in 1768
AD and legend has it that the 9th Karmapa, head of the Kagyupa
sect, gave his blessings by throwing some grains of rice from
Tibet.
Borong & Ralang
Hot sulphur springs at Ralang & Borong are traditional winter
spas visited by the locals as well as by people from far away
Bhutan and Nepal. Hot spring of Borong are located about 7 km
north of Ralang.Visitors spend a week or more soaking in these
springs that have medicinal properties believed to cure many
skin & other ailments of joints, bones & muscles.
Rayong Sunrise View Point
Rayong Sunrise View Point is situated about 8 km drive from
Ravangla on the road to Damthang. The view point offers a
amazing sight of the red ball of fire emerging from the eastern
horizon and throwing the first rays of the sun on the snowy
peaks of Mt Narsing, Kabur, Jopuno, Pandim & Rathong.
Shiva Mandir
Shiva Mandir is located about 26 kms from Ravangla on bank of
the Rangit river at Legshep, the Shiva Mandir is a shrine
honored by the local people and an annual festival is held every
year during Shivaratri in February.
Tashiding Monastery
Located 39 kms from Ravangla.Tashiding literally meaning the
"Central Elevated Glory" is the most sacred monastery complex in
Sikkim and was described by Guru Rimpoche as the heart of "Beyul
Demazong".Tashiding Monastery was founded in 1716 AD the complex
is also the location of the "Thongwa Rongdol" Chorten. Just a
sight of this sacred Stupa is said to wash away one's sins. The
monastery is also honored for the "Bumchu" festival during which
the barrel containing holy water is opened and a small quantity
distributed to the devout. The origin of the water dates to the
time of Guru Padmasambhava in the 7th century AD and is said to
contain sacred soil, water & precious jewels from all the holy
place in India. The level of the water each year is considered
the indicator of the times ahead for this land.
Temi Tea Garden
Temi Tea Garden was founded in 1960s by the Sikkim government
under the last King, Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, the only
tea garden in Sikkim is located about 18 km from Ravangla. The
tea produced from this garden has a rare combination of liquor &
flavour and fetches some of the highest rates offered in the
international markets. A visit to Temi offers one an opportunity
to see the plucking of the tea leaves in the garden also to
watch the processing of tea in the factory.
Kewzing
Kewzing is a beautiful village which is located to the east of
Ravangla, it houses several monasteries including Mangbrue
Monastery.
Kheunpheling Carpet Centre
The carpet-weaving centre is in the Tibetan Refugee Settlement
Camp located just above Ravangla town. The traditionally
designed & woven woolen carpets produced here are amongst the
finest Tibetan carpets one can buy anywhere.
Tinkitam Village
Tinkitam Village is a attractive Sikkimese village which is
located about 6 km from Ravangla. Tinkitam Village is well-known
as the ancestral village of Bhaichung Bhutia, the famous
football star. But known only to orchid lovers this village is
also the natural habitat to a rare species of orchid -
Paphiopedilum fairieanum Or lady's slipper, as it is commonly
known. Unlike most wild orchids which grow on trees this
beautiful orchid is terrestrial and flowers in October /
November. An effort is underway to preserve the natural habitat
of this beautiful flower.
Sharchog Bephug
Sharchog Bephug is at Sangmo village about 8 kms from Ravangla.It is the largest of holy caves and it is said to extend into
the Menam and Tendong hills.
Rangit Water World
The dam built, across the Rangit river, for a hyroelectric
project has formed a unique water body. Situated 26 kms (1 hr
approx.) downhill from Ravangla, it is an perfect place to enjoy
a day boating in rafts, fishing, swimming & just having a good
time in the water.
Doling Gompa
Doling Gompa is located about 4 kms away in the Barfung village
amidst cardamom plantations, a hike to the monastery also allows
one a close experience of the rich flora & avifauna of the area.
This Gompa or monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism,
which is also the oldest sect and commonly referred to as the
Red Hat sect. |
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Trekking
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Menam
Menam (10,600 ft) is located about 12 km up hill trek from
Ravangla. A traditional meditation site for the monks it
is also vantage location for a amazing view of the
mountains at sunrise. The trek takes about 2.5 hrs to 4
hrs (depending on one's speed) 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 and the motto of
leaving only footprints & taking back only photographs &
good memories is required to be followed strictly to
maintain the area.
Tendong
A 20 kms drive to Damthang & 2.5 hrs trek takes one upto
the Tendong peak (8500 ft) for a spectacular 360 deg. view
of Sikkim & the distant plains of North Bengal. |
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How to reach
Ravangla |
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Ravangla is well connected to Siliguri, although direct jeeps
are difficult but break journey is possible at Jorethang or
Singtam. Ravangla is also connected with other tourist spot of
Sikkim, like Gangtok and Pelling.
By Rail
The nearest and major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
which is about 110 kilometers away and is 4 ˝ hours drive. New
Jalpaiguri station is well connected with the rest of India.
There is regular train service to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati,
Jaipur, Bangalore, Chennai, etc are available from there. NJP is
well connected to the rest of India.
By Road
Ravangla is a 4.5 hour journey from Siliguri by road. it is also
connected to Gangtok 65 kms (2.5 hrs), Darjeeling 73 kms ( 3.5
hrs), Pelling/Pemayangtse 52kms (2 hrs). Buses and taxis are
available from all these places.
By
Air
The nearest airport is situated in the town of Siliguri and
Bagdogra Airport is well connected to several cities in the
country. One can reach the place from cities such as Chennai,
Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. One airline operator offers
services from the city of Bangkok to Siliguri as well.From the airport you can opt for a taxi and reach the town of
Ravangla easily. The base rate for taxis is around Rs 7 per
kilometer. |
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