A small town situated on the ridge between the Meanam and Tendong hills Ravangla has turned into a natural tourist resort for its magical snow view and tranquility. At an altitude of 7000 feet Ravangla is a newly created off-beat tourist destination in South Sikkim.Surrounded by high-forested hills, undulating valleys dotted with village huts Ravangla is an ideal place for short treks and bird watching. Surrounding Lepcha and Bhutia villages of Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing, Barfung & Bakhim are ideal for short village tours. Situated in the southern part of Sikkim at a distance of 70kms from Gangtok, it is a perfect destination for village tourism.With rich natural diversity, the exotic flora and fauna in virgin forest, lofty snow mountains, waterfalls, picturesque tea gardens, quaint villages, hospitable villages, ethnic culture, old monasteries and fresh atmosphere, Ravangla is becoming a popular tourism destination. A few very old monasteries around Ravangla namely Bonn Monastery, Ralong Monastery, old historical market of Kewzing, along with few mysterious caves are some of the major attractions in the area.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: –
Gangtok and Pelling has the nearest helipads served by Helicopter, but helicopter has to be chartered. Nearest and major airport from Ravangla is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) nearly 135 kilometers and is 4 hours drive from Ravangla via Jorethang. Bagdogra airport is served by regular Indian, Spice jet, Kingfisher, and Jet Airways flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi.
By Rail:–
The nearest and major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is nearly 110 kilometers away and is 4 ½ 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.
ByRoad–
Roads are good and the vast network of road in Sikkim is well connected with the rest of the destinations of the region. Gangtok is nearly 65 kilometers away from Ravangla. Approximately 70 kilometers from Kalimpong and 90 kilometers from Darjeeling, Ravangla is ideally located in West Sikkim and close to Pelling (55 Kilometers), 90 kilometers from Yuksom and nearly 40 kilometers from Namchi. The roads are picturesque. Private vehicle ply at regular interval to all the tourist destinations but it is advisable to hire a vehicle..
WHAT TO SEE
Rayong Sunrise point:-
At a distance of 8kms from Ravangla on the way to Dentham, Rayong is known for its magnificent snow view over the Kanchenjunga Mountains particularly at the Sunrise.
Kheunpheling Carpet center:-
A Tibetan Refuge Settlement Camp cum Carpet weaving Center is located just above the Ravangla Market. A good place for buying carpets and shawls traditionally woven and designed by the Tibetans.
Sikip:-
Located on the banks of river Rangeet in a natural surrounding is an excellent fishing spot and river campsite.
Phur-cha-chu (Hot Springs):–
Ideal spot for bird watching and butterflies.
At 8 kms from Legship and 34 km from Ravangla towards Naya Bazaar on the banksof river Rangit, lies the popular Hot Sulphur Springs. Its great medicinal values as well as religious importance attract many tourists and local devotees. The place is also important for two sacred caves Khandosangphu and Sharchog Begphu, where the great Buddhist Saint Padmashambhava is believed to have meditated during His journey to Tibet in 7th century.
Tendong Hill:-
At an altitude of 8530 ft the Tendong Hill is one of the most prominent landmarks of the area. Tendong is immersed in myths and lore passed down through generations of the ethnic Lepchas. Tendong, believed to be a dormant volcano, offers a beautiful short trek through forested hill tracts. The hilltop offers a 360-degree panorama view of Sikkim Snow Mountains and distant plains of Bengal.
Maenam Hill:–
The Maenam Hill at 10,300 ft towers over South Sikkim with Tendong on one side and Ravangla Bazaar on the other. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the plains of West Bengal and a Himalayan span of the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a kind of rocky spur, which juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang Village. The trek to Meanam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Maenam hilltop one has the option to take the gentle walk down to Borong village or the more treacherous trails taken by the famous British Botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker, down to Yangang village.
FOOD:-
In market street best momos in town