Ravangla Hotel Cloudsend Retreat and Cafe

RAVANGLA

Ravangla is a pass or a sub divisional headquarters of South district of Sikkim, India lies at an elevation of about 7000 ft above sea level. Geographically Ravangla saddled on the lap of Mainam hills and is guarded by Mainam peak on one side and the other side is guarded by Tendon. Ravangla is a pristine destination from where one can go at any direction around Sikkim. From Ravangla one can visit the entire South Sikkim along with Namchi, Borong and Temi Tea Garden. Ravangla can be easily visited from Gangtok at a distance of about 66 km. Situated on the state highway between Gangtok and Pelling. And Pelling lies at a distance of about 52 km from Ravangla. Ravangla also acts as a gateway to the famous Mainam Wildlife Sanctuary trek route. Ravangla lies at a distance of about 121 kilometer from Siliguri and 127 kilometer from New Jalpaiguri Railway station. Though Ravangla is covered with thick greenery of Oak, Pine and Rhododendrons all over but with seasonal change, the colour of Ravangla also changes. During the month of March – April Ravangla bloom with numerous Rhododendrons all over and during the winter upper parts of Ravangla experiences snowfall. On a clear day Ravangla offers stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narsing and Mt. Siniolchu along with other peaks in a single frame. From Ravangla few trek routes have also emerged, among these the famous are the Bhalekunda trek and Mainam Hill top trek. It takes around 5 hours (approx) to reach Mainam Hill top from Ravangla situated at an elevation of about 10560 feet, but it is recommended to take a guide along. Being very close to the Mainam Wildlife Sanctuary for bird watchers Ravangla can also be an ideal option as it hosts numerous Himalayan birds, some of these may include Bar Throated Minla, Green Backed Tit, Rofous Sibia, Streakesd Laughing Thrush, Fire Tailed Sunbird, Long Tailed Minivet, Large Niltava, Flycatchers, Sunbirds, Blue Whistling Thrush, Barn Sallow, Stripe Throated Yuhina, White Created Laughing Thrush, Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush, Green Magpie and many more. Another trek route that also emerged from Ravangla is the Tendong Hill top trek situated at an elevation of about 8530 feet. The route to Tendong hill top is full of dense greenness. Tendong Hill top is claimed to be the most enchanting and one of the best view point of Sikkim. Tendong Hill top is a pilgrimage spot of the Lepchas and there is a watch tower that offers magnificent view of the entire landscape of Ravangla to the downward side and Mt. Kanchenjunga and other lesser known peaks of Indian and Nepal to the front.  

What to see: There are many places of visit in and around Ravangla those have gathered most of the tourist’s attention. From Ravangla there is a small village nearby named Tinkitam that grows a rare species of Orchid called ‘Ladies Sleeper’. This rare species of orchid mainly grows during the month of October to November. Other places of tourist interest around Ravangla are ‘Temi Tea Garden’ the only tea garden in Sikkim that produces tons of tea every year lies at a distance of about 22 km from Ravangla. Temi Tea garden lies on the steep slopes of Tendong hills. The route to Temi is through the long stretches of numerous Pine trees. On the way to the tea garden from Ravangla one will come across famous sites like “Kheyunfeling Carpet Center” operated by the Tibetans and “Rayong Sunrise View Point”. At the Temi tea factory one can get to see the practice of processing the best possible tea and one can also buy some tea at the available prices. From there the nearest spot around Ravangla is the “Chokroling Gumpha” or monastery. The Monastery is made of wood and stone and at the backyard of the Monastery there is 41 feet long idol of Lord Buddha in the middle of the Sakyamuni Complex. Inside this monastery there are souvenirs of Lord Buddha those are collected from 13 countries all over. Another famous and known spot of Ravangla is “Ralong Gumpha”. From Ravangla at a distance of about 8 km lies Ralong Gumpha, built in the year 1995 and the actual name of this huge Gumpha is “Kalchen Choling Monastery”. The biggest Lama Training center is attached with this Gumpha. Recently this monastery is also known by the name “New Ralong Monastery”. From here within a distance of about 1 km is the “Old Ralong Monastery”. Every year in the Old Ralong Monastery organises “Pang Ladsole” and “Cham Festival”. In the month of November every year Old Ralong Monastery also organizes “Mahakal Dance Festival”. Among other local watchable around Ravangla some includes are Monastery, local market Kewzing and the beautiful Buddha Park also known as Tathagata Tsal, here a statue of Lord Buddha that measures about 130 feet long is one of the main attraction of Ravangla. On a day trip from Ravangla one can go around and visit the Ralong Monastery and Sikkim Bridge that lies over River Rangeet. Other places of tourist’s interests around Ravangla are Namchi, Mainam Wildlife sanctuary and Tibetan Refugee Handicrafts center. During the month of February to March and October a flower festival is held at Namchi which is worth visiting. At Ravangla there are few pilgrimage sites those are must to be includes in your travel check list, these are Buddha Park Pilgrimage cultural center, Chardham pilgrimage center and Lepcha Heritage center. From Ravangla one can visit the entire South Sikkim along with Namchi, Borong and Temi Tea Garden. Though direct car services are available for Rabangla, but one can also reach Ravangla via Namchi. Shared car services are available from Ravangla to Borong upto 3.00 pm. After 3.00 pm one need to avail hired cars. Borong lies within 17 km from Ravangla. Namchi lies at a distance of about 26 km from Ravangla. From Ravangla a visit to the Samdruptse is must, time takes less than 1 hour. Around Ravangla Lepcha and Bhutia villages of Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing, Barfung & Bakhim are ideal for short village tours.

How to reach: Ravangla lies at a distance of about 12 km from Siliguri and at a distance of 127 km from New Jalpaiguri railway station, the nearest rail head times takes around 5 hours. Both shared and reserved cars are available. Reserved cars charge around INR 3500 to 4000 (approx.) and shared cars charge around INR 300 to 400 per person (approx.). Shared cars for Ravangla are available from from Siliguri S.N.T bus stand, but this service is available from 12.00 noon onwards. From Gangtok at a distance of about 66 km is Ravangla, reserved cars are available those charge around INR 3000 (approx.). Bagdogra airport lies within 142 km from Ravangla.

Distances:
Bagdogra – Siliguri – Melli – Namchi – Ravangla : 125 km
Bagdogra – Siliguri – Melli – Rangpo – Singtam – Ravangla : 139 km
New Jalpaiguri – Siliguri – Melli – Namchi – Ravangla : 120 km
New Jalpaiguri – Siliguri – Melli – Rangpo – Singtam – Ravangla : 134 km

Best time to visit: Though Ravangla can be visited throughout the year, but it is better to avoid the rainy season. Winter is the best time to experience snowfall and March – April is the best time to experience flowers in full bloom. Winter is also best for bird watchers.