Ravangla, located at 7,000 feet above sea level in south Sikkim, is a popular tourist destination. If you are looking for a calm retreat to enjoy the monsoon in the hills, this is the place for you. A regal view of Mt Kanchenjunga (a rare sighting during monsoon, but worth taking the chance), lush natural beauty, an ever-changing sky and dreamy clouds and birdsong — Ravangla will sweep you off your feet
Photos: Pooja Mitra
A popular tourist destination, the Tathagata Tsal or the Buddha Park is situated just a kilometre north of Ravangla and has a 130-foot-high copper Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Rent a golf cart to explore the scenic landscape and marvel at the frescoes on the walls of the spiral gallery trail as you climb up the stairs. The park has a Buddhist conclave, meditation centre, forest-encircled Cho Djo lake, eatery and souvenir shops for the visitors to explore. (Visiting hours: 9am-6pm; entry and golf carts are ticketed)
Ralong Palchen Choling, or the New Ralang Monastery, is one of the area’s most visited spots. Located six kilometres from Ravangla, the Buddhist monastery with rich spiritual and cultural heritage is home to welcoming monks with endless anecdotes about their rituals, customs and history. The Buddha idol, wall frescoes and the decorations are breathtaking. Bonus: photography is allowed inside monastery premises
The day, if sunny, is quite humid in Ravangla. If you’re travelling around or during the monsoon months, it is advisable to keep a light jacket and rain gear handy for sudden spells of rain and mist. Evenings in Ravangla are chilly and layering up is a must. Be careful of leeches during the rainy season. Keep checking your footwear and feet to avoid unwarranted bites
Be it the succulent momos from small eateries on the mountain trail, hearty thukpa bowls or pork curry with fresh mustard greens (we had the thukpa and pork at Hilltop Rabong Resort) — when in the mountains, don’t pass up these must-haves. The vegetables used are often from home gardens and the freshness of these organic products lends a unique flavour to the dishes
To fully relish the sudden nip in the air after sundown, arrange for an evening bonfire and a barbecue. After spending hours exploring Ravangla, end your day with mist-kissed moments of solitude and warmth. As you unwind, listen to the crickets chirping and that unique fresh, rain-washed smell of the mountains
On your way back to Siliguri, stop at the quaint roadside stores selling local delights. From fresh local produce — cucumbers that look quite like bottle gourds and a variety of ‘saag’ — to bottled dalle khursani chillies and bamboo shoots, you’ll be spoilt for choice. (Ravangla is 121 km from NJP station and 128 km from Bagdogra airport)
