South Sikkim: Surrounded by beautiful forests and majestic hills, South Sikkim is the perfect vacation spot for someone looking for a retreat in the midst of nature in its most natural form. The town of Namchi is the headquarters of South Sikkim and it is situated at an altitude of 5500 feet at a distance of around 100 kms from Gangtok. South Sikkim, since years has been famous for its monasteries and stupas and devotees flock to this town for its religious significance. But recently, this district has risen to the position of an eminent tourist destination. Ralang Monastery, Siddheswara Dham, Statue of Guru Rinpoche are among the popular attractions here.
The places to visit in South Sikkim are:
Solophok Chardham: It is a pilgrimage developed by the Sikkim Government to promote religious, Eco, and village tourism in the state. The Lord Shiva statue located here is 87 feet and is encircled by twelve Jyotirlingams. It houses replicas of four Dhams (Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram) at one place at Solophok hilltop in Namchi. There are also few sacred sites too, such as Nandi bull temple, Sai Dwar, and Kirat Dwar. Apart from providing a unique religious and cultural ambience, the Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre established on a grand scale hereafter ought to be a tourist attraction at National as well as international level.
Namchi: Namchi, the district headquarters of the South District, is a prosperous market town which has quickly developed into a tourist hotspot. Namchi literally means "Top of the Sky" and the main tourist attractions of Namchi are the two gigantic statues. These two gigantic statues are facing off from opposite hillsides across Namchi and attract several tourists every year. Set in a scenic environment, Namchi provides you a beautiful view of the Khangchendzonga range and the Rangit valley. You can also visit the Sherdup Choeling Monastery and the Dichen Choeling monastery over here. A number of luxury hotels are being setup in Namchi and the existing ones have good facilities for you to enjoy a comfortable stay. The spas and the bars in this town are very relaxing for the tourists. Around 2 kms from Namchi is the old Ngadak monastery. Positioned on a hill just above Ngadak monastery is the very striking Rock Garden which makes a great tourist attraction because of the several unique flowers and plants which blossom every spring.
Ravangla: Ravangla, a quaint town nestled in South Sikkim, offers a phenomenal view of forested hills, rolling valleys adorned with village huts, and serene landscapes, making it an ideal vacation destination. Located at the base of Menam Hill, Ravangla is home to a small hermitage and lies on the ridge that separates the Teesta valley from the Rangit valley. The town’s primary allure is the breathtaking sight of the snow-covered peaks, including the majestic Kanchenjungha and its sister peaks such as Pandim, Kabru, Sinialchu, and others. With its rich natural diversity, Ravangla boasts exotic flora and fauna within thick forests, majestic snow-clad mountains, cascading waterfalls, scenic tea gardens, peaceful villages, ethnic culture, ancient monasteries, and a refreshing atmosphere. A must-visit is the Buddha Park, the centerpiece of Ravangla and a major tourist attraction, renowned for its grandeur and tranquility. Just 8 km away, en route to Damthang, is the Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint, where visitors can witness the first rays of the sun illuminating the snow-capped peaks. The nearby Lepcha and Bhutia villages of Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing, Barfung, and Bakhim are perfect for short village tours, offering an insight into the local culture. Ravangla is also surrounded by several ancient monasteries, such as Bonn Monastery and Ralong Monastery. The old historical market of Kewzing, along with a few mysterious caves, adds to the charm and mystique of this enchanting town.
Borong: Borong, a scenic village at an altitude of 5800 feet in South Sikkim, has recently gained fame due to the increasing popularity of village tourism and eco-tourism activities. With Himalayan Mountains sited at the backdrop, Borong is an ideal place for those looking for some peace and tranquillity. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at Borong in cottages that are surrounded by hilly trees on each side and catch a beautiful view of the snow-covered Himalayan Mountains. You can also enjoy sight-seeing at the Narsingh, Sinolchu and Pandim peaks and relish this splendid scenery while listening to the chirping of unique birds like the black magpie, the scarlet minivet and the Himalayan pheasants. Apart from the mesmerizing beauty, there are many tourist places where you could catch a glimpse of and understand the local culture of Borong.
Statue of Guru Rinpoche: This giant statue of Guru Rinpoche is located in Namchi and is 118 ft. in height. Guru Rinpoche's actual name was Padmasambhava and is also known as Second Buddha. He is said to have transmitted Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet, Bhutan and surrounding area in the 8th century AD. He is also considered to be the emanation of Buddha Amitaha, Shakyamuni Buddha and Kuan Yin Bodhisattva.
Tendong Hill: Tendong Hill is a destination that offers you a marvelous view of the valley in Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 8530 ft above Damthang, Tendong Hill is a very famous tourist attraction in the southern part of Sikkim. Due to its serenity and tranquility, Tendong had been the residence of Buddhist Lamas, who have spent years in meditation in the quiet and peaceful environment of the place. It can be reached only by trekking which starts from Damthang, a 13 kms drive from Ravangla. Over 90 species of birds, Himalayan Bears, leopards and illusive Red Pandas are sheltered in this forest. Tendong Hill top is at a height of 8660 ft which provides a splendid panoramic sight of the eastern Himalayas and this hill is an inactive volcano. The majestic Kanchenjunga peak glitters like gold from here. The entire Singalila range in the west, Chola range in the east, part of Gangtok town, Nathu La, Darjeeling and part of the plains of West Bengal are visible from here.
