The Himalayan state of Sikkim is blessed with spectacular mountainscapes, verdant forests, glacial lakes, stunning trekking paths, and a rich cultural legacy. There are several stunning travel destinations and experiences to choose from, from unwinding in the tranquility of the Rumtek Monastery, a prominent seat of Tibetan Buddhism, to immersing in the quiet beauty of Tsomgo Lake, encircled by snow-capped mountains.
There are many small villages worth exploring in Sikkim. If you are looking for something off the beaten track, head out to Maenem Hill in Ravangla, South Sikkim. Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Ravangla (also known as Rabongla) is dotted with picturesque villages and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. With the gigantic Khanchengdzonga a backdrop to this pretty town, Ravangla acts like a gateway to sites in South Sikkim. There is much to do in this region. Here's a guide.
A big draw in Sikkim is the many sanctuaries and nature reserves. Named after the Maenem Peak, the Maenem Wildlife Sanctuary is well known for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is located on the Maenam-Tendong range and is fed by the Teesta and Rangit rivers. The area is abundant in medicinal plants (Maenam La translates to "Treasury of Medicines"). Among the notable animals found here are the leopard, red panda, civet, orange-bellied Himalayan squirrel, and black eagle. A vast number of birds are protected by the open sections intermingled with deep forests. The refuge is one of Sikkim's most important Important Bird Areas IBA. The Red-breasted Hill Partridge, Blyth's Tragopan, and other fragile species can be found here.
he elevation in the sanctuary ranges from 2,300 metres to 3,263 metres. You can go on a trek from Ravangla town to Maenam Peak and on to Bhaledunga, travelling through virgin alpine forest with a commanding vista of the Khangchendzonga. The trek from Ravangla to Maenam mountain takes about four hours and then descends to Borong village.
The picturesque view from Maenem Hill, located at 10,300 feet, is possibly one of the best in this region. On a bright sunny day, the plains may be seen stretching from the Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills in the south to the Indo-China border in the north. A little distance away lies the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a rocky spur that protrudes from the ridge top and hangs in the air over Yangyang hamlet. Mt. Khangchendzonga and its surrounding peaks tower over the forests and rocky hills.
On the summit of the hill, there is a mediaeval Buddhist monastery named Maenam Gumpa, founded in 1969. Aside from that, there is a Lord Shiva temple that is revered by the local inhabitants and is regarded a sacred site.
The region is full of interesting things to do and see. Here are some experiences you should not miss.
All About Tea
Darjeeling is famous for its tea, but Sikkim also produces world-class organic tea at Temi Tea Garden. The state government established the 453-acre region in 1969. It also has cardamom plantations, cherry blossom trees, and breathtaking vistas of Khanchendzonga. You can book a legacy stay at the Dak bungalow here and travel back in time to the Raj era.
Buddha Park
Buddha Park's huge complex with manicured gardens was built between 2006 and 2013 and boasts a 130-foot statue of Shakyamuni Buddha dedicated by the Dalai Lama. The Buddha is shown here in the Dharmachakra mudra and represents the Wheel of Dharma, which was put in motion when the Buddha gave his first sermon after getting enlightenment at Sarnath. Hence, this park is also known as Tathagata Tsal, which means 'place of enlightenment'.
The statue is made in the repoussé style, one of the world's oldest metal-work traditions, with 60 tonnes of copper and four kgs of gold. The climb to the statue and the temple within can be exhausting for some. However, the elaborate murals and paintings within are well worth the effort. And you might spend a long time here exploring the walks and gardens and admiring the valley and mountain views.
While you are there, stop by the modest handmade paper unit in Borong village. It is located around 17 kilometres from Ravangla town. This community cooperative produces handcrafted paper products. The paper produced is of various qualities and is exported to places such as Singapore and Bangkok in Thailand.
The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, West Bengal, around 129 km away from Ravangla town. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 122 kilometers from Ravangla.