bigtravelbuzzRavangla is a small town in the southern part of Sikkim, India. It is known for its picturesque views of the Himalayas and offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. Here are some things to do, places to visit, and travel tips for Ravangla:
Buddha Park: The Buddha Park in Ravangla is a major attraction and houses a 130-feet high statue of Lord Buddha. The park is beautifully landscaped and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Ralong Monastery: The Ralong Monastery is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is situated on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.
Temi Tea Garden: The Temi Tea Garden is located in the nearby town of Temi and is known for its picturesque views and production of high-quality tea. Visitors can take a tour of the tea factory and sample different varieties of tea.
Trekking: Ravangla is an ideal base for trekking in the nearby mountains. Popular trekking routes include the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary trek, Tendong Hill trek, and Bakhim trek.
Rock Garden: The Rock Garden is a beautiful garden located near the Ralong Monastery. It features a variety of plants, flowers, and a small waterfall.
Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint: Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint is located on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Himalayas.
Kewzing Village: Kewzing Village is a small village located near Ravangla and is known for its traditional Sikkimese architecture and handicrafts.
Shopping: Ravangla offers a variety of shopping options, including traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, tea, and clothing.
Adventure Activities: Visitors can also indulge in adventure activities like paragliding, mountain biking, and river rafting.
Best Time To Visit Ravangla
The best time to visit Ravangla is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing and trekking. The temperature during these months ranges from 10°C to 25°C, and the humidity is low. However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
How to get around in Ravangla
Ravangla is a small town in South Sikkim and the best way to get around is by walking. Most of the popular attractions in Ravangla are located within a few kilometers of each other, and can easily be covered on foot.
Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi or a local shared jeep to get around in Ravangla. It is important to note that shared jeeps have a fixed route and operate only during specific hours, so it is best to check with the locals for their timings. Taxis can be hired for a full day or half-day depending on your requirement. The charges for taxis may vary depending on the season and demand.
You can also consider renting a motorbike or bicycle to explore the nearby areas at your own pace. However, it is important to be cautious while riding as some of the roads in Ravangla can be steep and narrow.
Where to eat in Ravangla
Ravangla offers a variety of dining options ranging from small street-side eateries to upscale restaurants serving local Sikkimese cuisine and continental dishes. Some popular places to eat in Ravangla are:
The Iris Café & Restaurant
Hotel Sonamchen
Tangerine Restaurant
Hotel Zumthang
Café Belleza
These places offer delicious food at reasonable prices and are popular among tourists and locals alike. You can also find several small food stalls selling momos, noodles, and other snacks on the streets of Ravangla.
Famous street stalls in Ravangla
Ravangla is a small town in Sikkim and does not have a lot of street stalls or street food culture like other places in India. However, there are a few local stalls that sell momos, thukpa, and other Tibetan dishes. Some of the popular street food stalls in Ravangla are:
The Raven’s Nest: This is a small cafe located in Ravangla that serves delicious momos, thukpa, and other Tibetan delicacies.
Hitesh Dosa Centre: This is a small food stall that serves South Indian delicacies like dosas, vadas, and idlis.
New Tea House: This is a small tea stall that serves various types of tea and snacks like samosas and kachoris.
Hotel Central: This is a small restaurant that serves traditional Indian cuisine like biryanis, curries, and tandoori dishes.
Street food stalls near Buddha Park: There are a few street food stalls near Buddha Park that sell momos, chowmein, and other Tibetan delicacies.
Please note that these street food stalls may not have a formal name or address and are mostly located on the roadside.
Where to stay in Ravangla
Luxury accommodation
Some popular luxury accommodation options in Ravangla are:
The Barfung Retreat – This luxury resort offers beautiful mountain views, spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and activities like bird watching, nature walks, and sightseeing.
Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino – A luxurious resort with a spa, fitness center, indoor games room, restaurant, and bar. It also features a casino for guests who enjoy gambling.
The Elgin Mount Pandim – A heritage property with stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, and the hotel has an on-site restaurant, bar, and outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary Trek and Resort – A luxury resort located near the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, offering comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and stunning mountain views.
Tathagata Farm Retreat – A luxury farm retreat offering cozy rooms, home-cooked meals, and outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and fishing.
Note that the availability and prices of these accommodations may vary depending on the season and demand.
Where to stay in Ravangla
Budget accommodation
There are several budget accommodations available in Ravangla. Some popular options include:
Hotel Sonamchen: This is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Ravangla. The hotel offers basic amenities and clean rooms at affordable prices.
Hotel Green Hill: This is another popular budget hotel in Ravangla that offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at an affordable price.
Tashiling Residency: This hotel offers basic amenities, clean rooms, and good service at an affordable price. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local food.
Potala Tourist Lodge: This is a government-run lodge that offers basic amenities and clean rooms at an affordable price. The lodge is located in a peaceful area and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
Hotel Himalayan Residency: This is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at an affordable price. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local food.
It’s always recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Travel Tips Ravangla
Here are some travel tips for Ravangla:
The best time to visit Ravangla is between October and May when the weather is pleasant and dry.
Ravangla is well connected by road to major cities in Sikkim and neighboring states. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 120 km away.
It is advisable to carry warm clothing and comfortable shoes as the weather in Ravangla can get chilly.
Visitors should be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Visitors should carry sufficient cash as there are limited ATM facilities in the town.
It is advisable to hire a local guide when trekking in the mountains to ensure safety and to get the most out of the experience.