Situated in the Southern part of Sikkim, Ravangla or Ravangla is a place which is growing in popularity as a tourist destination every day. Situated at a height of 2134 m ( 7000 feet) and at a distance of 25 km from Namchi, the South Sikkim capital, Ravangla is a small town which greets and fascinate tourists with its simplicity, serenity and of course the uninterrupted view of the snowy peaks that stand like guards towards the North. Ravangla is uniquely located in between Gangtok and Pelling, two prime attractions in Sikkim but is completely different from both, in terms of characteristics. Ravangla is a place where tranquility speaks. The only other sound that one’s ears can catch here is that of chirping of different species of birds. Watching the snow capped peaks changing shades from golden yellow to red during the wee hours is a real pleasure for the eyes. There are lots of exciting spots within the vicinity of Ravangla and could be reached easily by car. There are two famous monasteries near Ravangla- Bon Monastery and Ralang Monastery. Tourists may also go for short hiking trips to the nearby Lepcha villages like Yangang, Tinkitam, and Kewzing.
Activities
Sightseeing tour: You can go for a day long local sightseeing tour to the places of interest in nearby areas. This sightseeing tour program can be customized to your needs. Some of the places of interest are Buddha Park, Ralang Monastery, Samdruptse, Solophok Chardham, Tashiding Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, and many more.
Day hike: You can go for blissful explorations like short hiking trip in and around Ravangla. Short hiking trips to the nearby villages like Barfung, Doling and Kewzing could be a nice way to spend your day. These vibrant and peaceful Sikkimese villages will definitely win your heart.
Places to Visit: Budhdha Park, Ralang Monastery, Samdruptse Statue, Serdup Choling Monastery, Solophok Chardham, Temi Tea garden, Maenam hills and many more.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Ravangla stays cold all the time. During summer, mercury hardly crosses 22°C in daytime and during night it stays around 10°C. The average temperature for Ravangla is 14°C during winter. This place never gets snowfall but gets a good amount of rain during monsoon.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Namas-tey, Yes: Hoon-chha, No: Ney-he, Little bit: Ali-kati, Thank you: Dhan-ya-baad, Road: Raas-taa, Shop/Store: Doo-kaan, Market: Baa-zar, Medicine: Daa-wai.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Taa-to Paa-ni, Cold Water: Chee-so Paa-ni, Rice: Khaa-naa, Lentils:Daal, Vegetables: Sab-jee,
Emotions: Good (Food): Mee-tho, Not Good (food): Mee-tho chha-e-no, Good (Places, things): Daa-me, Not Good: (Place,things): Daa-me Chha-e-no.
Time: Morning/day: Bee-yan, Evening/night: Bel-ka.
Relationship: Elder-brother: Daa-joo, Brother: Bhaa-e, Elder Sister: Dee-Dee, Sister: Ba-hee-nee.
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Bagdogra airport (IXB). It is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and metro cities of India.
The nearest railway station name is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP). It’s well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and other metro cities of India.
Ravangla is well connected by roads with Sikkim and rest of the India.
Permit
Indian tourists don’t need any permit to visit this place. Foreign tourists need an Inner Line Permit to visit this place but they can get that on arrival at Melli check point which is the entry point of Sikkim. It’s a hassle free process and takes only 20 min to complete the procedure. One must carry two photocopies of his/her passport and valid visa along with 2 copies of his/her passport size photo while applying. For further query please contact us.
Custom
Sikkim is the second smallest state in India with least population. They have deep respect for each other. While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. Also it is advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask them before taking any picture.
*Please note that in a Sikkimese tradition while a guest is leaving they offer Khada (scarf) to their guest as a sign of good luck. If they offer you such then please close your palms together to reply as a thank you gesture.
Safety
Sikkim is India’s one of the few states where the crime rate is very low. Not only towards tourists, people have deep respects for each other also. But for any safety concern, you can share your query with local police station (dial 100 only) or reach to the nearest tourist information center.
Health
You won’t find any mosquitoes here in Ravangla. Due to alpine climate tourist generally doesn’t get sick. But if you are allergic to plants and pollen then take precaution. The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at every place.