Sikkim-South and West
South Sikkim,one of four administrative districts of Sikkim, UN award receiver for being World's first 100% organic state, cleanest state of country by NSSO and many more.
When we heard about Sikkim, its all about Gangtok, capital city of East Sikkim but it have much more such as Namchi(HQ) and Ravangla of South Sikkim and Pelling of West Sikkim.
When we heard about Sikkim, its all about Gangtok, capital city of East Sikkim but it have much more such as Namchi(HQ) and Ravangla of South Sikkim and Pelling of West Sikkim.
Expenses
Approximate cost comes to Rs 30,000/- as my total expense includes accommodation, hired transportation and food. Cost can vary on mode of transport, accommodation, peak time.Best time to visit
- March to June
- September to December
How to reach
By Air:Nearest airport is Bagdogra International airport which is 103km from Namchi and tooks 4hrs depends on traffic.Another nearest airport is Pakyong Airport is 64km and took 2-3hrs. Regular flights from Delhi and Kolkata are available for above airports.
By Rail: Nearest Railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction(NJP) which is 98km or Siliguri Junction(SJU) which is 91km.
By Road:One can easily get reserved(Rs 2500-6000/-) but rarely shared(Rs 200-300/-) cabs from Bagdogra airport and NJP/SJU railway station to Namchi.
Day 1:NJP Junction to Namchi
I reached NJP Junction in the morning and booked ola(308/-) to Siliguri Taxi stand. There I booked a cab(2500/-) to Namchi after negotiation(2500-4500/-). One may get shared cab(250/-) from Siliguri Taxi stand but frequency is very less and timings are also restricted.Shared cab will wait for passengers until whole cab gets full(10nos) which may took 1hr or more.
After apprx 2hours of journey, driver halted at Melli for lunch then after crossing Jawaharlal Nehru bridge at Melli, I entered in South Sikkim.Its a drive of approx 5hours and finally I reached hotel Kawa Suites(2500/-) at city centre, Namchi Central Park.
#Location of hotel was perfect overlooking central park and at walking distance(100m) of taxi stand.
In the evening, I went out of hotel to explore Namchi central park(2nd copy of MG Marg, Gangtok..lol) full of glittering rice lights,sweet shops etc.
Restaurants/Cafes-The Sky, Crumbs&Whips cafe etc.
#Location of hotel was perfect overlooking central park and at walking distance(100m) of taxi stand.
In the evening, I went out of hotel to explore Namchi central park(2nd copy of MG Marg, Gangtok..lol) full of glittering rice lights,sweet shops etc.
Restaurants/Cafes-The Sky, Crumbs&Whips cafe etc.
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Day 2:Namchi Sightseeing to Ravangla
I booked cab(1700/-) from central park taxi stand for local sightseeing(Chardham, Rose Garden, Sai Mandir) and dropping at Ravangla(1hr distance).
#One may reserve cab for only local sightseeing(500/-) and get shared cab(90/-) to Ravangla from Namchi Taxi stand with less frequency.
Chardham
It is a huge pilgrimage cum cultural complex developed by Sikkim government on top of hill, Solophok hill located about 5km from Namchi central park.
As I walk up,I noticed yatri niwas(budget hotel) which is good accommodation overlooking Shiva statue and valley view.One needs to take off shoe at pre designated area(free of cost) before entering main area.
As I entered into main complex, I got mesmerized with towering statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture along with replicas of 12 Jyotirlangas and Chardhams.
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| Rameshwar(left)LordShiva(middle)Jagannath(right) |
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Nearby to Chardham situated amidst the tranquil background of mountains with different species of flowers, trees and plants. Waiting sheds, water body, view point must visit.
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Ravangla
It took one hour to reach Ravangla from Namchi, coldest of whole trip. I stayed at Hotel Red Panda (2500/-)just to have a beautiful view of Buddha Park from window.
One need to cross the lane from hotel and you are in Buddha Park, amazing location.
Day 3:Ravangla sightseeing to Pelling
Buddha Park
Features a 40m high statue of Lord Buddha as its centrepiece, marks the occasion of 2550th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
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There was wishing tank in front of statue, museum(spirally constructed gallery demonstrates life of Gautam Buddha, pics not allowed)), lamp house to offer butter lamp(20/-).
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Pelling
I reached Pelling and stayed at Hotel Phamrong(2000/-) to have wonderful view of Mt Kanchenjunga from window. |
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I booked cab(2000/-) from hotel for half day local sightseeing.
Skywalk
India's first glass skywalk where visitors can appreciate excite of strolling on glass.
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Chenrezig statue
Sikkim unveiled world's tallest 137feet statue of Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara, "one who looks with unwavering eye"), earthly manifestation of self born eternal Buddha on Nov'18.
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| view of skywalk(left) from statue |
2km away from Pelling, one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim offers a mediative environment. This three storied building has many statues of saints and Rinpoches with antique idols and scriptures.
Sidkeong Tuluku Bird park
Set in pristine wet temperate oak forests which is home to exotic species of birds covered with net.
Rabdentse ruins
Its a trek of approx 800m inside Bird sanctuary amidst of muddy paved roads, untouched green canopy to reach Rabdentse ruins, Capital of former Kingdom of Sikkim destroyed by invading Gurkha army.
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| Rabdenste palace ruins |
Transport
Cab from Siliguri to Namchi=2500/-
Cab from Namchi to Ravangla(including sightseeing)=1700/-
Cab from Ravangla to Pelling=2500/-
Cab in Pelling for local sightseeing=2000/-
Cab from Pelling to Siliguri/NJP=4000/-
Accomodation
Namchi=Hotel Kawa Suites(2500/-)
Ravangla=Hotel Red Panda(2500/-)
Pelling=Hotel Phamrong(2000/-)
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