|  Ravangla
- South Sikkim
A small town situated on the ridge at an altitude
of 7000ft between the Meanam and Tendong hills Ravangla or Rabongla
has turned into a natural tourist resort for its magical snow
view and tranquility. Ravangla is a newly created off beat tourist
destination in South Sikkim.
Surrounded by high-forested hills, undulating
valleys dotted with village huts Ravangla is an ideal place
for short treks and bird watching. Surrounding Lepcha and Bhutia
villages of Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing, Barfung & Bakhim
are ideal for short village tours. Situated in the southern
part of Sikkim at a distance of 70kms from Gangtok, it is a
perfect destination for village tourism.
 With
rich natural diversity, the exotic flora and fauna in virgin
forest, lofty snow mountains, waterfalls, picturesque tea gardens,
quaint villages, hospitable Sikkimese villages, ethnic culture,
old monasteries and fresh atmosphere Ravangla is becoming a
popular tourism destination. A few very old monasteries around
Rabongla namely Bonn Monastery, Ralong Monastery, old historical
market of Kewzing, along with few mysterious caves are some
of the majore attractions in the area.
Hotels and resorts in Ravangla:
Despite being a small place there are few good hotels and resorts
in Rabongla offering nice comfortable stay amidst the natural
surroundings
Narsing Village
Resort and Zumthang
Hotel are among the best properties in the place.
Accessibility:
Ravangla is well connected by state highway to all important
places of Sikkim. Situated on between
Pemayangtse and Gangtok Ravangla is
65kms from Gangtok, 134kms from NJP, 142 kms from Bagdogra,
55kms from Pelling and 75 kms from
Darjeeling.
Rayong Sunrise point:
At a distance of 8kms from Ravangla on the way to Dentham, Rayong
is known for its magnificent snow view over the Kanchenjunga
Mountains particularly at the Sunrise.
Kheunpheling Carpet center:
A Tibetan Refuge Settlement Camp cum Carpet weaving Center is
located just above the Ravangla Market. A good place for buying
carpets and shawls traditionally woven and designed by the Tibetans.
 Sikip:
Located on the banks of river Rangeet in a natural surrounding
is an excellent fishing spot and river campsite.
Phur-cha-chu (Hot Springs):
Ideal spot for bird watching and butterflies.
At 8 kms from Legship and 34 km from Ravangla towards Naya Bazaar
on the banksof river Rangit, lies the popular Hot Sulphur Springs.
Its great medicinal values as well as religious importance attract
many tourists and local devotees. The place is also important
for two sacred caves Khandosangphu and Sharchog Begphu, where
the great Buddhist Saint Padmashambhava is believed to have
meditated during His journey to Tibet in 7th century.
Tendong Hill:
At an altitude of 8530 ft the Tendong Hill is one of the most
prominent landmarks of South Sikkim. Tendong is immersed in
myths and lore passed down through generations of the ethnic
Lepchas. Tendong, believed to be a dormant volcano, offers a
beautiful short trek through forested hill tracts. The hilltop
offers a 360-degree panorama view of Sikkim Snow Mountains and
distant plains of Bengal.
 Maenam
Hill:
The Maenam Hill at 10,300 ft towers over South Sikkim with Tendong
on one side and Ravangla Bazaar on the other. On a clear day,
it is even possible to see the plains of West Bengal and a Himalayan
span of the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance
away is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a kind of rocky spur, which
juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air
above Yangang Village. The trek to Meanam from Ravangla takes
about 4 hours and from Maenam hilltop one has the option to
take the gentle walk down to Borong village or the more treacherous
trails taken by the famous British Botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker,
down to Yangang village.
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