Plan Your Travel To Gangtok
Places To Visit In Gangtok
Phodong Monastery
Located in Phodong near Gangtok in Sikkim, Phodong Monastery is one amongst the six most important Buddhist monasteries in the state. Besides being a popular place of tourism, the monastery is a very important place of Buddhist pilgrimage. Boasting of a striking architecture with vibrant coloured exteriors and delicate interiors that are adorned with gorgeous paintings, murals and frescoes, the monastery is also considered one of the most beautiful in all the country. It houses a total of around 260 monks at present.
Phodong Monastery is based at a vantage point, at a towering height of 4500 m, that provides a lovely backdrop of the lush green hills in the distance and the calm valley down below. Other than the regular devotees, the place is also frequented by tourists, nature lovers and wanderers. It is considered a perfect place to sit down to reflect and unwind as the pristine place reverberates with serenity, peace and calm.
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Ranka Monastery
Also known as Lingdum Monastery, the Ranka Monastery which follows the Zurmang Kagyud lineage of Buddhism is situated at a distance of 20 km from Gangtok. The regal monastery is spread over a vast area and provides fantastic scenic views to the tourists. Considered as one of the most significant and glorious monasteries in East Sikkim, being relatively new is one of the primary reasons why it is not talked about a lot. The beauty of the Ranka Monastery has, however, attracted some filmmakers here, and it has been a part of several Bollywood movies that have been shot here.
The Ranka Monastery is one of the most pictorial monasteries in East Sikkim due to the presence of beautifully forested mountains on its borders. Near it lies a 2-storey building with classrooms for the young lamas to study in. Whenever there is a break, the courtyard gets filled with monks wearing beautiful robes coloured in red and saffron. Visitors can also click pictures with the monks who stay in full energy. There are a restaurant and a gift shop on the premises for relaxation. Another major attraction here is the Banjhakri Falls which is situated near the sublime monastery. Adventure lovers are going to have a great time here for they can experience the fun of paragliding from here to a nearby place. Ranka Monastery is going to provide you with a lot of spiritualism combined with exquisite views. The beauty of this place is worth admiring and do not forget to interact with the young monks who are trained here.
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Reshi Hot Springs
Sikkim has numerous hot springs, but the Reshi Hot Spring is the most famous one due to its strategic location and the religious significance that it holds. These hot water springs or Cha-chu present in Reshi are winter spas from the ancient period where pilgrims along with visitors spend a week or more soaking themselves in the springs which are believed to contain medicinal properties. Easily accessible, the spring is present right after a downhill drive of an hour towards the Rangit River valley. For the comfort of the tourists, there are temporary huts available for an overnight stay at affordable prices with no bedding or cooking utensils. There are small shops in the neighbourhood selling vegetables and other daily need items.
Also known as 'the cave of occult fairies' Lho Khandro Sang Phug is a small monastery and a holy cave situated adjacent to the river. Due to the presence of this cave, the water present in the Reshi Hot Springs is considered to be holy, and a warm soak in the springs is said to be very good to cure all the skin diseases. The presence of sulphur is abundance makes the temperature of the water perfect for carrying out a treatment to beat the cold air. This place is also a perfect spot for trekking followed by a relaxing bath in the spring. You can also click lots of photographs in the area and have a superb visit.
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Rumtek Monastery
The Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim, perched on top of a hill 23 km from Gangtok. Originally called as the Dharma Chakra Centre, it belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhists who originated in Tibet in the 12th century. Verdant green mountains surround the monastery and thus serves as a visual treat besides being a focal point for spiritual solace.
Besides this, the architecture of the striking monastery is one of the finest in the world. The glorious Rumtek Monastery houses a beautiful shrine temple and a monastery for the monks which were established with the aim of spreading the Buddhist teachings around the world. The sublime structure has a walkway around it on which the monks, pilgrims and visitors perform Kora (a circuit round of the monastery). The splendid Rumtek Monastery has preserved a golden stupa and various other sculptures which belonged to the 16th Karmapa. Traditionally, it is also believed that the Golden Stupa was constructed with the motive of removing the obstacles of the reincarnation of His Highness The Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. It is one of the most sought after places in Sikkim and is a visual treat for every pilgrim who comes to Sikkim. It also serves as the storehouse for many uniques objects besides storing some of the world's unique religious scriptures. The massive prayer hall inside the stunning monastery is a place worth seeing that is decorated with splendid murals, statues and thangkhas.
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Saga Dawa
The Saga Dawa festival is one of the most important festivals for the people of Sikkim celebrated with much enthusiasm in the capital city Gangtok. The Mahayana Buddhist tradition recognizes the full moon day of the fourth month of the Buddhist calendar as the anniversary of Buddha's birth, his enlightenment, and his Nirvana. The day is celebrated by various names across India and abroad.
Saga Dawa is the one among the many ways in which devotees commemorate the day. Festivity occurs across Gangtok in the form of processions, prayers, and extending alms to the needy. The customs and rituals, carried out in remembrance of the Buddha, are said to bear fruits for the observers in the future.
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Saramsa Garden
At a distance of 14 km from Gangtok, Saramsa Garden, also known as Ipecac Garden, is indeed a treat for your senses. The exquisite range of different coloured flowers with the surrounding lush greenery is going to hold your attention. There is a large greenhouse in the garden as well which preserves a range of orchids. The mesmerising garden is also well-developed where you can involve yourself in recreational activities such as volleyball and football. Apart from these facilities, it also has a convention centre next to the nursery where all the functions and meetings are conducted.
Set up in the year 1922 by the Forest Department of the government of Sikkim, the main agenda for building this garden was to look after the needs of the British officers in addition to the Namgyal royal family. The garden got its name 'Ipecac' after the Forest Department introduced a medicinal plant known as 'Cephaelis Ipecacuanha' in 1940. Before that, a variety of fruit trees including orange, pineapple, guava, and banana were grown in the garden. A range of orchids too was grown in the region after which the garden developed into a picnic spot. The Saramsa Garden is divided into several blocks for the ease of navigation. There is a small footbridge that is constructed over a small-sized pool with different-shaped plants in the block. Another block has a bench built under the shade of the trees for the visitors to relax. Since this place brings you one step closer to nature, it is all the more enjoyable. So, if you are planning a trip to Gangtok, do not forget to visit this wonderful creation of nature with a little help from mankind!
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Seven Sisters Waterfalls
Justifying its name, Seven Sisters Waterfalls comprises of seven different waterfalls amicably arranged side by side on a wide rugged cliff which seems distinct when looked at from a distance. This famous waterfall is situated at a distance of 32 kilometres from Gangtok on the Gangtok-Lachung Highway. It appears even more beautiful after rains when it comes to life and offers a captivating view. The gurgling water passes through the green vegetation onto the rugged cliffs and falls on the limestones making a roaring sound. The view of the setting sun pulls the visitors to indulge in a long photography session. With the Tourist and Civil Aviation Department building a waiting shed and a cafeteria for the tourists to refresh themselves and click pictures of this nature's beauty, the Seven Sisters Waterfalls turn out to be a perfect picnic spot to spend time at with family and friends.
The captivating Seven Sisters waterfall got its name primarily because it falls in seven stages out of which only four steps from the bottom can be seen by the visitors. The rest of it falls way higher and gets hidden between the rocks thereby preventing from being seen. The view of the falling water juxtaposed against lush mountains in the background is enough to make the visitors spellbound making it one of the most visited and photographed waterfalls in the region. This picture-perfect spot is loved by photographers, nature lovers, and picnickers. To give a much better view and photographic break to its visitors, a small footbridge crossing over the stream has been constructed here. Rainy season is the best time to visit the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or when the snow melts as it is during this time that the waterfall comes back to life and is an absolute delight to watch. In case you are planning a trip to Gangtok, do not miss out to include this place in your must-visit places for its remarkable beauty and the incredible location is worth visiting.
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Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Nestled in the exquisite Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is known for the exquisite rhododendrons found here. Sprawling over an area of 43 square kilometres and comprising of several species of rhododendrons, the sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 3,048 to 4,575 meters. The azaleas bloom to their full capacity and turn the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary into a riot of colours from April to July thereby making it the best time to visit the place. The sanctuary gets its picturesque look from the Yumthang Chhu meandering through it.
In addition to the 40 different species of Rhododendrons which make the park appear colourful during the spring season, other trees present here include Saxifrages, Aconites, Potentillas, Aconites, and Gentias. Since Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is situated close to the Tibetan Plateau, it also experiences long winter seasons. Though the cool breeze starts from November, January is the coldest month. Also, the beauty of the valley increases by ten times due to heavy snowfall. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a beautiful place to spend time amidst the picturesque location and natural beauty all around. The adventure lovers can also have their share of fun by trekking through the Yumthang Valley.
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Tashi View Point
Situated 8 km away from central Gangtok, Tashi Viewpoint is a scenic beauty from where travellers can get a view of the magnificent Mount Sinilochu and Mount Kanchenjunga. It was built by Tashi Namgyal who was the king of Sikkim between 1914 and 1963, and that is how the place got its name. Developed by the tourism department of Sikkim and nestled in a perfect location, one can get a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains from Tashi Viewpoint. This spot also serves as a fabulous picnic place for local, as well as foreign tourists, due to the presence of a cafeteria and sheds bordering the site of the viewpoint.
The splendid Tashi Viewpoint does not have a match due to its unpolluted environment which has been developed in a manner that helps the tourists understand the trance of the Himalayas. The picturesque ambience, in addition to its serenity, plays a major role in helping the travellers enjoy a view of the Phodong Monastery and Labrang Monastery from here. Tashi Viewpoint is no less than a paradise for all the local and the young people who assemble here during the weekends to enjoy and be a part of the incredible sightseeing. For the overseas travellers, it is advisable to visit the place during the morning time to experience a more explicit and transparent view of the mighty mountains juxtaposed against the golden hues of the rising sun. So, if you ever plan a trip to Gangtok, do not miss out on visiting Tashi Viewpoint to help you break away from your monotonous life in an environment filled with peace and harmony.
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Tinkitam
Tinkitam Rayong is a petite village in Sikip Tehsil in South District of Sikkim State. Mount Kanchenjunga can be seen in the backdrop of this town and its natural habitat supports a rare species of orchid, Paphiopedilum Faireanum or lady's slipper. Unlike most wild orchids which grow on trees, this orchid is terrestrial and flowers in the months of October-November which is the ideal time to visit this beautiful place. Tinkitam also provides a sight of a dormant volcano that one can come across during the trek from Dentham to Tendong National Park.
Tinkitam is a small town in South Sikkim India which is slowly developing as an important tourist destination. This town is home to rare species of orchids and Paphiopedilum Faireanum and other orchids of the Cypripedioideae genus, also called "Lady's slipper". Near to this place is the Temi Tea Gardens which are the only tea estate of Sikkim. The town enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year and is almost isolated with very little population. If you are looking forward to a quiet and relaxing holiday, this is the place to come to.
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