south sikkim

Namchi, the district headquarters of the South District, is a prosperous market town which has quickly developed into a tourist hotspot. Namchi literally means "Top of the Sky" and the main tourist attractions of Namchi are the two gigantic statues. These two gigantic statues are facing off from opposite hillsides across Namchi and attract several tourists every year. Set in a scenic environment, Namchi provides you a beautiful view of the Khangchendzonga range and the Rangit valley. You can also visit the Sherdup Choeling Monastery and the Dichen Choeling monastery over here. Namchi is the capital of the South Sikkim district which is quickly transforming into a tourist hotspot because of its pilgrimage centres. The world 's largest statue is also situated here and is worth seeing. The main tourist attractions in Namchi are Samdruptse and Solophok statues. Coated in shining copper and bronze tones is the spectacular 45 m Padmasambhava statue. This statue can be seen from miles around, shining like a golden cone in the heart of the forests of Samdruptse hill. The site is 7 kms from Namchi.
 

This is the only tea estate in Sikkim and is located in Ravangla town. It covers an area of 177 hectares and produces export quality tea. This plantation provides a beautiful scenic getaway for the tourists. Sip the caramelized, buttery, amber-coloured Temi tea while enjoying the panoramic view of the single hill slope which originates in the Tendong Hills. Temi Tea Estate is the one and only tea garden in Sikkim. The tea garden is acknowledged as the best in India and the world. The place is considered as a heaven for teetotallers as tourist can sip some of the best tea variants. One can purchase 100% pure organic tea from Temi Tea State. The time tea estate was established in the 1960s by Sikkim Government, under the reign of the last Sikkim king. One of the famous teas here is Yak butter tea. This delicious tea is made of yak butter, tea leaves and salt.
 

There are some well known hot springs in Sikkim. The Yumthang Hot Spring is located some distance away from Yumthang village. To reach the hot spring one has to walk a few hundred yards from the road and across a pedestrian bridge on the River Lachung. For the convenience of bathers, there is a hut with two pools which contains hot spring water. Hot water rich in sulphurrated hydrogen gas from a spring just behind the hut and is diverted to the pools. A 25 kilometre drive up from Yumthang takes you to the Yume Samdong Hot Spring at the base of the Donkia-la Pass. Another popular hot spring is the Reshi Hot Spring, located about 25 kms from Gyalshing, near Reshi, on the banks of the Rangeet River. The water of these springs, being high in sulphur is believed to have special curative powers for skin diseases. There are trekkers' huts for the convenience of the tourists. Close by is Kah-do Sang phu or the cave of the occult fairies is considered sacred by the people.
 

Maghey Sankranti is celebrated all over Sikkim as one of the major festivals of the Hindu community. However, it is not confined to only one religious group. People of different religions come together to take part in this festival. There are fairs in almost all parts of Sikkim. People gather to take a holy dip in the rivers of Teesta and Rangit. One of the biggest celebrations of this festival is in Jorethang, South Sikkim, which lies on the banks of river Rangit. The main activities during this fair are sale and exhibition of local handicrafts and handlooms, floriculture and horticulture products, cultural programme and competitions in local dance and music. The festival carries on for almost a week. People from neighboring State as well as tourists from all over the country as well as abroad visits Jorethang during this festival. Some of the adventure activities which are popular in this area are paragliding and angling.
 

The Rangeet or Rangit is a tributary of the Teesta river, the largest river in the North Indian state of Sikkim andKalimpong Subdivision. The Rangeet river originates in the Himalayan mountains in West Sikkim district. A perennial river, it is fed by the melting snow of the Himalayas in early summer and the monsoon rains in June–September. It is popular among rafting enthusiasts owing to its turbulent waters. The river flows past the towns of Jorethang, Pelling and Legship. During its final few kilometres, it joins the Teesta River at a confluence known as Tribeni, a popular picnic spot. The Rangeet River has an NHPC hydropower plant with a capacity of 60 megawatts capacity in Sikkim.
 

Ravangla is a small town that is impending tourist destination in South Sikkim District. Ravangla is getting popular owing to its spectacular background and serenity. Located at an altitude of 8,000 ft, it is one amongst the few places that offer a composed view of snow-covered mountains. Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinialchu and Mt. Kabru are some of the peaks that are observable from Ravangla. Ravangla appears in a romantic atmosphere, when myriad flowers envelop the whole town in a colorful sheet during the months of April to May. Despite the fact of its scenic beauty, Ravangla is all the more famous for being a great start-off point for short treks. The trails that leap and wind through the Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, Magnolia and Fir forests, will take you to the picturesque Maenam Hill. A trek to Maenam Hill from Ravangla takes around 4 hrs. A further trek of 1.5 kms will bring you to Valedunga, which is hilltop presenting a stunning view of the neighbouring mountains. The whole trek route passes through the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary that embraces a rare assortment of Himalayan species.