South Sikkim

South Sikkim, a district in the landlocked state of Sikkim, is renowned for its picturesque places. The region boasts lush forests and stunning trekking routes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. South Sikkim is home to several charming locations such as Borong and Ravangla, which promote village tourism, as well as Namchi, the district capital, and Sandruptse. With an altitude ranging from 1300 ft to 11000 ft, the southern part of Sikkim enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. The landscape is characterized by rolling agricultural fields on terraced slopes, meandering streams, and dense forests. Travelers seeking an escape from modern society will find South Sikkim an ideal destination as the region has its own pace of life, distinct from other districts. The below-mentioned ones are some of the best places to visit in South Sikkim.

Places to visit in South Sikkim

South Sikkim is blessed with abundant beautiful tourist attractions. You, as a visitor, will truly love to explore this region. These are the most popular places you will be able to see in the Southern Part of Sikkim.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, situated above Tendong Hill in South Sikkim, derives its name from its reputation as a “treasure house of medicines.” It lies 65 km away from Gangtok and is a popular destination for botany enthusiasts due to its vast collection of exotic medicinal plants. The sanctuary is also a haven for several animal species, including Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, and Marbled-Cat, which thrive in the dense forested area. Bird enthusiasts can spot several avian species, such as Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Magpies, Black Eagle, Blue-necked Pitta, and Sunbirds.

The sanctuary’s incredible trekking routes attract adventure seekers, and one can trek towards the ancient Maenam Gompa, perched atop the hill with commanding views of the Kanchenjunga snow peaks. While trekking through the woods, visitors are treated to the sound of crunching dried leaves and the occasional chirping of exotic birds. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination in South Sikkim, blessed with scenic mountain streams, rich flora and fauna, and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range.

Ravangla

The name Ravangla comes from the combination of two words, “Ravong,” meaning cotton, and “La,” meaning pass, suggesting that it was part of the ancient cotton route with China. Ravangla, located at an altitude of 7000 ft amidst the ridge between Maenam and Tendong Hills, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Sikkim. It is situated 69 km away from Gangtok and is famous for its stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (28,169 ft), Mt. Pandim (21,952 ft), Mt. Siniolchu (22,598 ft), and Mt. Kabru (24,318 ft). The beauty of its landscape and its location as a transit point to nearby destinations has made Ravangla a must-visit place in South Sikkim. The famous Buddha Park, an eco-garden with a large statue of Lord Buddha (130 ft), is a must-visit site in Ravangla. The park area is beautifully landscaped, creating ample walkways, gardens, and space for visitors to enjoy the serene surroundings.

Visitors can also explore Ralong cha-Chhu, a hot spring with medicinal qualities that leave you feeling rejuvenated. The forest surrounding Ravangla offers several trekking routes where visitors can engage themselves in bird watching. Located 8 km from Ravangla, the Ralong Sunrise viewpoint is an ideal spot for tourists to witness a surreal sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga. Ralong Monastery, with its serene ambiance and colorful exterior, is another favored destination in Ravangla. Tourists can purchase hand-woven carpets from Kheunpheling Carpet Centre, situated above the Ravangla market, as a souvenir. The best time to visit Ravangla is considered October to December when the sky remains clear, and tourists can catch an unhindered view of the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Borong

Borong is a tranquil village located in South Sikkim, situated at an altitude of 5800 ft. It is just 17 km away from Ravangla and well-connected to other travel routes, making it an easily accessible destination in South Sikkim. Borong is nestled close to Maenam Hill, known for its abundance of flora and fauna. In recent times, Borong has gained popularity among travelers for its village tourism. Its rustic charm and serene ambiance make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Borong also serves as a base for trekkers who wish to explore the dense alpine forest of Maenam hill. The nearby Rangeet river bank, located 3 km from Borong, offers tourists an opportunity to indulge in angling. With its breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the surrounding ranges, Borong has become a traveler’s paradise.

Namchi

Namchi, the district headquarters of South Sikkim, is situated at an altitude of 5,495 ft and is located 78 km away from Gangtok. The name Namchi is derived from the Sikkimese language where “Nam” means “Sky” and “Chi” means “High”. With its breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga range and the Rangit Valley, Namchi has emerged as a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. The town has become a cultural and religious hub after the construction of Char Dham, a replica of the four major pilgrim centers of India, on top of the Solophok hill near the main town of Namchi, which is just 5 km away. Char Dham offers a mesmerizing view of Mt Kanchenjunga and adjacent valleys on a clear day. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of Char Dham while enjoying the unparalleled vista of snow-clad mountain ranges. Namchi is definitely worth a visit when traveling to the southern region of Sikkim.

Temi Tea Garden

The only tea estate in Sikkim, Temi Tea Garden, sprawls on the slope below Tendong hill, located on the highway between Western Sikkim and Gangtok. Covering an area of 177 hectares, Temi Tea Garden is situated at a distance of 19 km from Ravangla. Established in 1969, the original saplings were brought from Darjeeling. Using organic methods, Temi Tea Garden is famous worldwide for producing some of the finest tea leaves. Visitors can take home some aromatic tea leaves produced in Temi as a souvenir of South Sikkim. The undulating lush tea garden, visible from the vicinity of Tendong hill, has mesmerized many tourists, making Temi Tea Garden a must-visit destination in South Sikkim.

Ralang Cha Chu

The hot springs or natural spring water of the Himalayan valley have been renowned since ancient times for their curative and medicinal values. Ralong Cha Chu, also known as Ralong Hot Spring, is located 7 km from Borong on the riverbank of Rangeet. The hot spring of Ralong is believed to have spiritual and religious power as it is situated in one of the hallowed caves of Sikkim. Surrounded by pristine nature, Ralong Cha Chu is an ideal destination for bird and butterfly watching. Immerse yourself in the warm water enriched with sulfur while enjoying the alluring sound of the gushing water of River Rangeet and the chirping of exotic birds in Ralong Cha Chu. With its serene ambiance and astounding legend, Ralong Cha Chu has become a must-visit place in South Sikkim.

Sandruptse

Sandruptse, also known as Samdruptse, is situated 20 km from Ravangla and can be reached within 50 minutes by car. The name Sam-Drup-Tse translates to the “hilltop of wish fulfillment.” It is located at an altitude of 7,000 ft and is only 5 km away from Namchi, the capital town of South Sikkim district. The main attraction of this sacred hill is a 147 ft tall seated statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche). According to legend, this hill is a sleeping volcano, and only prayers can prevent it from erupting. In addition, Sandruptse offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. If you’re traveling from Ravangla or Gangtok toward Namchi, be sure to visit this sacred place.