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O U T H |
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Nearest
Airport:
IXB ( Bagdogra)
I24 Kms
Flights to Delhi , Kolkata and Guwahati
Nearest
Rail Head:
NJP- 114 Kms
Trains to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Chennai
& Bangalore.
PLACES
TO VISIT
Rabongla
This
beautiful tourist destination lies on the lap of majestic Meanam
peak and Tendong at the height of 6690ft. above sea level, it
commands a breathtaking view of Sangalila range and Chola range.
Rabongla has become a new tourist destination due to its natural
beauty. It has numerous tourist points to explore for nature lovers
for lifetime experience and remembrance
. Rabongla literally is a pass, which opens to Pelling, Yoksom,
Tashiding in the west, Gangtok to the east, Namchi to the and
majestic Kanchendzonga range to the north. Rabongla is a nature's
paradise for explorers, researchers, enviornmentalists, conservationist
naturalist and holiday makers.
Namchi
Namchi
meaning sky high , nestled among the hills at an elevation of
5500 ft, commands a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains
and vast stretches of valley. It is also the HQ of the south district.
The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its
immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about
78kms from Gangtok and 100kms from Siliguri.
Tendong
Hill
Above Damthang, overlooking South District Headquarter town Namchi,
there is small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530ft,
surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known
as the Tendong Hill. Historically, this has been a place of recluse
for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent
scenic grandeur. Legend says that the Tendong Hill saved the Lepcha
tribe from the ravages of deluge when the whole world was flooded--legend
similar to Noha's Ark of the Bible. Even today, the Lepchas perform
pujas to pay reverence to the Tengdon Hill is something to be
cherished and enjoyed as it spans across the plains of Bengal
to the majestic heights of the Himalayan ranges. Trek to Tendong
from Damathang Bazar the nearest road ahead, is just about two
hours of casual walk. But one can also proceed to Namchi by trekking
via Tengdon Hill following the traditional route used in the old
days.
Temi
Tea Garden
The one and only Tea Estate existing in the state produces one
of the top quality teas in the International Market. The
tea garden is spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from
the Tendong Hill and provides a magnificient view of the surrounding
villages. The visit to the factory could be eyeopener for those
wanting to know more about the tea processing methods. A night
spent in an old British-built Bungalow located just below the
tea garden could be an enthralling experience of linking the past
to the present A visit to the garden, enroute to the Tengdon Hill,
could be a rewarding experience for those who want to combine
nature and culture as they keep trekking.
Menam
Hill
Menam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking
the Ravangla Bazar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300ft,
the scenic view from this height is , perhaps , unmatched in this
part of the world. Mt. Khangchendzonga and its surrounding ranges
loom above to dwarf the richly forested and rugged hills. On a
clear sunny day, it is possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning
across Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills in the south, right across
to the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away
is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a kind of rocky spur which just
out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above
Yangang.The trek to Menam from Ravangla takes about 4hours and
from the Menam hill-top one has the option to take the gentle
trek to Borong village or follow the more treacherous trails taken
by by the famous British Botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker, down to
Yangang village.
Borong
Facing the snow -capped mountain is Borong, motorable from Ravangla
or a trek via Menam .A picturesque village with beautiful landscape
and magnificient view is also host to the hot -spring "Borong
Tsa-chu". The trek trial, originating from Namchi or Damthang
to Tendong-Ravangla-Menam Borong (5to6 days) is one of the most
interesting trials scaling all the hill tops along the route.
The trek can continue to Tashiding or terminate at Borong and
drive back to Ravangla.
Barmelli Falls
It is one of the magnificient falls on the way to Phamtam village
and is 90 minutes drive away. One can enjoy rural lifestyle and
comes across numerous orchids and hamlets.
Borong And Ralong Hot Spring
These two natural Hot Springs are famous for its therapeutic values
which is very popular amongst local people during winter season
and is 2 hours journey from Rabongla.
Rayong
Sunrise view Point
It is located on the way to Temi-Tea Estate. Spectacular view
of sunrise can be seen from here, where sun rises from the Chola
Range. One can trek to the Deorali Dara and Gholey Bhir from here
and even to Tinkitam (a wonderful trek route).
Sangmoo Cave (Sarcho-Bhepu)
It is one of the sacred pilgrimage centre for the local people,
which is visited every year by the people from far away places,
mostly from Nepal and Bhutan.
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