South Sikkim, one of four administrative districts of Sikkim, UN award receiver for being World's first 100% organic state, cleanest state of country by NSSO and many more.
When we heard about Sikkim, its all about Gangtok, capital city of East Sikkim but it have much more such as Namchi(HQ) and Ravangla of South Sikkim and Pelling of West Sikkim.
Expenses
Approximate cost comes to Rs 30,000/- as my total expense includes accommodation, hired transportation and food. Cost can vary on mode of transport, accommodation, peak time.
Best time to visit
March to June
September to December
I went there in first week of October'19 for excursion of 04days. Avoid travelling in monsoon as route to Sikkim witnesses problem of landslide.
How to reach
By Air:Nearest airport is Bagdogra International airport which is 103km from Namchi and tooks 4hrs depends on traffic.Another nearest airport is Pakyong Airport is 64km and took 2-3hrs. Regular flights from Delhi and Kolkata are available for above airports.
By Rail: Nearest Railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction(NJP) which is 98km or Siliguri Junction(SJU) which is 91km.
By Road:One can easily get reserved(Rs 2500-6000/-) but rarely shared(Rs 200-300/-) cabs from Bagdogra airport and NJP/SJU railway station to Namchi.
Day 1:NJP Junction to Namchi
I reached NJP Junction in the morning and booked ola(308/-) to Siliguri Taxi stand. There I booked a cab(2500/-) to Namchi after negotiation(2500-4500/-). One may get shared cab(250/-) from Siliguri Taxi stand but frequency is very less and timings are also restricted.Shared cab will wait for passengers until whole cab gets full(10nos) which may took 1hr or more.
After apprx 2hours of journey, driver halted at Melli for lunch then after crossing Jawaharlal Nehru bridge at Melli, I entered in South Sikkim.
Its a drive of approx 5hours and finally I reached hotel Kawa Suites(2500/-) at city centre, Namchi Central Park. #Location of hotel was perfect overlooking central park and at walking distance(100m) of taxi stand.
In the evening, I went out of hotel to explore Namchi central park(2nd copy of MG Marg, Gangtok..lol) full of glittering rice lights,sweet shops etc.
Restaurants/Cafes-The Sky, Crumbs&Whips cafe etc.
Day 2:Namchi Sightseeing to Ravangla
I booked cab(1700/-) from central park taxi stand for local sightseeing(Chardham, Rose Garden, Sai Mandir) and dropping at Ravangla(1hr distance).
#One may reserve cab for only local sightseeing(500/-) and get shared cab(90/-) to Ravangla from Namchi Taxi stand with less frequency.
It is a huge pilgrimage cum cultural complex developed by Sikkim government on top of hill, Solophok hill located about 5km from Namchi central park.
As I walk up,I noticed yatri niwas(budget hotel) which is good accommodation overlooking Shiva statue and valley view.One needs to take off shoe at pre designated area(free of cost) before entering main area.
As I entered into main complex, I got mesmerized with towering statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture along with replicas of 12 Jyotirlangas and Chardhams
Nearby to Chardham situated amidst the tranquil background of mountains with different species of flowers, trees and plants. Waiting sheds, water body, view point must visit.
It took one hour to reach Ravangla from Namchi, coldest of whole trip. I stayed at Hotel Red Panda (2500/-)just to have a beautiful view of Buddha Park from window.
One need to cross the lane from hotel and you are in Buddha Park, amazing location.
Day 3:Ravangla sightseeing
Features a 40m high statue of Lord Buddha as its centrepiece, marks the occasion of 2550th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
There was wishing tank in front of statue, museum(spirally constructed gallery demonstrates life of Gautam Buddha, pics not allowed)), lamp house to offer butter lamp(20/-).
Do not forget to buy Soveniers.
After exploring Buddha Park, I hired a cab(2500/-) from Ravangla taxi stand to Pelling(2hours).
Rough estimate
Cab from Siliguri to Namchi=2500/-
Cab from Namchi to Ravangla(including sightseeing)=1700/-
Accomodation
Namchi=Hotel Kawa Suites(2500/-)
Ravangla=Hotel Red Panda(2500/-)
STAY TUNED FOR NEXT BLOG FOR FURTHER JOURNEY TO PELLING
https://www.tripoto.com/trip/west-sikkim-indias-first-sky-glasswalk-6071eb54398da