The nearest railway station to the gateway of Buddhism is New Jalpaiguri or shortly NJP. We reached NJP at around 3:30 AM & hired a cab to Namchi. Cost us 3000. There are no direct sharing basis cabs to Namchi.
The road to Namchi is scenic but its under construction in parts and hence disturbing.
We had booked a homestay this time: Bumtar Villa from Booking.com. It was awesome. The hosts were very helpful and polite. The property was scenic as well. Plus they have a lot of dogs.
We had coffee as it was really cold and ventured out as soon as we got freshen up. Outside there's a square where a health camp was going on with live singing. Our first day we just spent walking around the town and drinking coffee.
Day 2 started early as we booked a cab to visit Ravangla amd Pelling. Took us 3000/- for the whole day. First on our list was Samdruptse Monastery. Just one word: peaceful.
Ravangla has Buddha Park which just took my breath away. There were speakers all around the property from where buddhist hyms were playing out. The sound, the view it was just otherworldly.
Last on the trip was Pelling which is in West Sikkim district. Pelling is the gateway to trekking heaven. Its the entry point for Kanchanzonga National Park. Pelling is famous for a glass skywalk hanging out from a cliff. It also has a Buddha Temple.
It was a short trip & on the 3rd day we bid adieu to the beautiful place with a heavy heart and boarded our train.