Tourism - A developing prospect

 

 

 

Namchi, meaning Sky High, nestled among the hills at an elevation of around 5500ft. commands panaromic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also head-quaters of South district. The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 90 Kms from Gangtok and 100 Kms from Siliguri.
The major tourist attractions in Namchi include :

	Samdrupste   Samdrupste is situated 8 kms away from the town at an alitude of 7000fts. where Government has started construction of RCC structure of Guru Rinpoche of 135 fts. height. The Foundation stone was laid by his Highness the 14th Dalai Lama.                                                                                                       Rock Garden The garden is situated below Samdrupste. It is a recreation and picnic spot. It offers magnificient view of Mount Kanchendzonga.
	Helipad Helipad is located 5 kms away from town at an altitude of around 5000 fts. From here one can get the most panaromic view of Mt. Kanchanzonga with the surrounding mountain a part of Darjeeling Kalimgpong and the rolling plains of Bengal. The visitors can savour the breathtaking view of temi tea garden the one and the only tea estate in the state which produces top quality tea in the international market.
	Cottage Industry : Situated 2 kms away from town the centre is established with the aim of promoting and preserving Sikkimese art and craft of authentic Sikkimese design.
	Doling Gumpa:   Follows the Nyimgpa sect of Buddhism which is also the oldest Sect and commonly refferd to as The Red Hat Sect. A hike to the monastry also allows one a close a experience of the rich flora and fauna of the area.
	Namchi Monastery: is located just above the town and was constructed during the regime of Chogyal Ghurmed Namgyal.
	Bhaichung Bhutia Stadium A Stadium is named after Baichung Bhutia, the Ace footballer of India. In a bid to give its only prodigious footballer an honour, Sikkim Government has named the Alley Ground Stadium after Baichung Bhutia.

                                                                                                    Tendong Hill

Above Damthang, overlooking South distict Headquaters town Namchi, there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft. 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 admist the silent 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 Naoh's Ark of the Bible. Even today, the lepchas perform pujas to pay reverance to the Tendong Hill. The view from the top of the Tendong hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across the plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayas Ranges. Trek to Tendong from Damthang Bazar, is just about two hours of casual walk.

 

                                                                                                  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 eye opener for those wanting to know more about the tea processing methods.
A night spent in an old British built bunglow located just below the tea garden could be an exthralling experience of the linking past to the present. A visit to the garden, enroute Tendong Hill, could be a rewarding experience for those who want to combine nature and culture as they keep trekking.

Ravangla

At the base of Meanam Hill is Ravangla, a small township and transit to various tourist destinations in South and west Sikkim. It is also an up coming tourist spot amd transit point for trekkers to Maenam Hill and Borong. There are accomodation facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the sacred cave "Shar Chok Bephu" one of the four holiestcaves in Sikkim, could be a memorable experience.

                                                                                                            Meanam Hill

 

Meanam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooiking the Ravengla bazar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft, the scenic view from this height is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. Mt. Kanchanzonga 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 juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang village. The trek to Meanam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Meanam hill-top one has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village or follow the more treacherous trails down to Yangyang village.

 Jorethang

A major business hub of South Sikim because of its proximity to Namchi, Melli and Singtam. It hosts the famous Manghe Sakranti Mela for three days in the month of january to celebrate the month of magh. The rituals are solemnised from dawn at the banks of the river, which is indeed a rare spectale to watch.

                                                                                       

 

                                                                                                      Borong

 

Facing the snow- capped mountains is Borong, motorable from Ravangla or a trek via Meanam. A picturesque village with beautiful lanscape and magnificient view is also host to hot spring "Borong Tsa-Chu". The trek trail, originating from Namchi or Damthang to Tendong-Ravangla-Meanam Borong (5 to 6 days) is one of the most interesting trails scaling all the hill tops along the route. The trek can continue to Tashiding or terminate at Borong and drive back to Ravangla.

                                                                                                       

                                                                                     Singchu-thang

45kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 3500 Ft on the banks of river Tista, Chingchu-thang is ideal for the white water sports and pictureque picnic spot. It literally means the plain over grown with dwarf fish plants and shrubs'.

                                                                                                                

                                                                                        Sikip

Sikip is located on the banks of the river Rangeet in the south district. The drive from Gangtok to Sikip takes about five hours via Legship and it is also accessible from Siliguri and Darjeeling via Jorethang. This place is an Anglers Paradise and also has a charming natural surrounding. Together with one can also avail the facility of rafting down the Rangeet.

                                        

                                                                                      Phur Tsa Chu

Situated on the bank of river Rangeet is the hot spring "phur Tsa-Chu" half an drive from Legship and one hour drive from Jorethang. Pilgrims of all walk of life come to dip in this hot spring during the month of January to March.