When you have less time in hand, planning a Gangtok to Namchi journey can be the best utilization of your time. The beautiful town of South Sikkim has been developed for tourism over the recent years.
Why Namchi?
Because it is most near to Ganktok!
With approximately 3 hours of journey time, Gangtok to Namchi road distance is only 78 kilometers.
Namchi which means sky high in Bhutia language justifies its name with its the giant statues. The natural hamlet is peaceful, untouched and less crowded.
Another advantage is that you do not require a travel permit to visit Namchi unlike the North Sikkim.
1 Ravangla’s Buddha Park
The park in Ravangla of Namchi has giant 130 feet Lord Buddha statue constructed on the foothills of the Maenam Hill in between the year 2006 and 2013.It is happens to be 3rd among the biggest statues in India.
The place , located about 65 kilometers south of Gangtok , has a scenic landscape and picturesque beauty.There is a big hall with spiral path below the statue which has paintings depicting life of Buddha.Around the statue.
Tourist can do a parikrama aka circumambulation around the statue.Battery operated cars are also there to aid in parikrama ride.In front of the statue seven huge golden colour utensils of water are placed.
2 Siddhesvara Dham Lord Shiva Statue
The giant size 108 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva is the most fascinating statue of Chardham complex in Namchi.
Siddhesvara Dham statue as it is popularly known as has been erected at the highest point of the hilltop.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva, , had gone into seclusion and became a hunter in the forests of Sikkim after his wife – Sati’s demise.
3 Giant Nandi in Chardham
Just opposite to Siddhesvara Dham statue there is another huge statue of Lord Shiva’s gate keeper Nandi Bull.
4 Sai Temple
Namchi another tourist attraction is the Sri Shridi Sai Baba Temple situated is Assanthang.
The place has modern architecture two floor building where at the ground floor devotees can be seen worshipping Shridi Baba. The first floor has marble statue of Sri Shridi Sai Baba and ten other beautiful paintings of Lord Vishnu (Hindu God) in ten different incarnations.
The golden painted temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a panoramic view of Mt. Khangchendzonga.The visit time takes around 15 minutes and there is a small tea-n-snack point in front of temple.
5 Samdruptse Statue
On the Samdruptse hill of Namchi lies a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava which is the highest statue of this Buddhist god in the world.
The 45m tall statue , 7 km from Namchi town, is an magnificent marvel of engineering and was founded in 1997.The views are spectacular across and the statue can be seen from across many places in Sikkim and Darjeeling.It will take you around 30-45 minutes to completely visit this place.
6 Temi Tea Garden
On your way back to Gangtok from Namchi near Singtam you will come across , Temi Tea Garden – The only tea garden of Sikkim.
The tea garden which was an effort of, The last king of Sikkim , spreads to an area of 440 acres.Temi Tea Bungalow located in this tea garden is managed by STDC and offers accommodation. The tea and snacks outlet is also located at the entry.
*For the best management of time it is recommended to set out early for Namchi from Gangtok as attractions like Chardham may take around 1 hour or so to visit.
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