When people talk about travelling in Sikkim, most of the time they think of Gangtok or the north side of Sikkim. But honestly, South Sikkim has a very different charm. It is quieter, the roads are smooth, and you feel like you can finally breathe a little. So if you ever plan a slow and peaceful trip, this area is honestly perfect. Let’s explore the best places in South Sikkim where every corner conveys a message and every view entertains you.
Here are some of the places that you can visit in South Sikkim:-
Namchi
Namchi is usually the first place people go. The moment you reach, the town feels clean. There is no rush. Even the air feels lighter. You can easily spend half a day to one full day here because everything is close but still beautiful in its own way.
Char Dham (Siddheshwar Dham)
Now the main highlight of Namchi is Char Dham. It is on a hilltop, so when you climb up, the road keeps opening into new views. Once you reach, the first thing that hits you is the huge statue of Lord Shiva. It is honestly very grand. Even if you are not very religious, the size and peace of the place makes you stop for a moment. Inside the complex, you will find smaller temples, quiet sitting corners, and the atmosphere is very soft.
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 50
Samdruptse Hill
After this, you can go to Samdruptse Hill. The road up is very scenic. When you reach, there is this massive golden statue of Guru Padmasambhava and the whole area looks almost unreal when the sun hits it. Sometimes you will see clouds moving very close to you which feels magical. The place closes around 5:30 pm and they take a small fee around thirty rupees.
Timings: 9 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 30
Namchi Rock Garden
If you want a place just to relax without any rush, the Rock Garden is nice. It has flowers, little pathways, benches, and open views of the hills. This is more like a slow-walk place where you can sit quietly and just enjoy the breeze. Families usually come here in the afternoon.
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
Sai Mandir & Ngadak Monastery
Both these places are peaceful spots. Sai Mandir feels very bright and clean, and Ngadak Monastery has a calm vibe where you can sit for a few minutes and enjoy the silence. Also, it is one of the oldest monasteries in South Sikkim. Nothing fancy, but soothing.
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
Entry Fee: None
Ravangla
Ravangla is a beautiful hill station which is a little colder and honestly feels like a completely different world. The clouds come and go so fast that sometimes the whole town becomes white in seconds. It is located about 65 km from Gangtok at altitude of 7,000 feet.
Buddha Park
This is one of the most beautiful places in South Sikkim. When you walk inside, the tall Buddha statue, which was built over a century ago, looks so gentle and peaceful. Many people just sit on the steps and watch the mountains or take slow walks around the park. If you go early morning or evening, the light makes the place look even more beautiful.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 50
Ralang New Monastery
This place looks like a painting. The colours, the prayer flags, the open space, everything here feels peaceful. It is also less crowded, so you can take your time. Sometimes you may hear the monks chanting from inside which adds to the beauty of this place. It also holds an annual festival called Pang Lhabsol, in which, the Mount Kanchenjunga is worshipped.
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Ravangla Sunrise Viewpoint
Now, if you are a morning person, you cannot miss the sunrise viewpoint in Ravangla. You have to wake up early, maybe around 5:30 or 6 am, and walk a little. And then, wow… the sun comes up behind the mountains, the clouds move slowly, and everything glows orange and pink. You just stand there quietly and feel like time stops. Honestly, it’s one of those moments you never forget.
Borong
If you want a place where your phone almost feels useless because everything is just so peaceful, Borong is that kind of village. Life is slow here, the houses are simple, and the views are very clean. From Borong village you can get a beautiful view of snow covered Mt Kanchenjunga, Narsingh and Pandim. Regarding homestays, there are lot of facilities which are run by the locals to experience Sikkimese hospitality which also at the same time supports the local economy
Borong Hot Springs
The hot springs are very popular. The water feels naturally warm, and the locals believe it is good for body pain and stress. You won’t find fancy structures here, it is very natural. People usually go during the daytime because evenings get cold.
Other Sightseeing Places
There are a few small spots nearby that are really worth a visit. You can take a short walk to Fatak Village to see the quiet fields and simple village life. There’s also Gerang Monastery, which is peaceful and colorful, and not crowded at all. Nature lovers can check out Silver Falls and the nearby Barely Bridge, which give a nice little adventure without going far.
Temi Tea Garden
Temi is one of those places where you keep stopping your vehicle because every turn is beautiful. It is located in the Southern part of the State between Damthang and Temi bazaar near Namchi, the main town of South Sikkim. Also, it is the only tea estate in Sikkim.
Tea Factory visit: Visitors can learn about organic tea production along with the process.
Cherry Tea Festival (October-November): Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of pink flowers surrounding the hills which is very suitable for photoshoot, video creation and other entertainment activities. You can also shop various local products and enjoy folk dance and music shows.
Best Time to Visit South Sikkim
Honestly, the best time to visit South Sikkim is from March to June or September to November. The weather is really pleasant then, not too hot or too cold, and the skies are clear, so you can enjoy the views properly. Plus, it’s perfect for trekking or just exploring without getting stuck in rain or fog.
South Sikkim is honestly a really calm and beautiful place to visit. There are monasteries, waterfalls, sunrise points, hot springs — all very peaceful. If someone wants a mix of calm places and some thrill, they can explore adventure activities in Sikkim along with the main attractions in South Sikkim.
So, if you ever feel like taking a break from your busy life, South Sikkim is a nice place to go and just breathe for a while.
