The Buddha Park hosts a beautiful statue of Sakyamuni Buddha
which is clearly visible from all the directions of southwest Sikkim near
Ravangla and some parts of west Sikkim. The park area is beautifully landscaped
creating ample walkway, gardens and space for visitors to enjoy the serene
surroundings. The site commands beautiful views of the mountains and the
spiritual ambience of the location adds to the visitor experience. The site
also has additional infrastructure created for a museum meditation centre and
for Buddhist conclave.
Sikkim has an ancient connection with Buddhism. The mountain
state is dotted with various monasteries and relics of the faith. On the birth
anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha in 2006, the Sikkim state government took
decision to celebrate the birth anniversary throughout the year in Sikkim. And
as a part of the festivity, Ravangla was chosen to construct and install a
large statue of Lord Buddha and eco-garden to memorialize the event. The Buddha
Park Ravangla Sikkim is an important landmark in Sikkim’s unique effort to
promote pilgrimage tourism.
The Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata
Tsal, is situated near Rabong (Ravangla) in South Sikkim district, Sikkim,
India
This place was constructed in 2006-13 and features a
128-foot high statue of the Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen
within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), itself a
centuries-old place of pilgrimage. Also nearby is Ralang Monastery, a key
monastery in Tibetan Buddhism.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the colossal 128
foot hammered copper statue of the Buddha, which he had earlier named Tathagata
Tsal, at Ravangla. The statue of the Buddha marks the occasion of the 2550th
birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
Ravangla is a relatively new tourist spot in South Sikkim.
It is a small picturesque town on the highway from Gangtok to Gyalshing at
an elevation of 8,000 ft. Ravangla is one of the few places in Sikkim which
offer undisturbed views of the Greater Himalayas (Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim,
Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Kabru).
In April and May lots
of flowers are in full blossom. The weather in Ravangla is very volatile, so
always be prepared for rains.
How to Reach
Ravangla is situated about 65 km west of Gangtok and 52 Km
east of Pelling. It is directly accessible from Gangtok (2 hrs 15
mins), Siliguri (126 km - 4 hrs 30 mins), Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
If you want to reach Ravangla by evening, make sure you book or hire a taxi by
afternoon. Beyond afternoon, one can reach Ravangla by traveling to Namchi and
from there another taxi to Ravangla.
By jeep or taxi
Jeeps arrive at and leave from the crossing at the southern
end of the market . A few taxis go directly to Pelling, but normally you will
have to change cars at Gyalshing.
By bus
Buses to Gangtok leave at 9am, to Gyalshing at 11am. There
are two buses to Namchi at 9am and 1pm. If you want to go to Darjeeling, you
will have to take a bus or taxi to Jorethang first and change cars
there.
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