Sikkim · 5 destinations & hidden spots
Solophok Hill, 5 km from Namchi, South Sikkim
Perched on Solophok Hill at 5,500 feet, Siddhesvara Dhaam is a massive cultural-pilgrimage complex. It features an imposing 108-foot statue of Lord Shiva seated above a grand temple, surrounded by faithful architectural replicas of the Char Dham (Badrinath, Jagannath, Rameswaram, Dwarka) and twelve Jyotirlingas.
7 km from Namchi town, South Sikkim
Samdruptse ('Wish-Fulfilling Hill') towers over Namchi with a colossal 135-foot gilded statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), patron saint of Sikkim. Consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1997, the hilltop is believed to be a dormant volcano kept pacified by the saint's protective presence.
Ravangla town, South Sikkim
Constructed to mark the 2550th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, Tathagata Tsal features a breathtaking 130-foot tall statue of the Buddha set inside landscaped gardens at 7,000 feet. The statue's base contains a spiritual museum illustrating the eight stages of Buddha's life against snow-peak backdrops.
Temi Tarku, South Sikkim
Established in 1969 by the last Chogyal of Sikkim, Temi Tea Estate is celebrated internationally for producing some of the world's finest organic orthodox black tea. Sloping gently over 440 acres along Tendong Hill, the plantation bursts into pink Japanese cherry blossoms every November.
Hidden Gem
Sadam Village, 14 km from Namchi, South Sikkim
An offbeat gem near Sadam village, Tarey Bhir is a 3 km razor-sharp ridge projecting high above the confluence of the Teesta and Rangit rivers. A paved pathway with protective railings lets walkers stroll out over the dizzying 3,500-foot drop, with views of Kalimpong hills and Darjeeling tea gardens.
