Namchi

Namchi, a fast developing place in South Sikkim is often known as the Culture Capital of the state. The place has been developed as a hub of religious and cultural tourism in Sikkim. In fact you can see replica of all the four dhams of India (char dhams) at Namchi and also the biggest statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Namchi also has a well laid out township with a Central Park (a small square) at the town center. 

  Namchi (meaning 'Sky High') is located at an altitude of 5,500ft and is the capital of South District of Sikkim. While you can come directly from NJP (90kms) or Bagdogra (96kms), many also combine a trip of Gangtok with Namchi. 

 While visiting from Gangtok, you will pass through the 21km stretch of famous Temi Tea Garden which is the only tea garden in Sikkim producing finest quality of tea. You will need to negotiate 21 hairpin bends while crossing the tea garden. You can halt halfway at Singchuthang which is a lovely picnic area at the bank of river Rangeet. Another picturesque place along the way from Gangtok is Manglay which has three rivers passing through it - Teesta, Sipsu and Rangpo Chhu. The scenic beauty of Manglay has been featured in the Nepali film 'Saino' and since then the place if also known as Sainotaar. 

Many come directly from NJP or Bagdogra via Melli. This journey is also quite scenic and you pass through Kitam Bird Sanctuary along the way. A day trip to Namchi from Darjeeling is also becoming popular these days. 

 Namchi Mahotsav which is a very popular culture & food festival is held in October when the entire area bustles with people from all over the state and country. Flower shows are also held in February-March and also in October. 

Namchi Helipad 

 The Namchi Helipad area is a wonderful open space with a large round about. The road from here goes towards Namchi town which is about 5kms away. Helicopter service is available between Bagdogra and Namchi on every Thursday. Keeping the helipad on your left, look up on your right and you can see the large statue of Lord Shiva on a hilltop (looks tiny from here) - that is the famous Char Dham. 

The helipad area is also very popular for getting panoramic views of Kanchenjunga snowpeaks. From here you can get sweeping views of Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills as well as the lower plains of Bengal. 

Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir & Pilgrimage Centre

In about 10 minutes from here you will reach Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir & Pilgrimage Centre located at Asangthang, Namchi. This is the first Shai Baba temple in the whole of Sikkim. It was built by Shirdi Shai Baba Trust of South Sikkim under the patronage of Government of Sikkim Tourism. It was opened for prayers on 3rd November 2010 by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr. Pawan  Chamling. 

The temple is located at the corner of two roads. Before you enter through the large entry gate, you need to take off your shoes. Although there is no entry fee as such, the men at the entrance of the main temple expect you to pay donation which goes towards maintenance of the temple premises. 

Although overall it's a striking complex with garden setting with an awesome architecture with intricate work all around, I observed that water was leaking from the ceiling of the temple at several places and it was difficult to avoid the drips on your head as you climbed the stairs upstairs. 

Upstairs there is a wonderful statue of Shirdi Shai Baba kept on an elevated platform at the end of a huge hall. The hall with its blue decor & hue, and paintings & sculptures of many gods & goddesses around the walls is awe-inspiring. 

Char Dham

Next is the Pilgrim Center Char Dham which is undoubtedly the most popular and the best tourist attraction in Namchi. It is located on a hill top and about 5kms from the town center. This large complex has been conceived to take Sikkim to new heights of pilgrimage & religious tourism. The complex comprises of the main temple of Shiva on which the imposing statue of Shiva has been set up. 

Additionally there are replicas of twelve jyotirlingas to offer one platform to all devotees of Shiva, as well as replicas of the four dhams (Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka dedicated to lord Vishnu and Rameshwar dedicated to lord Shiva).There is enough parking here as well as a Yatri Nivas hotel with pure vegetarian restaurant just before the entrance of the Char Dham complex. You can plan to take your lunch or snacks here before visiting other attractions. If you plan to stay overnight at Namchi, you can consider staying at this Yatri Nivas. There is also a cafe inside the complex. Plan some 1.5 hours in Char Dham on a day trip and keep a check on time. It's easy to spend half a day here otherwise. 

Samdruptse Monastery 

Next is Samdruptse Monastery which is about 7kms from Namchi town and up on Samdruptse hill. Before Char Dham, this used to be the main attraction of Namchi, it is still very popular among tourists though. Outside the entrance there is a large paid parking. 

A large building has been constructed for covered parking in the upper floor as well as hosting shops at the ground floor. Samdruptse means 'Wish fulfilling Hill'. The locals believe that the hill is actually a dormant volcano. The Buddhists lamas have been regularly offering prayers so that the volcano does not erupt. It has stayed calm so far. 

Buy the entry tickets from the counter at the monastery gate and there is a fairly long uphill walkway (some 200 yards) that leads to the monastery. Buddhist prayer flags flutter on one side of the pathway. Take off your shoes before you climb the flight of steps to reach the upper platform. 

Now look up and you will be awestruck with the mammoth 45-meter statue of Sikkim's patron saint Guru Padmasambhava set up on an elevated platform. The face is coated with gold that glitter in the sun. Walk around the platform (start from the lwft and make a full circle) and you can get magnificent view of the mountains and forests. The entry to the monastery is from the backside.