- Where
- Rabong, about 1 km from Ravangla, south Sikkim
- Altitude
- About 2,100 m
- Distance
- About 77–85 km from Gangtok; 44 km from Pelling
- Timings
- About 9am–5pm or 6pm daily
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners (2026 reports)
- Permit
- None for Indian travellers
- Best time
- October–December for mountain views; March–May for flowers
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
Tathagata Tsal, better known as Buddha Park, sits on a ridge just north of Ravangla in south Sikkim. Its centrepiece is a 130-foot (40 m) Buddha, built between 2006 and 2013 to mark the 2,550th anniversary of the Buddha's birth and consecrated by the Dalai Lama on 25 March 2013. Mount Narsing rises behind it, with Kanchenjunga on clear days.
The statue and the park
- 60 tonnes of copper. The statue was made by repoussé, hammering copper sheets into shape.
- Museum and meditation hall in the base, with a spiral gallery on the life of the Buddha.
- Cho Djo lake, a small forest lake within the complex.
- Part of the Rabong pilgrimage site, a centuries-old monastery complex. The name Tathagata Tsal means "garden of the Tathagata", a title the Buddha used for himself.
- Wide paved paths and lawns that make it easy for older travellers.
How to reach Buddha Park
Ravangla sits on the road between Gangtok and Pelling, so most people stop on the way. The park is about 1 km from Ravangla bazaar, an easy walk. See our Gangtok to Pelling cab page and things to do in Ravangla.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | about 75 km | 3–3.5 hrs |
| Pelling | about 45 km | 1.5–2 hrs |
| NJP station | about 120 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
| Darjeeling | about 70 km | 3–3.5 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Tickets and timings
- Entry: about ₹50 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners in 2026 reports.
- Hours: about 9am to 5pm or 6pm, daily. Arrive by 4pm to see the museum.
- Permit: none for Indian travellers. Foreign nationals need the Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, as everywhere in the state.
Weather and best time
At about 2,100 m, Ravangla is cool year-round and cold in winter, with occasional light snow in January and February.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 1°C | Dry | Light |
| Feb | 10°C | 2°C | Light | Light |
| Mar | 14°C | 5°C | Light | – |
| Apr | 16°C | 8°C | Light | – |
| May | 18°C | 11°C | Wet | – |
| Jun | 20°C | 14°C | Very wet | – |
| Jul | 20°C | 15°C | Very wet | – |
| Aug | 20°C | 15°C | Very wet | – |
| Sep | 19°C | 14°C | Very wet | – |
| Oct | 17°C | 10°C | Light | – |
| Nov | 14°C | 6°C | Dry | – |
| Dec | 11°C | 3°C | Dry | – |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 2134 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- October–December: the clearest skies and the best chance of Kanchenjunga behind the statue.
- March–May: flowers and mild days.
- June–September: mist often hides the statue's head; mornings are best.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Morning light faces the statue, and the mountain is clearest before 10am.
- Ravangla's other sights fit the same half day: Ralang Monastery (about 13 km), the Borong hot springs, and Temi Tea Garden, Sikkim's only large tea estate, on the road towards Namchi.
- Walk the outer path around the statue for the view down the Teesta side.
A half-day plan in Ravangla
- 8am: Buddha Park, while Kanchenjunga is clear.
- 9:30am: Ralang Monastery, about 13 km away, the seat of the Karma Kagyu in south Sikkim, with the newer Palchen Choeling monastery beside it.
- 11:30am: Borong or Ralang hot springs, if you have time.
- 1pm: lunch in Ravangla bazaar, then on to Pelling or down towards Temi Tea Garden and Namchi.
Who it suits
- Families and older travellers: paths are wide and paved, with benches; the climb to the statue's base is gentle.
- Pilgrims: the park is part of the Rabong monastery complex and a stop on Sikkim's Buddhist circuit.
What to carry
A warm layer even in summer (Ravangla is at 2,100 m), cash for the ticket, and sunscreen: the open lawns have little shade.
Nearby
- Khecheopalri Lake near Pelling.
- Rumtek Monastery near Gangtok.
Buddha Park, Ravangla: questions travellers ask
What is the entry fee for Buddha Park Ravangla?
About ₹50 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners, according to 2026 reports. Check at the gate.
What are Buddha Park Ravangla's timings?
About 9am to 5pm or 6pm daily.
How tall is the Buddha statue at Ravangla?
About 130 feet, or 40 m, made from 60 tonnes of copper.
When was Buddha Park built?
Between 2006 and 2013. The Dalai Lama consecrated the statue on 25 March 2013.
How far is Buddha Park from Gangtok?
About 77 to 85 km by road, around 3 hours.
How far is Ravangla from Pelling?
About 44 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
Does it snow at Ravangla?
Occasionally, a little in January or February. Snow is rare and short-lived.
Is Ravangla worth visiting?
Yes, as a stop between Gangtok and Pelling: Buddha Park, Ralang Monastery and Temi Tea Garden fit into half a day.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Buddha Park of Ravangla
- Muddie Trails: Buddha Park guide
- TravelTriangle: places to visit in Ravangla 2026
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
