Ravangla

Ravangla (also written Ravongla or Rabong) is a small Himalayan hill town in **Sikkim that became prominent mainly in the modern era—first as a quiet settlement on South Sikkim routes, and later as a cultural, administrative, and spiritual-tourism centre. Government and local administrative notes describe Ravangla as a high-altitude town near **Namchi, connected by state highways and positioned between major Sikkim towns.

Early character: a route-side hill settlement

For much of its earlier history, Ravangla’s role was practical rather than imperial—it functioned as a small hill settlement serving nearby villages and travelers moving through the southern slopes of Sikkim. Its location made it a natural stopping point for trade and travel between interior Sikkim and the lower approach routes toward **Siliguri, and it later gained attention for clear mountain views and a calm climate.

Administrative context: South District era

A major institutional shift for the wider area came when South District was created in April 1963 in the then Kingdom of Sikkim. Ravangla is described as a subdivision within this South District administrative framework, which helped formalize governance and public services in the region.
After Sikkim merged with India in 1975, the district administration structure continued under Indian governance, and Ravangla’s role as a subdivision/town centre became more defined in local administration.

Tibetan community chapter (late 20th century)

Ravangla’s modern social history also includes the establishment of a Tibetan settlement. The Central Tibetan Relief Committee notes that the Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement in Ravangla began in 1978 with support including land grants and later assistance for infrastructure—adding a distinct cultural layer to the town’s identity and economy.

Spiritual landscape and the “Buddha Park” transformation

The most visible milestone in Ravangla’s recent history is the development of **Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal. It was constructed between 2006 and 2013 and features a large Buddha statue as the centerpiece. The park and statue were created to mark the 2550th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha and were developed through combined efforts involving the state and local people.
A key date associated with this site is 25 March 2013, when the statue was consecrated by the **14th Dalai Lama, further establishing Ravangla as an important stop for Buddhist pilgrimage tourism.

Monasteries, treks, and today’s identity

Ravangla’s wider heritage is strengthened by nearby monasteries—especially **Ralang Monastery, which is documented as established in 1768 (with later rebuilding and a newer monastery complex completed in the 1990s).
On the nature side, administrative pages also describe Ravangla as a starting point for treks to **Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting how forests and trekking routes became part of the town’s modern “living history.”