Ever felt bored with the same atmosphere? Like the same view of the sunset, sunrise, and the same ever-aging evenings?

Then let me take you to a place where the sunshine ignites its beauty and the sunrise brings calmness and serenity with its darkness. It is neither a country nor a state but a park in a small state popularly known for its natural beauty and the view of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains. Yes, you guessed it right. I am talking about our beautiful state Sikkim and the wonderful park known as “Buddha Park,” a place filled with natural beauty and spiritual ambiance. Buddha Park is situated at about 1 km from Ravangla Bazaar, South Sikkim. This park is a combination of spirituality with a sparkling dose of leisure activities.

Also known as Tathagatha Tsal, Buddha Park is built around the periphery of Rabong Gompa (monastery), which itself is a centuries-old pilgrimage site, and Ralong Monastery, a key monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. Its appearance depicts a unique Buddhist architect and was consecrated on March 25, 2013, by his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The erection of the Buddha’s statue marks the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha who is the founder of “Buddhism.” Also, this park was built with joint efforts of the Sikkim government and the people of Sikkim.

Standing in front of the 40 m high Buddha statue

The main accentuating part of this park is the grandeur of the Buddha idol, which is amazingly constructed on top of the monastery (rabong). It is approx. 40 m high and stands as a center of attraction. The monastery below is equally beautiful and depicts the pictorial story of Buddha on its walls through ancient paintings and writings in both English and Buddhist scripts.

The view of the snow-clad mountain peaks from this place is simply out of the world and will leave you in the emotions of your own sweet incidence of both pain and happiness. The first time I visited this place, its spiritual atmosphere took me through my own journey of emotions and memory lane. One will never fail to feel amazed by its peaceful, serene, and rejuvenating surroundings.

Buddha Park

The park has a canteen and cafeteria offering healthy traditional snacks and dishes such as dumplings and homemade chocolates, clean and well-maintained washrooms, a souvenir shop, and ample parking space. If you are too lazy to walk around, you can rent an electronic car or buggy to take you around the park. The park also has a place where you can perform Buddhist rituals. Pujas are conducted inside the monastery for various purposes depending upon the occasion. A beautiful water fountain, situated at the entrance lane of the park, immediately catches the attention of the young and old alike. At the entrance of the monastery, you will find five huge bowls, which are almost four to five feet high, filled with water to the brim. In Buddhist culture it called “tink,” and it is used to make offerings to the god. Buddhists usually place them (tink) before the idol of worship. In case no one tells you, remember to make a wish and toss a coin into the water; the next thing you know is your wish coming true! To add more charm to the park, Cho djo Lake is also located within the complex making it more attractive for the visitors.

Surrounded by lush greenery, beautiful snow-covered mountains, and misty clouds in the backdrop of the statue, the park looks mesmerizing during the day time. My favorite part about this place is the view of Khangchendzonga Peak, which is beautifully visible on a clear day. The evening view of the park is equally mind-blowing as well as Buddha’s lit idol, which is visible from all parts of the town.

Buddha statue illuminated at night

So, remember: even if you have no one by your side, Buddha is always watching over you. All you have to do is look around.

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