Early morning at Buddha Park, Tathagata Tsal
From the gate, a long straight path leads past lawns and lines of prayer wheels to the statue on its raised base. Inside the base is a hall with paintings of the Buddha's life and a small display. Most visitors walk the circuit clockwise around the statue and then down to the stupas and the old Rabong gompa beside the park.
Morning is the best time. Cloud often rolls up from the valleys by 10 or 11 am and can hide the head of the statue for hours. On clear days the snow peaks line up to the north-west.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How tall is the Ravangla Buddha statue
The statue is about 40 m, or roughly 130 ft, tall, and stands on a raised base. It was built by the Government of Sikkim to mark the 2,550th anniversary of the Buddha's birth and consecrated by the Dalai Lama in March 2013. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in India.
Is Buddha Park suitable for elderly travellers
Mostly, yes. The main path from the gate to the statue is long but fairly gentle and paved, with benches. There are steps up to the statue base and some slopes on the outer circuit. Cars drop visitors at the gate. Go slowly, carry water and a warm layer, and avoid wet days when paving is slick.
Can I take photos at Buddha Park
Yes, outdoors. Photography of the statue, gardens and views is allowed and is the main reason many people come. Photography may be restricted inside the hall in the statue base, so look for signs. Drones need permission and are generally not allowed. Be respectful of people praying at the prayer wheels.
Also in Ravangla
More hours to plan around
