In pictures: Rain-kissed Ravangla — A monsoon retreat to remember

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Thanks to Ravangla’s gorgeous scenery, you will have ample scope to post a ‘my view is better than yours’ photo. This one’s from the mountain-facing Hilltop Rabong Resort. And the tea? An aromatic cup of Darjeeling tea, best enjoyed with a clear view of Kanchenjunga in all its glory

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A popular tourist destination, the Tathagata Tsal or the Buddha Park is situated just a kilometre north of Ravangla and has a 130-foot-high copper Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Rent a golf cart to explore the scenic landscape and marvel at the frescoes on the walls of the spiral gallery trail as you climb up the stairs. The park has a Buddhist conclave, meditation centre, forest-encircled Cho Djo lake, eatery and souvenir shops for the visitors to explore. (Visiting hours: 9am-6pm; entry and golf carts are ticketed)

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Ralong Palchen Choling, or the New Ralang Monastery, is one of the area’s most visited spots. Located six kilometres from Ravangla, the Buddhist monastery with rich spiritual and cultural heritage is home to welcoming monks with endless anecdotes about their rituals, customs and history. The Buddha idol, wall frescoes and the decorations are breathtaking. Bonus: photography is allowed inside monastery premises

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The day, if sunny, is quite humid in Ravangla. If you’re travelling around or during the monsoon months, it is advisable to keep a light jacket and rain gear handy for sudden spells of rain and mist. Evenings in Ravangla are chilly and layering up is a must. Be careful of leeches during the rainy season. Keep checking your footwear and feet to avoid unwarranted bites

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Sikkim has diverse flora and fauna. From manicured flower gardens at monasteries and resorts to white daisies on sidewalks, the colours add to the picturesque views of Ravangla

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Be it the succulent momos from small eateries on the mountain trail, hearty thukpa bowls or pork curry with fresh mustard greens (we had the thukpa and pork at Hilltop Rabong Resort) — when in the mountains, don’t pass up these must-haves. The vegetables used are often from home gardens and the freshness of these organic products lends a unique flavour to the dishes

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To fully relish the sudden nip in the air after sundown, arrange for an evening bonfire and a barbecue. After spending hours exploring Ravangla, end your day with mist-kissed moments of solitude and warmth. As you unwind, listen to the crickets chirping and that unique fresh, rain-washed smell of the mountains

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The scenic splendour accompanies you throughout your trip. With Durga Puja knocking at the door, a cloud-smattered blue ‘sharater akash’ and ‘kaash phool’ greet you at intervals

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On your way back to Siliguri, stop at the quaint roadside stores selling local delights. From fresh local produce — cucumbers that look quite like bottle gourds and a variety of ‘saag’ — to bottled dalle khursani chillies and bamboo shoots, you’ll be spoilt for choice. (Ravangla is 121 km from NJP station and 128 km from Bagdogra airport)