Southern Sikkim

Sikkim's South District, is the second largest populated districts of Sikkim. Its headquarter is in Namchi, meaning "High sky". The area does credit to its name, nestled among the hills it gives panoramic views of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the magic snow-capped mountains in the back.

A legend says that Namchi was the place where Pende Ongmoo, the treacherous princess who poisoned one of the Chogyals of Sikkim, was caught and killed for her deed. Locals believe that

Hence here spirit still haunts the foothills of Ghurpisey...

The nearby Namchi monastery, Ralang monastery and Tedong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. In February 2004, 's worlds largest statue of the Guru Padmasambhava got completed atop Samdruptse ('Wish fulfilling hill') near Namchi.

Namchi's flower show, hosted in February, is the largest flower show in Sikkim. The prime attraction of this show is the display of exotic and rare orchids.

The Eastern Himalayas Biodiversity Park, located in Tendong close to Namchi, fall under 1 of the worlds 18 Biodiversity hot-spots, here about 9 types of major forests types are found. The area is also home to more than 26% of all flowering plants to be found in India and therefore is a very important phyto-geographical reserve in India. The total area of the park is 255 ha and the altitude varies from 1.400 MASL to 2.050 MASL. The Biodiversity Park is generally hilly and some gorgeous streams pass through the area.

Also nearby is Temi, Sikkim's only tea estate. Temi provides first-class tea marked by its exotic fragrance and flavor. Here one can stroll through the tea gardens, visit the tea factory and observe the tea processing. Since the tea garden is located on a hill slope, it will give you a fabulous view of the surrounding villages.

Namchi is 90 Kms. away from Gangtok the state capital, and 100 Kms. away from siliguri the nearest railways station.

Kewzing is a typical Bhutia village in South Sikkim under the cover of the forest. At an altitude of 1200 m Kewzing provides its inhabitants with magnificent views of mountains including Mt. Kabru. Best mountain views occur from mid September to mid December. The atmosphere in the village is very serene and peaceful as the local people are very friendly and hospitable.

Activities during your stay can include bird watching, village walks, visiting the unique Bon monastery along with Doling and Mangbrue monasteries. The more adventurous can take overnight trek to the Maenam Wild life Sanctuary for spectacular views of the mountains and the plains of North Bengal.

From Kewzing one can do tours to watch Samdruptse (a statue of the patron saint of Sikkim), Ralang monastery, Temi Tea Garden, paper making factory and Rayong sunrise point. Tashiding & Pemayangtse monasteries are also worth visiting. Khecheopalri lake is also a favourite site to relax.

From Kewzing one can also visit the Ralang, Kundragling and Doling Monastries. The Kundragling Monastery is the only Bon Monastery in Sikkim. Bon being the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet.

Kewzing is well connected by road to Siliguri and Gangtok. Gangtok is approximately 76 km away.