South Sikkim is a district of the Indian state of Sikkim. Its capital is Namchi. South Sikkim lies at an altitude of 400 m to 2000 metres and hence enjoys a temperate climate for most of the year.
The people are mainly of Nepali descent. Other ethnic groups include the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Nepali is the most widely spoken language in the district.
One of the most industrialized districts in the state, owing to the availability of flattened land.
Namchi is the capital of South Sikkim and situated 78 kms away from Gangtok at an altitude of 5500 fts above sea level. The appellation Namchi means sky (nam) high (ahi) in Bhutia language. It is nestled among the hills at an elevation of around 5500 ft. It commands a panoramic view of the snowcapped mountains and vast stretches of valley. This Untouched Charm holds the towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse Hill, which represents peace and spiritual knowledge.
South Sikkim is a huge pilgrimage complex and a destination of the Char Dham pilgrimage situated at Solophok. Located 5 km from Namchi Town, it is famous for its 87 ft Shiva statue with 12 Jyotrlingas and a Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.
Situated at an elevation of 8000 fts, Ravangla is an upcoming tourist destination for its breathtaking landscape and tranquility. It is located on the ridge between the Meanam and Tendong hills. It is an ideal place for enjoying natural paradise and short treks. Because this land is perched high amidst the clouds, and offers heart-stirring views of the Kanchenjunga range and the balmy Buddha Park that will placate your soul. Ravangla is a perfect destination for village tourism, tea gardens, monasteries, flora and fauna, mountains, picturesque view, waterfalls, quaint villages, culture, and fresh cold winds.
One of the more prominent attractions of South Sikkim. Surrounded by lush green ancient forest, Tendong Hill is situated on an elevation of 8350 fts from the sea level. Legend says that it was a place of recluse for Buddhist lamas who spend years in meditation admits the silent grandeur.
Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft, Meanam Hill towers above tendong hill on the other side overlooking the Ravengla bazar settlement. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the plains of West Bengal spanning across Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills in the South and a Himalayan span of the Indo-China border towards the North.
