Namchi, India

Namchi or Namtse is the capital of the district of South Sikkim in the Indian state of Sikkim. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese.

Namchi is fast becoming a major tourist spot and a pilgrimage centre. The Namchi Monastery, Ralang Monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world's largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling hill) opposite Namchi. Recently inaugurated (in November 2011), the Siddhesvara Dhaam is a unique pilgrimage-tourism venture of the Sikkim Government developed as “Pilgrim cum Cultural Centre” boasting a 87-ft statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of four Dhaams of the country, all at one place on the Solophok hilltop in Namchi. Char Dham, the four most revered Dhams of the Hindus have been replicated in this fantastic complex to benefit the devotees and tourists. Near the town, Sikkim's sole tea estate — the Temi Tea Garden is situated. The visitors can enjoy the scenic view of Temi tea garden - the one and the only tea estate in the state which. One of the highlights of the town is the football stadium – the Bhaichung Stadium built by the Sikkimese government in honour of its most famous citizen, footballer Bhaichung Bhutia who owns a number of football schools all over India produces top quality tea in the international market.

Connectivity

The nearest airport to Namchi is Bangdogra Airport, which is around 124 km from Gangtok and 190 km from Mangan. This airport is connected to important cities of the country through regular flights. From the airport, rented jeeps and cabs are available for Namchi.

The nearest railway station to Namchi is New Jalpaiguri railway station which is 78 kms away. This station is well- connected to most of the important cities of India through regular trains. Rent a cab or go on-board a bus to Namchi.