Rabdentse Ruins: Historical and Cultural Site in Pelling
Pelling is a beautiful place to visit in Sikkim, India, that offers a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Pelling has many attractions, but one of the most fascinating ones is the Rabdentse Ruins.
Rabdentse Ruins History
The Rabdentse Ruins are the remains of the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim, which was established in 1670 by the second Chogyal (king) Tensung Namgyal.
The city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army in 1814, and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens (Buddhist stupas) can be seen now. The site is located near the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Sikkim.
Rabdentse Ruins Architecture
The architecture of the Rabdentse Ruins reflects the Buddhist culture and heritage of Sikkim. The ruins are divided into two sections: the northern section, where the royal family lived, and the southern section, where the common people lived.
The northern section has three chortens (Buddhist stupas), which are said to contain the relics of the three Chogyals (kings) who ruled from Rabdentse. The chores are made of stone and have a dome-shaped structure with a spire on top.
How to Reach Rabdentse Ruins?
To visit the Rabdentse Ruins, you have to walk for about 2 km from the main road, through a forested path that leads to a stone gate. From there, you can see two sections of the site: the northern section, where the royal family lived, and the southern section, where the common people lived.
The northern section has three chortens, which are said to contain the relics of the three Chogyals who ruled from Rabdentse. The southern section has a large open space, where public ceremonies and gatherings are held.
Rabdentse Ruins Timing & Entry Fee
The Rabdentse Ruins are open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entry fee is Rs 10 per person. The best time to visit the site is during the winter season when the weather is clear and pleasant. The site is also less crowded during this season, so you can have a peaceful and relaxing time.
The Rabdentse Ruins are one of the most interesting attractions in Pelling, and you should not miss them if you are in the area. They are a place where you can learn more about the past glory and heritage of Sikkim, as well as admire its present beauty and charm.
