Aritar

Aritar is situated in the eastern part of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a small hamlet, which comes under the Rongli sub-division. The place is immersed in spectacular beauty and rich history. Aritar provides the opportunity to get an exquisite glimpse of the Khangchendzonga. The place is filled with plush forests full of green trees, steep hills with extensive fields of paddy and serene lakes, which make it an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation. It is a destination that is worth making a trip to.

 

From Aritar, one can take a hike to Rachela. It takes 6 hours to reach this place. The panoramic views, the vibrant flowers, the intriguing flora, the majestic mountain ranges of Bhutan and West Bengal and the spectacular natural beauty are the things that one can enjoy here.

                                       TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT ARITAR

Lampokari Lake: One of the most ancient lakes in the state of Sikkim is the Lampokhari Lake. Plush green forests encircle the lake from all sides. Boating facilities are provided recently in the lake. 

Mankhim Dara Temple: Mankhim Dara is a temple, which has been constructed for an ethnic society named Rai. It can be reached by taking a small hike from the Lampokhari Lake. An amazing sight of the surrounding region can be obtained from here. 

Lampokhari Tourism Festival: During the end of March or in the beginning of the month of April, the Lampokhari Tourism Festival is hosted in Aritar. Many activities such as boating, horse riding, competitions of traditional archery, small hikes, rock climbing, paragliding and many other such activities are carried out here during the festival. 

Dak Bunglow: Sir James Claude White, who was the first political officer of Sikkim during the rule of British in India, constructed this ancient bungalow. The bungalow is otherwise known as Ari-Bangla. In the year 1895, this bungalow was constructed. 

Aritar Gumpa: One of the most ancient monasteries of Sikkim, the Aritar Guma is also believed to be one of the most holy monasteries in the state. The serene and peaceful environment, the traditional style of architecture, the carvings and pictures, the rare documents and icons are here. 

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir: Hundreds and hundreds of followers come here to visit this sacred location for pilgrimage. People mainly come here during the month of Sawan. During the worship, water is offered and then a sip of the holy water is taken from a holy container.

Nirmal Dham: The distance between this location and Rhenock Bazar is a mere 5 Kms. It is known to be a dwelling place of “Nirmal Guruji”, who is basically known as Kopchey Baba. It is believed that he contains extraordinary healing powers.

Ever green nursery & Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya: An assortment of drift wood, botanical and much different kind of flowers are present in the nursery. The nursery as well as the museum belongs to a private owner. It is situated near to the Rhenock Bazar.

Kali khola falls: The spectacular waterfall has an altitude of 100 meters.

Changey water fall: This waterfall is located close to Lampokhari. It has an altitude of 50 meters.

Rachela: Rachela is a spectacular location for making a trekking trip to. 

 

                                       HOW TO REACH ARITAR

By air: The nearest air terminal is the Bagdogra Airport, which is situated at a distance of 120 Kms from Aritar.

By rail: The closest railway station would be the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is situated at a distance of 131 Kms from Aritar.

By road: A subsidiary of the NH 31A passes through Rhenock. The distance between Rhenock and Siliguri is 125 Kms.