S1 E25 | Impromptu Sikkim Trip: Pelling Adventures and Big Buddha Statue

After our Bangladesh plan didn’t work out, we decided to take an impromptu trip to Sikkim. We took a train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri Station in Siliguri and then we hopped on an AC bus to Pelling, excited to explore a new place with minimal planning.

The bus ride was smooth, though the weather felt surprisingly comfortable for a non-AC region. Along the way, we had a quick lunch stop (included in our daily INR 200–300 food budget) and navigated through winding roads and even a landslide, adding a bit of adventure to the ride.

Upon arrival, we met a local taxi driver and hired a cab for the day (prices start at INR 1,000), allowing us to visit all key attractions around Pelling. The cool mountain weather, ranging 18–22°C, was a refreshing change from Kolkata’s heat.

Our first stop was the Big Buddha Statue, an enormous structure overlooking a deep valley. We also visited the glass sky bridge (ticketed), while the temple itself was free to enter. The place was serene and mostly empty since it was off-season, giving us the entire attraction to ourselves.

At the Buddha site, we discovered traditional hand-rolling prayer gongs which you can turn clockwise for prayers, adding a spiritual touch to our adventure. A short stair walk led to the temple shrine at the top, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Traveling to Pelling during off-season has its perks: fewer tourists, serene surroundings, and a more personal experience at major attractions.

Pelling in Sikkim proved to be a perfect impromptu getaway, blending adventure, spirituality, and stunning mountain landscapes in one short trip.