Phuentsholing Bhutan, known as the royal residence of the Kingdom of the Himalayas, may be found close to the steamy West Bengal town of Jaigaon at the foothills of the mountains. The first one-story home in Phuentsholing Bhutan was constructed in 1958, and only a small number of buildings still stand today, including the Jatan Prasad Lal Chand Prasad shop, Bhutan Enterprise offices, and a beauty parlor adjacent to Zangdopelri Lhakhang. As the entry point to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Phuentsholing whisks you away from India and into a land of expansive commercial settings and benevolent people.
OVERVIEW
Location: Bhutan
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra in India
How to reach: 4 hours from Bagdogra airport, 4 hours from Thimphu
Famous for: Gateway of Bhutan from India
Best time to visit: All year round
WHAT TO SEE
Location: Bhutan
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra in India
How to reach: 4 hours from Bagdogra airport, 4 hours from Thimphu
Famous for: Gateway of Bhutan from India
Best time to visit: All year round
Here are some of the places in Phuentsholing Bhutan that make the frontier town worth visiting.
On the Indo-Bhutan border, the Bhutan Gate is an imposing structure. Traditional Bhutanese architecture is fundamentally composed of elaborate classical components and the wooden work of the gate. The gorgeous architecture, well-kept road system, and flowerbeds right close to the gate will leave you with a lasting impression of the area.
The most sought-after crocodile sightings can be found at the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre, thus there is no better site to go for crocodile viewing. It can be eye-opening to observe the methodical, deliberate movements of these tropical animals and to learn from the officials about their way of life.
There is no better place than Zangto Pelri Lhakhang to experience the wonderful spiritual awakening that is exclusive to Bhutan. The chants sung by Buddhist monks sanctify the calm, serene environment. On this excursion, you will learn a little bit about history as well because there are Buddha statues and paintings that depict his life.
Karbandi Monastery is a scenic vantage point that offers you breathtaking views of the Bengal Plain and the town of Phuentsholing Bhutan. It is home to the life-size idols of Shakyamuni, Rinpoche, and Shabdrung Ngawang. As you go slowly and enjoy the lush garden and the atmosphere of mystery that the location so masterfully portrays, examine the stupas.
Torsa River Side: The Torsa River Side is one of the best locations in Phuentsholing Bhutan to achieve inner peace, so consider yourself lucky if you happened to stumble upon it on one of your morning strolls. Your passion for nature and all things peaceful will be sparked by the lush landscape and the sight of the converging Torsa streams.
Phuentsholing Market: Situated on the outskirts of the city, the Phuentsholing Market is constantly buzzing with activity, enticing bargain hunters from India and the rest of the surrounding nations. Who knows, you might even find something to take home as a souvenir!
Phuentsholing Viewpoint: It’s time to take some beautiful photos, and the best place in all of Phuentsholing Bhutan to do that is Peeple Drangra, commonly known as the Phuentsholing Viewpoint. From this vantage point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire town and the Bengal plains if you are there on a day with bright blue skies.
Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra: Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra is a renowned Buddhist monastic institution that has produced some of the top monks and nuns in the nation. You will undoubtedly like visiting the school because you will have the opportunity to speak with aspiring nuns and monks and explore the Tsuglagkhang murals, which can be a stimulating experience.
How to access Phuentsholing from Bagdogra airport and drive to Thimphu and Paro.
The best way to make it to Thimphu from Bagdogra in West Bengal would be to first drive to Phuentsholing Bhutan. Within four hours, you can cover 164 kilometers between Bagdogra and Phuentsholing, and then, proceed to Thimphu. Additionally, if you are planning to visit Paro from Phuentsholing, then you might need another four hours.
Places are awaiting your visit and there is magic ready to be unveiled. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be lulled into the tantalizing beauty and peace of Phuentsholing on your trip to Bhutan!
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