Ruins of Splendour

Rabdentse,Pelling,Sikkim

It was around 4.00 pm when the Rabdentse was reached on a drive from Pelling, Sikkim. Our vehicle dropped us at the main gate, from where the site of the royal ruins could be reached only on foot. The slanting beams of Sunrays through the clouds were in a mood for an early pack up, and before it was late, we began our walk through the stone paved way to see the Royal relics of ancient Sikkim, Rabdentse. It was an uphill walk surrounded by trees on both the flanks of the trek route. Sometimes the walk was tiring and frightening too due to dense vegetation around but, it was a safe place and tourist friendly.

View of Kanchenjungha at Rabdentse

Finally, the relics of Rabdentse appeared before us, in an array of roofless stone structures, with majestic view of Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. Replete with tales of history, crumbling ruins of the capital of ancient Sikkim, for over hundred years, were calling us. The cluster of walls in the premises was standing as reminder of a capital, as a symbol of power and like a signature of Royal affluence in the reposed ambience. The assorted walls, that housed the prestigious residence, throne and the Buddhist chorten (chaitya or prayer hall) of the Royal family of Sikkim or Chogyal were bereft of sheen, and destined to eerie silence. But, the breathtaking beauty of gorgeous Kanchenjunga at Sunset was still intact to spellbind us. With a blush on the sky, curtain of darkness were slowly spreading over the decrepit legacy of history where time had gone for a never ending sleep and, through the stone paved way, it was time to retreat.

Royal Chorten,Rabdentse,Pelling,Sikkim

The kingdom of ancient Sikkim, Rabdentse, has been declared a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.