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Sonada is known for its beautiful Buddhist heritage and natural beauty. This city in Darjeeling offers various places for tourists and visitors to enjoy. One such place is Sonada Monastery or Samdrup Darjay Choling Monastery. The monastery is a peaceful addition to a trip to Darjeeling. Nestled among the greenery of Sonado, the place is full of admired works of art, such as paintings, sacred groves, and statutes related to Buddhist culture. A mummified Vajradhara lama figure is said to reside in the main shrine.
Quick Details About Sonata Monastery
Elevation: 6146 ft
Best Time To Visit: Oct to March
Sonata Monastery Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Location
Photo: Joydeep / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This serene location, nestled within the verdant surroundings of Sonada, is around 17 km from the Darjeeling town centre along Hill Cart Road. Sonada’s Samdrup Darjay Choling Monastery is situated between Kurseong and Ghoom. Sonada monastery address can be found easily online or locally.
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How To Reach Sonada Monastery
Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons
By Rail: Sonada Railway Station, located on the hill cart road, is only 24 kms away from the monastery. Tourists can find local transportation services like rickshaws and autos from there, making the Sonata Monastery quite accessible.
By Road: Sonada is only 17 kms away from Darjeeling City, located on the Darjeeling- Siliguri highway. Tourists can rent cars and taxis to reach Sonada from the well-linked roadways. Many private and local services are available from Darjeeling and Siliguri, including taxis, buses, and rented cars.
By Air: Just 40 kms away from Sonada, the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport. Tourists can go to Sonada by using the taxi services available at the airport.
Things To Do
1. Meditation
Photo: Judith / Wikimedia Commons
One can join the peaceful meditation sessions taking place in the Sonada Monastery. Amidst greenery, it offers the ideal ambience for deep reflection and mindfulness. The monks sometimes lead the meditation practice to help the practising individual focus their mind toward attaining peace. This practice offers a respite from the hustle and bustle and digs deep into the spiritual essence of the monastery.
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2. Art Appreciation
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Sonada Monastery presents rich Buddhist arts, has elaborate paintings and statues, and has sacred groves. One can spend time inside through the intricate artwork that reflects Buddhism’s cultural heritage and spiritualism. Paintings mostly depict the life scenes of Buddha, different deities, and statues of essential persons in Buddhist tradition. Groves introduces an element of the natural into the artistic experience, symbolising the association of spirituality with nature. Artistic appreciation at the monastery gives one a feel for the religious and cultural values of the practising Buddhist community.
3. Nature Walks
Photo: TomFisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The nature walks around Sonada Monastery are refreshing getaways into its green surroundings. One may walk through well-maintained trails amidst forests and gardens that meander to give a peaceful ambience, superbly conducive to meditation and relaxing. This serene atmosphere, combined with the beauty of nature, offers great bonding with nature. On the way, one could find different flora and fauna. Hence, these walks are a treat for the senses and are a way to rejuvenate the mind and spirit to complement the spiritual atmosphere of the monastery.
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Places To Visit Around Sonada Monastery
Tourists can enjoy these additions to their trip, making their journey full of new ventures:
1. The Batasia Loop
Photo: Deb Anutosh / Wikimedia Commons
The Batasia Loop forms one of the main features of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, better known as the “Toy Train.” It’s an outstanding feat of engineering, located about 5 kilometres from Darjeeling. A circular railway of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—this heritage railway is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This enables the train to gain elevation spiralling around itself. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the majestic Kanchenjunga range and a memorial in the name of Gorkha soldiers who laid their lives for their motherland in various wars. The views from the loop, along with the sheer engineering marvel one can see, make it a must-visit spot for those visiting Darjeeling.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Location: Batasia Loop, Hill Cart Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
2. Tiger Hill
Photo: Tanvir Kohli / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its sunrise views over the Himalayas, Tiger Hill is located about 14 kilometres from Sonada. At an elevation of 2,573 metres, there are extensive views of the Kanchenjunga range and other peaks, which include Mount Everest on clear days. This is one of the most preferred spots for early morning climbers to view the sunrise, tinging the snow-capped peaks with pink and golden hues. Due to the panoramic view and serene atmosphere, every wanderer seeking peace and beauty should have Tiger Hill on their travel bucket list.
Timings: 4 am to 7 am
Location: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
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3. Lepchajagat
Photo: Kunal Krishna 008 / Wikimedia Commons
Lepchajagat is a sleepy village about 15 km from Sonada, near Darjeeling. It is a paradise in the heart of pine forests and offers excellent views of the Kanchenjunga range. So, one can experience a very peaceful atmosphere, which provides a good location for nature walks, bird watching, and relaxation. A quiet retreat with a cool climate and beauty forms an ideal destination. It is in high demand among people striving to spend some time in solitude because of its beautiful nature and calm atmosphere.
Location: Lepchajagat, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
Where To Stay
Photo: Thomas Wanhoff / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Travellers can consider staying in hotels and homestays near Sonada Monastery. These are the places to stay near the Sonada Monastery namely The Local Tribe – Homestay, Cafe, and Hostel Sonada Kurseong, Mount Lungta Boutique Hotel & Spa, Anutri Hill Resort, The Rope Resort and Eeshan Rodhi Resort.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Tapas Kumar Halder / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Travellers can choose from the varied options available at these restaurants. Places where one can enjoy a wholesome meal include Chatbox Sonada, Taste of Sonada, Street Mama, The Taste of Darjeeling and Hungry Treat
Other Things To Consider
Photo: Winged tree / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Cost Of The Trip: A trip to the Sonata Monastery is very economical since there is no entry fee. However, tourists may need to check their transportation and accommodation budgets; nearby places are reasonably priced.
Tips For The Travellers:
- Maintain decorum and silence
- Dress modestly
- Be careful and sensitive to the beliefs and local customs of the people in the monastery.
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Amid Darjeeling’s lush surroundings, Sonada town is a hidden treasure for exploring natural beauties and cultural sights. The Sonada Monastery is a quiet place where tourists can escape chaos and bustling times. Moreover, visitors can look closely at the Buddhist legacy and enjoy its artwork. So, what are you waiting for then? Book your journey with TripXL to enjoy an insightful trip to Sonada, Darjeeling.
Cover Photo: Man / Wikimedia Commons
