4 Top Places to Visit in Phuentsholing

Unlike other cities in Bhutan that offer unexplored terrain and natural scenic beauty, Phuentsholing is the perfect mix of traditions, beautiful landscapes, modern life and culture. There is a lot more to Phuentsholing than meets the eye. The city is a hub for different ethnic groups living in perfect harmony, be it Bhutanese, Nepalese or Indians. For this very reason, Phuentsholing is a must-visit.

On your trip to Phuentsholing, look out for these places to visit in the city:

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is home to the exact replica of Guru Rinpoche, with eight life-size idols of different manifestations of the revered Guru. Statues of Bodhisattvas, paintings of Lord Buddha and statues of Avalokiteshvara are a few artistic wonders you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

Don’t forget to take a few steps to the compound’s top floor, where the beautiful statue of Amitabha is placed. Locals visit the place to worship and pay their respect to several deities. Visit the place in the morning to catch a glimpse of Buddhist monks praying at the monastery.

Karbandi Monastery

Karbandi Monastery, or as locals call it, Karbandi Goemba, is located at a height of 400 metres. Founded in 1967, it’s the winter residence of the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. The temple compound houses impressive, large statues of Shabdrung Ngawang, Guru Rinpoche and Shakyamuni Buddha. The plush garden located right outside the monastery gives a panoramic view of the Bengal Plain and the Phuentsholing town. Eight different Tibetan Buddhist Stupas can be seen enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the garden.

According to legend, an Indian pilgrim couple visited this place and prayed for a child. The wish was granted, and since then, couples have been visiting this place in hopes of a better future.

Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre

The Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre is undisputedly one of the most popular places to visit in Phuentsholing. Get close to these dangerous creatures in real life, and see them snooze or feed. Of course, how close you get depends on the time you visit the breeding centre. With various species of crocodiles and alligators, it’s the place to be if you’re an animal lover.

Bhutan Gate

Depicting traditional Bhutanese architecture, Bhutan Gate is the main gateway for entry from India. One of the most photographed attractions, the gate demarcates the Bhutanese and the Indian territory with adjoining cities, Jaigaon and Phuentsholing.

As you walk in, the difference is clearly visible, in terms of architecture, municipal cleanliness and orderly planning. Take a picture of the Bhutan Gate and make it your first photograph on your trip. It is advisable to choose hotels in the vicinity to mingle with the locals and shop in the city’s crowded markets.

Tradition, hills, adventure and relaxation! Phuentsholing offers everything to bring the traveller inside you come to life. What’s more? Indians don’t require a visa to visit Bhutan. Phuentsholing, a convenient link between Bhutan and India, should be a must-visit on your travel bucket list this year.