Hanuman Tok

4.7

Location: 8JXH+4FP, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 2 hours

Hanuman Tok is a Hindu religious center that is worshiped Lord Hanuman, the Hindu monkey God. The temple is positioned in Gangtok‘s higher reaches. The Indian Army looks after the temple. The magnificent temple, which stands at a height of 7,200 feet, is perched against the Kanchenjunga peak, the world’s third-highest mountain.

Attraction

The location offers an unrivaled 3600-degree vista of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third tallest mountain peak. If you get to the temple before 5 a.m., you will be treated to one of the most breathtaking sunrises you will ever see. The temple’s quiet ambiance rejuvenates you and offers a sense of serenity to your mind. Other adjacent sites include the Saibaba temple and a number of chortens and stupas. The Namgyal Royal family of Sikkim’s cremation place is also nearby.

History

According to legend, Hanuman Tok was where Lord Hanuman rested while transporting Sanjeevni to Lanka from the Himalayas. People used to worship a stone that was located here in the open for a long time until Appaji Pant (an officer) constructed a statue of Lord Hanuman after having a dream about this sacred spot in the 1950s. At Hanuman Tok, it is claimed that all wishes are granted, attracting a large number of residents as well as tourist pilgrims from all over the country. This land was transferred to the Indian army in 1968, and the army has maintained and conserved it ever since.

Inside/Outside Views

Hanuman Tok’s strategic placement provides a full 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys and hills. The temple is accessible through a set of steps and a pavement with bells strung along the walks. In certain locations, speakers with repeating bhajans and chants have been erected. The temple is a spherical edifice with a large hall painted yellow and red, as well as various paintings depicting Lord Hanuman’s life. Another chamber contains miniature Hindu gods and goddesses statues.

The Hanuman Tok, which is round in shape, is well-equipped with a wooden roof and tiles, as well as several chairs for guests to relax on. Shirdi Baba’s shrine can also be found here. The royal family of Sikkim’s cremation grounds, known as Lukshyama, are also located near Hanuman Tok. The lifeless remains of Namgyal dynasty family members were thrown into the flames at this cremation place.

Opening Hours

The opening hour is every day from 7:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M

Entry & Others Fees

The entry fee is free.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The overall distance from the airport to Temple is around 34 kilometers, and it takes approximately an hour and a half to two hours to reach by taxi. If anyone wishes to go through a flight, one must first travel to Bagdogra, which is nine kilometers from Siliguri. The airport primarily serves the towns of Bagdogra and Darjeeling in northern West Bengal. From the airport, you may take a cab or a bus to Hanuman Tok. There are also regular helicopter services to Gangtok from the airport. Hanuman Tok altitude also allows for helicopter flights. By cab or automobile, Hanuman Tok may be reached in around one and half hours.

By Rail: If one takes the train, then must stop in Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, both of which are near to Gangtok. The distance between Siliguri and Gangtok is 148 kilometers, and the distance between Jalpaiguri and Gangtok is 148 kilometers. Trains departing from Guwahati travel through New Jalpaiguri, providing direct access to major cities such as New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, and others. From a train station, you may catch a bus or a cab. It takes around four hours by cab to reach Hanuman Tok and approximately eight hours by bus.

By Road : Roads from Bagdogra, NJP, and Siliguri all connect to the Sevoke Road, which connects to the National Highway NH31A. West Bengal governs the area along NH31A all the way up to the adjoining town of Rangpo. Rangpo is 25 kilometers from Gangtok.

Tips for Travellers

Look for permission from monastery administrators to take photographs recently and keep a strategic distance from anything that can disturb the monastery’s holiness, like chatting loudly.