Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a captivating landlocked country nestled in South Asia. Bordered by Tibet to the north, Sikkim and West Bengal of India to the west, and Assam and Arunachal Pradesh of India to the east, Bhutan boasts stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its capital city, Thimphu, serves as the political center, while Phuentsholing acts as its financial hub.
As the second least-populous nation in South Asia after the Maldives, Bhutan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Phuentsholing, situated in the southern part of Bhutan, serves as a vital border town between India and Bhutan. Historically known as the residence of Himalayan Kingdom royalty, Phuentsholing is a melting pot of cultures, encompassing Bhutanese, Nepalese, and Indian influences.
If you're planning a visit to Phuentsholing, here are the top 6 places you won't want to miss experiencing.
# Bhutan GateBhutan Gate is one of the top-rated tourist spots in Phuentsholing. Did you also know that Bhutan Gate is the main entrance and exit to and from India? This is located right next to the Regional Immigration Office, and trust me when I say this, the view of the gate is amazing with exquisite woodcraft and the well-maintained flower beds in close vicinity creating a beautiful setup.
# Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding CentreThe Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre is another most visited tourist spot in Phuentsholing. If you are a big fan of Crocodiles and want to know all about it then this place should definitely be on your wishlist as you can get to see the feeding session on a fine afternoon. There are few ponds filled with fishes and next to them you have endangered gharials, mugger crocodiles, migratory birds, tortoises and fishes in the water.
# Zangto Pelri LhakhangEven if you aren’t a religious person or looking for religious fervour, Zangto or Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang is a very nice and a calm place to visit. You get to see the Buddhist monks chanting hymns early in the morning. There are also 8 idols of Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara as well as Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal along with the main idol of Amitabha which make this place worth visiting.
# Phuentsholing ViewpointThe next one on the list of top places to visit in Phuentsholing is the Peeple Drangra or Phuentsholing viewpoint. This lies at the same altitude as that of Rinchending Goemba. The best time recommended visiting is during the day as you’ll get a clear view of thriving Phuentsholing town as well as the Bengal plains. The hill gradients and the Torsa River flowing right beside it make this location the perfect picturesque.
# Torsa River Side
Torsa River Side is one such place which is easily accessible that you can reach here even on foot. You get the best view in the morning and the most interesting part is that no vehicles are allowed on this road. The panorama of the town, the verdurous hillocks and the convergence of the two streams of the Torsa can be seen from here and you can also put up a tent to spend a night.
# Zangto Pelri ParkAfter you are done visiting the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang and circumambulating prayer wheels you can also check out the Zangto Pelri Park adjacent to it. This place is totally kids friendly and you can definitely have an amazing time with your family. You can see the Monks chanting prayers while the tourists take a stroll along with lovers in the corners and kids jumping all around the place. The immaculacy of the park is what makes it so special and most rated tourist spot.