Phuentsholing
is the Indo-Bhutan border town and a thriving commercial centre of Bhutan. Being
the border town, it serves as a convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and an
important link to the Indian states of west Bengal, Sikkim and Assam. The town
has cosmopolitan character with people belonging to various ethnic group from India,
Bhutan, and Nepal.
Hasimara,
in India is the nearest train station to reach Phuentsholing. From Hasimara it
takes about 30 minutes to reach Phuentsholing by Bus. Jaigaon is the border
town on Indian side. There are plenty of Budget hotels there in case on decides
to halt there. Since I spent two years in Hasimara, I had plenty of
opportunities to visit Phuentsholing.
Not
much to see for the tourists in Phuentsholing but the town offers a neat ,clean
and scenic environment away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. The town
is safe and could also be covered over by foot. Enjoying the sight of picturesque Torsa river and walking through the clouds on a hill is a sheer experience of cool , calm and peaceful surroundings of Phuentsholing . Adding to the serenity is the majestic sound of the bells ringing at one of the nearest Gompha.
Bhutan
Gate : Depicting
traditional Bhutanese architecture, Bhutan Gate is the main gateway for entry
from India and is one of the most photographed attractions, the gate demarcates
the Bhutanese and the Indian territory
with adjoining cities, Jaigaon and Phuentsholing. The gate has a
catching architecture.
Zangtho
Pelri Lhakhang is
small temple of attraction in the city and is the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. The
temple houses eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings of Buddha’s
life. The temple also houses the statues of eight Bodhisattavas and statues of
Avalokiteswar and Sharbdrung Ngawang Namgyal .The main statue of Amitabh is on
the top floor of the temple.
Kharbandi
Goemba : Founded
in 1967 by Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron and situated at the
altitude of 400m, this beautiful monastery contains paintings on the life of
Buddha, statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the
monastery garden there is a fascinating view of Phuentsholing town and
surrounding plains. 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
.. With various species of crocodiles and
alligators, it’s the place to be if you’re an animal lover.
The
Chhukha Hydropower project is
Bhutan’s oldest mega power project. Out of the country’s several major river
basins, the Wangchhu, which uses the discharges of Thimphu, Paro and Haa
valleys, was chosen as the project site as it offered the best scope for
constructing the first power project due to the existence of road links and
other infrastructures. If time permits one can visit the project , which has a
good scenery.
Tashi: Tashi is one of the biggest commercial groups in Bhutan.
Tashi building in Phuentsholin is the prime shopping and departmental store in
the heart of the city. One can find virtually everything here. So if you don’t
have much time at disposal then this is the good place to do shopping.
