At India’s Machu Picchu

Discovering the ancient capital of Sikkim, Rabdentse, with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range - a hidden gem in India.

“How much longer?” asked Taran, huffing and puffing uphill.

“See, it says only 10 minutes left,” smiled Amma.

There had been boards all along the trail encouraging them to keep going. They had initially bought tickets to the bird park in Pelling, Sikkim. But, when they came across a board that said ‘Rabdentse’, they decided to explore. “It’s around a half-hour walk,” the lady at the ticket counter had said. “It is worth it. It’s called the Machu Picchu of India.”

Taran’s interest had been piqued. “Machu Picchu? In India? Let’s go…!”

The Nature trail was mesmerising, with chestnut trees all around. “The air is so crisp and clean,” said Amma, marching ahead.

“What’s the hurry, slow down. Let me take some pictures,” joked Appa.

After walking for about two kilometres, they reached the Rabdentse ruins. “This was the ancient capital of the Sikkim kingdom. It was too close to Nepal and they kept getting invaded by the Gorkhas. Eventually, the capital was moved to Tumlong. All that is left now are these ruins,” said Appa, who was busy reading up on his phone.