Phuentsholing
Phuentsholing is the border Town of Southern Bhutan. It is also thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian Plains. The drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu or Paro is about 6 Hours. Visitors can reach Phuentsholing by road from Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bagdora airport in West Bengal. The Head Quarters of Bank of Bhutan is located here.
PLACES OF INTERESTS:
Crocodile Centre: Established during 1976 with two different species Mugger crocodile & Gharial crocodile. A collection of marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles. The center also breeds these crocodiles for release in natural reserve. The crocodiles are fed every other day at noon. Entry inside this zoo is restricted
Kharbandi Goempa: This monastery was founded by the Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden in the year 1967. The monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. A fascinating view of Phuentsholing town and surrounding plains can be seen from the garden.
HOLY PLACES:
Zangdo Pelri: It is a small Buddhist temple situated in the heart of Phuentsholing town representing celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche. In the ground floor, there are the statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha's life. The next floor contains eight Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The top floor consists of the main statue of Amitabha, is a celestial Buddha described in the scriptures of MahÄyÄna Buddhism.
SHORT DAY TRIPS:
Chukha Hydel Project: The Chukha Hydropower Project, or Chukha Hydel, was Bhutan's first mega power project. Its construction started in the 1970s, it was commissioned in 1986, and Bhutan assumed full control in 1991. During the summer, the plant generates 336 MW from four turbines off the flow of the Wangchhu river in central Chukha District, between Thimphu and Phuentsholing.