All about Rabdentse Ruins, the ‘Machu Picchu of India’

3 min readNew DelhiJul 25, 2026 10:00 PM IST Located on a forested ridge overlooking the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range, Rabdentse Ruins in West Sikkim have earned the nickname “India’s Machu Picchu.” While they may not rival Peru’s iconic Incan citadel in scale, the atmospheric ruins and centuries-old history make them one of India’s most fascinating yet lesser-known heritage sites. Tucked away near Pelling, Rabdentse was once the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim, serving as the seat of power from the late 17th century until the early 19th century. Today, the stone remnants of palaces, ceremonial courtyards and fortifications stand quietly amid dense forests, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the region’s royal past.A capital with a remarkable history Rabdentse became th