Aritar is small village located in East Sikkim, under Rongli sub division. It is relatively new tourist destination in Sikkim. It can be reached within 3 to 4 hours drive from Gangtok and 2 hours drive from Rongpo. It is about 120 Km from Siliguri. Aritar offers the most impressive views of the Himalayan Mountain Range including Kanchenjunga Peak, Mount Makalu, Mount Pandim, Sinoulchu Peak, etc. The Aritar Lake has been renovated by the government to facilitate the first paddle boating in Sikkim. The lake looks imposing from the Mankhim hilltop. Aritar is a great tourist destination. One can experience paddling in the lake, take a hike up to Phusrey Lake, glance at the snow capped mountain, or go trekking to Rachela which takes almost 6 hours. The beautiful trees and the orchids attract the attention of the tourist.

Places of Interests in Aritar
There are many places for the tourist to visit in Aritar. Few of them have been noted below:

Lampokhari: it is one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim. Recently it has been artificially constructed to facilitate boating for the tourists. The lake is located at an altitude of 4600 ft. it is the only place where boating facility is available.

Dak Bunglow: This was built by Sir James Claude White (first political officer of Sikkim during British rule in India) in the year 1895. It is popularly known as Ari-Bangla. Sikkim`s first treasury was built here. The first outpost started functioning in the year 1897.

Aritar Gumpa: It is regarded as one of the holiest monasteries in Sikkim. It is a monastery of the Kagyuapa order. Tourists can experience the calm and serene ambience of the place as well as cherish the magnificence of monastic arts that are well depicted in the traditional architecture, carved and painted murals and treasure of manuscripts and icons.

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir: It is one of the most revered shrines that is known for its imposing sights. Considered as a holy pilgrimage site many people throng here to receive the blessings. They also throng the temple during the month of savan to offer water and sip the sacred water from a sacred vessel.

Mankhim Dara: Mangkhim is a Temple of the Rai sect of Hindu origin located at a height of 6500 ft at Maity Village.

Nirmal Dham: This holy place is the abode of "Nirmal Guruji" Kopchey Baba. It is known for his miraculous healing power. The name and fame of this holy saint has attracted many people from various places. The place is located almost 5km from Rhenock Bazar.

Phushrey Lake: Phushrey Lake is situated in an isolated jungle and a few km uphill from Aritar. The calm and serene environment here attracts the attention of the tourists.

Evergreen nursery and Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya: It interesting place is located at Rhenock Bazar. The nursery and museum is privately owned and has drift wood collections, botanical and other varieties of flowers. Tourists can have a glance of the variety of collections that are housed here.

Kali Khola Falls (lonely falls): this magnificent waterfall falls from a height of 100m. The resonating sound of the fall is a delight to hear.

Changey Waterfall: This imposing waterfall falls from a height of 50 m. it located near Lampokhari. The place is famous among the tourist for its scenic beauty.

Lungchok Valley: it is an important trekking destination.

Love Dara: It is a low hill picnic spot where the tourists can also enjoy the scenic beauty.

Rachela: it is an interesting trekking point to Rachela that gives the tourist a splendid experience.

Festival of Aritar
The festival of Aritar Lampokhari Tourism Festival is celebrated on a grand scale here. The festival was first celebrated in the year 2006 by the members of the A.D.L.D.S (Aritar-Dalapchand Lampokhari Development Society). Since then the festival is still celebrated every year by the tourism festival in between March and April. Some of the events organised for the tourists are

* Boating
* Traditional cultural programs
* Tours of Historical places
* Horse riding
* Flower Exhibition cum sale
* Traditional Food Plazas
* Chief Minister archery Gold Cup Competition
* Rock Climbing, Exorcist (Zhakri) Dance
* Adventure sports and Trekking
* Craft and Paintings and other Cultural Events and Competitions

Aritar is well connected with all the modes of transport. One can reach Aritar by air, rail and road. Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport. From Bagdogra one can travel to Aritar by hiring vehicles of his or her choice in roughly 4-5 hours. New Jalpaiguri railway Station in West Bengal is the closest railhead from where Aritar can be reached by hiring vehicles of his or her choice in roughly 4-5 hours. Aritar can be reached from Siliguri by various hired vehicle in roughly 5 hours. Tourists can also travel to Aritar from Gangtok by hiring vehicles in roughly 3 hours.