- Where
- Burtuk, off the North Sikkim highway, Gangtok
- Altitude
- About 1,250–1,500 m
- Distance
- About 7–9 km from MG Marg, 20–30 minutes
- Timings
- Roughly 8am–5pm or 6pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 for adults (reports range ₹20–100), extra for cameras
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- March–May and October–November; fullest flow July–September
- Time needed
- 1 hour
Banjhakri Falls is a waterfall about 30 metres high set in a landscaped park on the edge of Gangtok. The park is themed on the ban jhakri, the forest shaman of Sikkimese folk belief, and it is one of the easiest, most family-friendly stops in the city.
The legend of the Ban Jhakri
Ban means forest and jhakri means healer. In the folk tradition of Sikkim's Nepali, Lepcha and Kirati communities, the Ban Jhakri is a small forest spirit who lives in caves and chooses children to train as shamans. The caves around these falls were said to be his home.
How the park came about
The then Chief Minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling, saw the falls on a visit to Ranka Monastery on 28 September 2004 and proposed a park to revive interest in Sikkim's shamanic traditions. About 2 acres of forest were landscaped. The Sikkim Renewable Energy Development Agency added the "energy park" part: solar-powered lamps and a small hall of renewable-energy exhibits.
What to see
- The falls, about 30 m in total, fed by springs higher up. Some sources give lower figures for the main drop.
- Statues of shamans and ancestors, including the Ban Jhakri, Mangpa, Bongthing, Phedangba and Bijuwa, in thatched shelters.
- A small lake with a dragon, footbridges and gazebos along paved paths.
- The energy exhibits, small but popular with children.
How to reach Banjhakri Falls
The park is at Burtuk, off the North Sikkim highway, about 7–9 km from MG Marg. It is part of most Gangtok city tours and is close to Ranka. See our car rental in Gangtok.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | about 10 km | 20–30 min |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Tickets and timings
- Entry: about ₹50 for adults is most often reported, with lower rates for children and extra for cameras. Reports range from ₹20 to ₹100.
- Hours: roughly 8am to 5pm or 6pm.
- Paths are paved, but there are steps down to the falls.
Weather and best time
At about 1,250 m the park is warm for Gangtok, which is part of its appeal in winter.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15°C | 4°C | Light |
| Feb | 17°C | 6°C | Light |
| Mar | 20°C | 9°C | Wet |
| Apr | 23°C | 12°C | Wet |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | Very wet |
| Jun | 25°C | 18°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 24°C | 19°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 25°C | 19°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 24°C | 18°C | Very wet |
| Oct | 23°C | 14°C | Wet |
| Nov | 20°C | 10°C | Light |
| Dec | 17°C | 6°C | Light |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1246 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- July–September: the falls are at their fullest, but paths are slippery.
- October–November and March–May: pleasant weather, decent flow.
- December–February: low flow but mild days.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Avoid 11am–2pm on weekends, when local families picnic here and it gets crowded.
- It's a better stop with children than a monastery. Families with young kids often rate it the highlight of the city tour.
- Ranka (Lingdum) Monastery is about 20 minutes away and makes a good pairing.
Nearby
- Hanuman Tok, about 20 minutes away.
- MG Marg, for evening food and shopping.
- Rumtek Monastery, about an hour away.
Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: questions travellers ask
What is the entry fee for Banjhakri Falls?
About ₹50 for adults is most often reported, with less for children and extra for cameras. Reports range from ₹20 to ₹100.
What are Banjhakri Falls timings?
Roughly 8am to 5pm or 6pm.
How high is Banjhakri Falls?
About 30 metres in total.
What does Banjhakri mean?
Ban means forest and jhakri means healer: the forest shaman of Sikkimese folk belief.
How far is Banjhakri Falls from MG Marg?
About 7–9 km, 20–30 minutes by car.
Is Banjhakri Falls worth visiting?
Yes, especially with children. It's an easy, well-kept park and a change from monasteries.
When is the best time to visit Banjhakri Falls?
July to September for the fullest flow, or October–November and March–May for pleasant weather.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
- Trekgo: Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
- TravelTriangle: Banjhakri Falls
- Photo: Indrajit Das, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
