A Guide To Banjhakri Waterfalls, Gangtok

Things to do / Highlights

There’s so much to experience while in this charming area of Gangtok. Apart from the beautiful scenes of the cascading waters of Banjhakri Waterfalls, there are still a lot of fun things to do during your visit, including the following:

Nature viewing

As much as city life can be exciting, it can also get exhausting at one point. And if you need a break from it, a nature trip might do the trick. And there’s no better than doing it at Banjhakri Waterfalls in Gangtok. With its breathtaking cascading waterfalls and surrounding lush trees, it will give you all the breather you need. Enjoy some quality time reconnecting with nature and focusing on yourself here in Banjhakri Waterfalls. While you here, make sure to check out the ethnic sculptures and statues in the landscaped gardens surrounding the waterfall.

Enjoy a picnic

With its massive lands, a scenic lake in the background, blooming flowers, and everything nature, Banjhakri Waterfalls is also a great place for a picnic. If you’re planning to bring your friends with you or your family, this place is an excellent location to bond and enjoy good food. Don’t miss out on indulging yourself with everything this charming place has to offer. Pack your food and enjoy some lovely time with your loved ones. There are also refreshing stalls and resting places near the waterfalls.

Take a refreshing dip

After a long day of exploring its expansive land, it’s only natural to feel exhausted, and of course, sweaty. A dip in its swimming pool might be a great idea.

Where to eat

With its excellent location, choosing a place to eat will not be much of a problem. Within a short distance from the waterfalls are the following restaurants you can dine and relish on tasty food.

Slounge

Situated in Lemon Tree Hotel, a fancy hotel in Gangtok, Slounge is a resto-bar with an intimate ambiance and jazz music in the background. It is about 5.7 km (3.5 mi) drive away from the waterfall. Here, diners can indulge in a game of chess or shoot pool, and even have a go at the PlayStation. The menu offers both Indian and international cuisines that will make your mouth water, which you can pair with a glass of wine.

Shuffle Momos

For an ultimate soul-touching food experience, Shuffle Momos, about 7.6 km (5 mi) away, is the perfect place to go. Satisfy your cravings and expand your food palette with this restaurant’s tasty delicacies. It offers around 30 different types of momos. Its ambiance is even better. You’ll see the entire Sikkim valley from the place. If you’re a momo person or if you haven’t tried it yet, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Y.O.L.O Lounge & Bar

Serving not only eclectic cuisines but also stunning views of Gangtok, Y.O.L.O Lounge & Bar is an excellent dining place to go after a long day of exploring the waterfalls. It is about 6.6 km (4 mi) drive away from the waterfall, and boasts cozy and colorful decorations. It has a trendy lounge bar with live rock and jazz music that sets the mood. Tacos, burgers, and other pick-up food are some of the must-try items here.

Travel tips

To have an enjoyable and stress-free visit, we have some tips for you.

Pack light

Since what you are visiting is a waterfall, it won’t be necessary to pack so much. It will only hinder you in the long run. Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you and sun sprays.

Dress comfortably

Again, your destination is not a fancy place, but nature. Avoid wearing restricting clothing and any piece of jewelry. Make sure to dress comfortably, but still make it fashionable so you’ll have something to post on your social media accounts.

Take a bigger vehicle

Since the roads to the waterfalls are not in the best conditions, small cars might not be able to take it. Therefore, opt for a bigger vehicle to avoid getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.

How to get there

Finding the best route to arrive at your destination is one of the most important things to consider when traveling. Visiting the charming waters of Banjhakri Waterfalls in Gangtok offers enough options on how you’ll arrive at this destination without much of a hassle. Check out our list below of travel options you can choose.

By air

With a distance of approximately 77.6 mi (125 km) from Gangtok, Bagdogra in West Bengal is the closest airport to the waterfalls. There are a lot of airlines at the airport that can bring you to your desired destination. Their rates highly vary depending on the time of your travel.

By train

If you’re not a big fan of traveling by air, you can always opt to travel by land. A train to Gangtok is a good option. The closest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri, which is also connected to it by road. Once who arrive at Gangtok, you can then choose any road transport that will bring you to Banjhakri Waterfalls.

By road

There are a lot of pathways that lead to Gangtok, and you’ll find it easy to arrive here if you’re coming from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, or Siliguri. These three places have a direct connection to Gangtok. You can either rent a car, bring your own, or hail a taxi.

How to get tickets

Although there’s no official website for purchasing the tickets, you’ll still find it easy to buy them on site. The ticket counter is located at the main gate. There’s an admission fee for every guest who wants to explore the place. If you’re planning to bring a camera with you, you’ll have to pay an extra fee for it. Also, there’s a car parking space you can avail of, and it also comes with another charge. The entrance fee is INR 50 (0.68 USD) per head.

Banjhakri Waterfalls, Gangtok information

Banjhakri Waterfalls

Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737101, India

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 50 INR (0.68 USD)

Website: Banjhakri Waterfalls

Department of Tourism: Visit Gangtok