Banjhakri Waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions site in Gangtok. It is a beautiful natural waterfall located inside the Banjhakri Energy Park. It is around 7 km from MG Marg.
The word “Banjhakri” comes from local Nepali or Sikkimese folklore, where Ban Jhakri means “forest shaman” or “healer”.
The entire park is designed around this theme. It shows traditional shamanic rituals and Sikkimese culture. The waterfall here is about 30–40 feet high, surrounded by lush greenery, walking trails, bridges, and sculptures.
It is one of the best places in Gangtok for families, couples, and anyone who loves nature photography. The park also includes huts, local cultural statues, and a man-made lake with paddle boating.
So it’s not just a waterfall it’s a relaxing picnic-style attraction where you can easily spend 1–2 hours. This is one of the best places you must include in your Gangtok tour.
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Best time to visit Banjhakri Waterfall
Before you are planning your Gangtok trip, it is important to understand the weather conditions. Since Banjhakri Waterfall is inside a forest park, good visibility and pleasant weather are important to enjoy the walkways and surroundings. Views are not important here so you can visit this place throughout a year.
Summer (March–June)
This is one of the most recommended and the best seasons to visit Banjhakri Waterfall. Because the weather in this season is pleasant and comfortable so your journey will be comfortable.
In this season temperature stays between 12°C – 22°C which is perfect for visit here. Also, the waterfall is in a good flow. Also this season is perfect for photos, walking trails, and spending time in the park.
Monsoon (July–September)
Monsoon is not recommended for visiting Banjhakri Waterfall. Because the complete north east region is heavy rain area.
Heavy rainfall may make the pathways slippery and also risk of landslide is here. Also the waterfall flow becomes extremely strong. Weather is foggy and not great for photos.
Autumn (October–November)
After summer, this is also a perfect season to visit. Because in this season the weather becomes clear and refreshing. In this season, temperature ranges between 8°C – 18°C.
And forests look beautiful after monsoon. This is the best time for photography with clear skies. This is one of the best seasons for families and nature lovers.
Winter (December–February)
If you are comfortable with colder temperatures you can visit in winter. In this season temperature stays between 3°C – 12°C. And waterfall also looks beautiful. This is a great season for peaceful sightseeing because many tourists don’t come at this time. If you don’t mind winter mornings, it’s a very good time to visit.
If you don’t mind winter mornings, it’s a very good time to visit.
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How to Reach Banjhakri Waterfall
Banjhakri Waterfall is located just 7 km from MG Marg, Gangtok. It is very easy to reach from anywhere in Gangtok, and the roads are smooth and well-maintained.
You can reach here in 15–20 minutes from the city center by taxi or sightseeing vehicle. But before you reach Banjhakri Waterfall, you first need to arrive in Gangtok. Here are the ways to reach Gangtok and then the waterfall.
By Flight
There are no airports inside Gangtok so you cannot reach directly to Gangtok and Banjhakrti Waterfall. You have to reach nearest airports. The nearest airports are Pakyong Airport and Bagdogra Airport.
You first arrive at one of these airports. Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a local taxi or cab. Taxis and shared cabs are accessible to Gangtok from both airports.
After arriving in Gangtok, you can easily hire a local taxi to Banjhakrti Waterfall. There is a small entry fee for Banjhakrti Waterfall, and no permits are necessary to access Banjhakrti Waterfall.
By Train
There are not any railway stations in Sikkim due to its mountainous landscape. The closest train station is New Jalpaiguri Station. Similar to airports, there are also taxis and shared cabs available for Gangtok.
After arriving at New Jalpaiguri, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Gangtok. From Gangtok, you can rent a local taxi to get to Banjhakrti Waterfall.
By Road
Reaching Banjhakri Waterfall is quite easy by the road. It sits only 7 km from MG Marg and takes about 15–20 minutes to arrive. Also roads are smooth, safe, and well-kept.
The whole route is scenic, green forests, hills, and little streams. The most of travelers explore Banjhakri Waterfall with nearby sites like Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tashi Viewpoint, and the Himalayan Zoological Park during a single visit.
Tour Package
If you want a relaxed and stress-free trip, you can book a Gangtok Tour Package that includes places like Banjhakri Waterfall and Hanuman Tok. In a package, the travel agency takes care of everything such as transport, sightseeing, local routes, and timings. So you don’t have to worry about planning, and your Gangtok trip becomes easy, comfortable, and well-organized.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
These are nearby places to visit in Gangtok and Banjhakri Waterfall.
FAQs
Why is Banjhakri Waterfall famous?
Because it is a beautiful natural waterfall located inside a cultural theme park based on Sikkimese shamanic traditions.
Where is Banjhakri Waterfall located & how far from Gangtok?
It is located about 7 km from MG Marg, Gangtok, inside the Banjhakri Energy Park.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is a small entry fee for the park.
What is the best time to visit?
Summer (March–June) and Autumn (October–November) are the best seasons for visiting.
How much time is needed to explore?
You need around 1 to 2 hours to explore the waterfall and the park.
