Saramsa Garden, also known as Ipecac Garden, is a lush green paradise located about 14 km from Gangtok, near Ranipool.
Established in 1922 by the Sikkim Forest Department, it originally served as an orchard to grow fruits like oranges, pineapples, and lychees for the Namgyal Royal Family and British officers.
In the 1940s, it became famous for cultivating the medicinal plant Cephaelis Ipecacuanha, which gave it the nickname “Ipecac Garden.”
Today, it has been transformed into a massive 6-acre recreational park and orchidarium. With its manicured lawns, colorful flower beds, and a modern convention center, it is widely considered the best picnic spot in East Sikkim.
The garden is famous for its exotic flora, including rare orchids and medicinal plants. It gained international fame in 2008 when it hosted the first International Flori Show, which attracted over 50,000 visitors.
Whether you are a botany lover, a couple looking for a romantic stroll, or a family planning a picnic, Saramsa Garden is a peaceful escape from the city crowd in your Gangtok trip.
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Best time to visit Saramsa Garden
Since Saramsa Garden is located at a lower altitude (796m) compared to Gangtok city, the weather here is generally warmer and more tropical. The blooming season is the most important factor for visitors.
Spring & Summer (March–May)
This is the best time to visit. During these months, the garden is in full bloom. You can see a wide variety of orchids, lilies, and seasonal flowers in vibrant colors. The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for long walks and outdoor photography.
Autumn (October–November)
Post-monsoon, the garden looks incredibly fresh and green. The skies are clear, and the temperature is comfortable. This is a popular time for local families to visit for picnics.
Winter (December–February)
While the flowering is less intense, the garden remains open. It is a good time to enjoy the warm winter sun at a lower altitude if Gangtok city feels too chilly.
Monsoon (June–September)
Heavy rainfall can make the lawns muddy and outdoor activities difficult. However, the greenhouse remains accessible for those interested in indoor plants.
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How to Reach Saramsa Garden
Saramsa Garden is a beautiful botanical retreat located about 14 km away from the main Gangtok city. It is situated near Ranipool on the way to Pakyong.
If you are planning to visit this garden, you must know the different ways to reach here comfortably.
The garden is located at a lower altitude than Gangtok, so the drive is mostly downhill. There are three main ways to reach Saramsa Garden:
By Flight
The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport, which is only about 12 km to 15 km away from the garden. If you land at Pakyong, you can reach the garden in just 30 minutes by hiring a local taxi.
However, most travellers land at Bagdogra Airport (125 km away) because it has better flight connectivity. From Bagdogra, you can hire a private taxi to Gangtok and ask the driver to stop at Saramsa Garden on the way, as it is located right on the main route before reaching the city.
By Train
The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri in West Bengal. Since there are no railway lines inside Sikkim yet, you have to travel by road from the station.
The distance from NJP to Saramsa Garden is about 110 km. You can take a private taxi or a shared jeep from the station.
The garden is located just 2 km before the town of Ranipool, so it is a perfect “entry point” attraction when you are coming from the plains.
By Road
This is the most common way to reach. If you are already staying in Gangtok (near MG Marg), you can hire a local taxi for a half-day trip. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the garden via the Indira Bypass Road or NH-10.
Tour Package
If you prefer a comfortable, pre-planned trip, you can book a Gangtok tour package that includes Saramasa Garden
Things to See & Do
- The garden is divided into several sections. Don’t miss the section with a mini footbridge over a pool and hedges manicured into various shapes.
- A massive nursery that preserves rare species of orchids and medicinal plants.
- At the northern end of the garden, there is a viewing area where you can see the Ranikhola river flowing through the valley far below.
- A modern facility used for major exhibitions and cultural events.
- It is a favorite spot for wedding shoots and nature photography due to the dense canopy of trees and Victorian-style lampposts.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
These are nearby places to visit in Gangtok and Saramsa Garden.
FAQs
What is the entry fee for Saramsa Garden?
The entry fee is very nominal, usually ₹10 to ₹30 per person.
What are the timings?
The garden is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Is food available inside the garden?
There are no major restaurants inside the garden itself, but there are several local food stalls and small restaurants just outside the main gate. It is highly recommended to carry your own snacks for a picnic.
Why is it called Ipecac Garden?
It was named after a medicinal plant called Cephaelis Ipecacuanha (Ipecac) that was imported from Malaysia and grown here in the 1940s for medical research.
