I was waltzing around Banjhakri Falls and energy park when I witnessed something that left me spooked up.
Click here if you want to skip to that part, or keep reading to find out all about the fun activities that await you.
Gangtok to Banjhakri Falls distance
While Banjhakri Falls and energy park come under Gangtok tourism, it is not close to the main city.
In the mountains, we are always winding and unwinding. This location is on the way to Ranka Monastery.
On our first day tour across Gangtok, we chose to go to Ranka and Rumtek Monastery.
Banjhakri Falls lie on the way, and locates 7.5 km away from Gangtok.
You can plan an itinerary around these three places to visit in Gangtok, book a car for the entire day.
What to know about Banjhakri Falls Gangtok
A full day falls short when visiting the Banjhakri water falls because it is a recreational park spread over 2 acres.
A huge red gate welcomes you into the place after you purchase a ticket worth 50 INR.
As you move in you will find a huge space for car parking.
There is also a tiny momo shop selling warm veg momos and paratha. Right beside the shop, there is one more place to buy souvenirs and other touristy things.
There are steps leading you to a restaurant and pretty flowers greeting you on the way. Having breakfast or lunch at this place will give you a fulfilling experience as you watch the waterfall stream pass. Since we didn’t have time to eat here, we stopped by the momo shop while returning.
As you move ahead, there are places designated to let you click pictures while climbing up. Here the stream passes by but is not in full force. You have the rocky terrain in the background for clicking Insta-worthy shots.
Activities to do at Banjhakri Falls and energy park
If you are travelling with family, you should ideally spend a day at Banjhakri Falls and park as there is a lot to do. Here is a list of all the things to do here:
1. Zipline
By paying 200 INR, you can avail of this service for an instant adrenaline rush. You need to climb up the stairs (on the left) once you reach close to the waterfall. An assistant will help you fix the gear for safety. Once done, you travel across the waterfall and have a thrilling experience.
2. Dragon splash
It is a swimming pool with a dragon statue in the middle. It was closed when we visited the park due to maintenance.
3. High rope walking
If you are experienced, then high rope walking is a fun activity. You get support while walking from one wooden rod to another. This activity is free but requires body balance and you should try it only if you’re confident!
4. Ethnic clothing for pictures
You can wear ethnic Sikkimese clothes on hire for 100 INR each and pose on the wooden bridge to take photos. Here they allow you to click selfies on phones (unlike the service I availed in Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur).
If you want a hard copy, you will have to pay more and hire a photographer available there.
5. Dipping feet in the mystical water
Banjhakri Falls Gangtok Sikkim welcome you to have a mystical experience while dipping your feet in the water. The instant sense of the cold water gives you a calming experience.
No matter how cold, you will want to sit on top of a rock and let the waters of the fall gush onto you. The waterfall gives you a sense of an unworldly feeling and assures you that there is energy in the park.
6. Clicking pictures on the footbridge
The footbridge in front of the waterfall is your place to click photographs. You have the falls at the backdrop, and here is where you pose and create memories to cherish forever.
Banjhakri story
Banjhakri water falls is not just any other waterfall. It is also an energy park that will give you a new experience. As we climbed up the stairs to go closer to the fall, we saw a section where sculptures were made.
It looked like a few people surrounded a sick person, dancing and trying to retrieve him back to good health. The sculpted material found within the replicated figurines sent a chill down my spine.
We were not expecting to have an occult encounter at a recreational waterpark. So, we were taken aback and decided to move ahead. Later, we asked our driver about the Banjhakri Falls incident, and he told us more about the history of this place.
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Well, Banjhakri means forest healer as, ‘ban’ means forest and ‘jhakri’ means healer. As per belief, ethnic Sikkimese tribes relied on Jhakris, who had mystical powers to cure people of diseases and bring them back to good health.
The sculptures across the park depict the Jhakris using spirits to bring either good or evil to serve purposes as required.
Banjhakri Falls is a natural waterbody that cascades from a height of 70 feet. It drops and winds through the rocky terrains amidst greenery. But there is said to be a cave on the inside – the place where the jhakris used to reside.
The place right near the waterfall is where we felt spooky. The statues of Lepcha, Lymay, Mangpas, Lyam, and Banjhakri’s ancestors intrigued us to know more about the practices that once happened here.
The driver said that in remote places of Sikkim, people still believe in the powers of Jhakris. Some of the healers might still be living in caves and continuing occult practices to cure people of evil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit Banjhakri Falls?
The best time to visit Gangtok is from February to May and then again from September to October. The cold is bearable during these months and pleasant for fun activities.
2. What is the Banjhakri entry free?
The cost per person is 50 INR.
3. What are the timings?
The park is open between 9 am to 6 pm on all days.
4. How to reach Banjhakri Falls and energy park?
You need to book a car or take a local taxi to travel 7.5 km away from Gangtok. You also need to keep the car parked as you will not get a vehicle to go back from this place.
Thank you for the information and the images are really great