Sikkim is a land of waterfalls, lakes and numerous water bodies. The defining feature of this divine piece of land is water and the mountains. Sikkim looks breathtakingly beautiful during the monsoons. However, to soak in the beauty of the waterfalls and get soaked under some of the more benign ones, one need not always wait for the monsoons to descend on Earth.

Gangtok is the capital of the state of Sikkim and is blessed with natural beauty just like its parent state. Gangtok has been listed as one of the hill stations in North India you must visit. In Gangtok, you will find the characteristic stupas and monasteries as well as the unmistakable waterfalls. For us, urban dwellers, for a land to enjoy the blessings of so many waterfalls does feel unfair. So, what’s the next best thing one can do if one cannot make a home in Gangtok? Make a trip to Gangtok, and then head to the waterfalls.

The Unmissable Gangtok Beauties- The Waterfalls

Ban Jhakri Waterfall

Ban Jhakri

About 7 km. from Gangtok town and close to the Ranka monastery is the Ban Jhakri Waterfall. Cascading down 100 feet, this magnificent waterfall is a sight to behold. The waterfall is in a 2-acre landscaped park surrounded by a forested area. The park houses a man-made lake and has a theme revolving around the Shaman culture. You can see Sikkimese architecture all over. Inviting gazebos beckon you to rest your feet, while soaking in the wonderful views around.

According to popular folklore, Ban Jhakri means ‘Jungle Priest’ or ‘Jungle Magician’. Nepalis believe that several years ago, the first Jhakri or Shaman acquired the power of mastering the evil spirits from the Gods. He then identified the right boys and secretly taught them the techniques in the caves. The boys became Jhakris later and were able to cure those affected by evil spirits. However, there is a belief that the wives of these Jhakris, the Jhakrinis, were evil spirits themselves and would eat human beings.

 Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok

Bakthang-Waterfalls-Gangtok

The beauty of this waterfall is its location – you can spot it right next to the road on the North Sikkim Highway towards the Tashi View Point, a famous tourist spot near Gangtok. The waterfall is 3 km. away from Gangtok town and its source is at Ratey Chu. This waterfall is known for its enviable width that falls on a bed of green creepers on its way down; doesn’t matter that it falls short of the standard height for popular waterfalls. For the young at heart and in age, there is rope sliding here. The lucky ones can see the Kanchenjunga peak at a distance. Overall, it’s a wonderful photo stop so, go trigger-happy!

Seven Sister Waterfalls

Seven Sisters Waterfall

Just 32 km. from Gangtok on the Gangtok- Lachung Highway, are the Seven Sister Waterfalls. These seven waterfalls fall off a rugged, wide and tall cliff covered in green, making quite some noise. The Seven Sisters are aligned sideways, falling fiercely over the heights. Monsoons enhance the fierceness and the beauty of these falls. A very popular tourist spot, the Seven Sisters are best visited during the monsoons – from May to July. They also offer great views when the snow is melting just as the harsh winters start making way for the warm summers.

Besides the waterfalls, you have many places worth a visit in Gangtok such as the well-known Hanuman Tok temple which is looked after by the Indian Army; then there is the Enchey Monastery famous for its unique architecture, the Chinese Pagoda style design, and then the Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre, another charming monastery located on the hilltop. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology; an important center to carry out research on Buddhist philosophy and religion, is situated quite close to Enchey Monastery. As for the nature lovers and the trekkers, there is the Nathula Pass, the high mountain pass that connects Indian state of Sikkim and China. Then there is the Himalayan Zoological Park, established to preserve the wildlife in their natural habitat. Besides Gangtok, Sikkim has numerous waterfalls as well. To know more about other awesome spots in Gangtok that you can visit, check out our blog on the top places to visit in Gangtok.

As for accommodation, Sterling Gangtok is ready to provide you with the best accommodation possible. Do look them up and reserve your rooms with them before you plan a trip to this Land of Waterfalls – Gangtok.