Culture · Ranka and Lingdum
Banjhakri Falls and the forest shaman
Walk the paths of Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, a landscaped park around a 30 m waterfall that tells the story of the ban jhakri, the forest shaman of Sikkim's Nepali-speaking and Kirati traditions, with figures of healers from several communities.
Photo: Indrajit Das · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Banjhakri Falls lies in a forested pocket near Gangtok on the way towards Ranka. Paved paths and footbridges wind down to a waterfall about 30 m high, fed by springs higher up, and through gardens of camellia, poinsettia and hydrangea. The falls are fullest from July to October, though the park is open year-round.
The park's theme is the ban jhakri, the forest shaman. In Nepali, ban means forest and jhakri means shaman, and in Kirati tradition the Banjhakri is said to carry off gifted children and train them as healers. Thatched shelters hold figures of the jhakri and of other ritual specialists of Sikkim's communities, including the Lepcha bongthing and the Limbu phedangba.
It is a family place, busy with Gangtok locals on Sunday afternoons, so go on a weekday morning for quiet. The paths are steep in places and slippery after rain. A small museum hall run by the state renewable energy agency explains solar power, and the park is lit by solar lamps.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
What is a ban jhakri?
In Nepali, ban means forest and jhakri means shaman or healer. In the traditions of the Kirati peoples of Nepal and Sikkim, the Banjhakri is a forest being who takes children with healing gifts to his cave and trains them as shamans. Nepali shamans regard him as the founder of their tradition, as Wikipedia summarises.
How far is Banjhakri Falls from Gangtok?
Wikipedia gives it as about 7 km from Gangtok. A taxi takes around 20–30 minutes from MG Marg and costs about ₹500–800 return with waiting. It is easy to combine with Lingdum and Rumtek on a half-day car. Check current entry fees and timings before you travel.
Is Banjhakri Falls good for children?
Yes. The paths, footbridges, lake and figures interest most children, and there is space to walk. Paths are steep in places and wet near the falls, so hold small children's hands and wear shoes with grip. Weekday mornings are calmer than weekends.
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