Rock Garden

The name in itself reveals the nature of this place in the most appropriate manner. It is a wonderful garden set up in the most natural huge rock settings amidst in the waterfalls and terrain in Darjeeling. This garden was inaugurated by Mr. Subhash Ghising, the then GNLF supremo after its construction by the Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department. Ever since it was built, tourists hurl up here to spend a great time with nature. This park is also called as ‘Barbotey Rock Garden’.

Rock Garden

Location - Rock garden is located in Bloomfield Tea Garden which is around 10 kms away from the main town of Darjeeling. A turn towards the right has to be taken from the Hill Cart Road before reaching Ghoom station and descends steeply towards the valley. The tea garden along the roadside is truly mesmerizing.

Park Timings: One can visit the park from 10 AM – 4 PM only. A minimum of Rs 10/- is charged as the entry fee for the Indian tourists. For foreigners the ticket price is Rs. 50/-

Ideal Time to Visit – The months between April and June and from September to November are ideal due to the flowering season. Apart from the monsoon season (June to August) Rock garden may be visited at any time of the year. The temperature normally remains approximately 20°C.

Mode of Conveyance

By Flight: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. Visitors can take a drive of around 90 kms enjoying the mesmerizing view of green tea estates, cottages and the cool air along their way until they reach Rock Garden. The airport is well connected to major cities such as Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Darjeeling Himalayan and NJP. Tourists can either hire a cab if want to reach here early. Travelling via train from NJP to Darjeeling is a slow tour of 5-6 hours. Hence, if they want to enjoy the scenic beauty along their way then certainly, train tour can be a great idea as well.

By Road: It is a62 kms drive from Siliguri. One can hire the shared taxi or rent a cab from Darjeeling More or Junction. Buses are also available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri.

Attractions of Rock Garden

Theinstantlure of this place is the curated curvedtrails, rest houses, wooden benches and different flowers that blooms abundantly and increases the desirability of the place. Along with it there are many reasons why it becomes one of the must-visit spot for the travellers.

Multi-level picnic ground–Rock garden has a multi-level picnic ground. It is adjoined around the natural waterfall. The exquisite view of hill stream cascading from over the rocks along the slopes can make anyone poetic about the scenario. The area is fully adorned with seasonal flowers with many seating areas for the visitors. The entire area is coherently designed for all age groups.

Picturesque Landscape – During the misty weather being in the valley, this place becomes an alluring destination with the grey floating fog amidst the dark clumps of forests with bright sun at times throwing entrancing rays thatrevivifiesthe gleaming beauty of the hills. It is obvious for one to get captivated with the beauty of Darjeeling.

Chunnu Summer Falls–The huge milky waterfall in rock garden has always been a most popular one. It adds beauty to the garden. Tourists never get tired of clicking photographs in every pose they can and make it a lovely selfie zone too. The sound of this waterfall fills the atmosphere with serenity. The peaceful lake gives a calming effect to the visitors who have travelled a long distance. Such individuals are sure to adore a soothing experience once they reach here.

Prime Visitors

Rock garden is mostly filled with couples for romantic outing, families for weekend getaway, photographers for best captures, hill explorers, nature lovers and many more. It is a superb place for photo shoot for pre-wedding, post-wedding, couple, models etc. The nature lovers visit here in the pursuit of watching various exotic species of Eastern Himalayan birds and greenery.

EATERIES

One does not need to worry about the eateries as there are many kiosks that serve mouthwatering snacks like steamed momos, noodles, Mimi, Wai-Wai, spicy aaloo-bhujaand aaloo-thukpa. The packet food items are found in plenty along with the other beverages.

Planned Activities

Recreation – It is an idyllic place for touring with family and friends for weekend retreats for rejuvenation. Avisitto such abode allows us to spend eminence time with our family members and friends, of course. The colorful rest shades are placed in proper distance for admiring the view. The wide display of high range of seasonal flowers is a true blessing to the eyes. The senior citizens, too, can easily sit in the rest houses while kids enjoy the lawn and youth can explore the place.

Trekking –A few kilometers of trek along the tea gardens will certainly liftup the mood and give a trekking feel. If one is wearing comfy shoes then it will be enthralling to experience a long trail of walk all around the steepy curves. While trekking one can get a nice chance to meet and interact with the local inhabitants as well.

Photography – The wonderful set-up of the trails, pathways, natural waterfalls, colorful fences with proper maintenance of the entire spot makes it a suitable location for couple and solo photo shoot. Those planning to have a port-folio can certainly opt for this location. Professional photographers are hired and accompanied here for the photo shoot. There are some photographers who provide traditional attire with accessories and click pictures and provide the print instantly. It’s a great fun to watch them enjoy this activity.

Solitary realms of life–The calm atmosphere of Rock Gardenpresents a better of scope of spending solitary moment for those who want to have a narrow escape for refreshing their mind and soul. Mother Nature has always encouraged us to learn something new from the gifts presented by her. This place has it all - the mist, cool breeze, woody fragrance, gleaming sunlight, tall stretching trees, quiet forest with the beauty of birds whistling and chirping soothes the soul and one can feel to be a part of them and find solace. Observing others spend a great moment with their loved ones too, energizes us to live such with ours.

Exploring Duration

1-2 hours will be more than enough to explore the garden and spend quality time with the loved ones at ease. Some extra time may be well spent in nearby spots like Gangamaya Park and Lovely Tea Gardens. One can also spend some time to interact with the tea cultivators who remain on duty during the plucking season.

Gangamaya Park – This park should not be excluded while visiting Rock Garden. It is just 3 kms away from this garden. The park is named after a martyr of GNLF agitation. It has been built in another beautiful natural setting with cultural shows to add to the charm. There is a small lake where the tourists can enjoy paddle boat rides and the scenicbeauty of the valley. The garden is adorned with various flowers and fountains that augment the charm of the park. Folk dances in the traditional attire and music enlightens the tourists with the vivid culture of the hills. There are beautiful porches and humpback bridges under which the koi crap fish can be comprehended.

Lovely Tea Gardens–The lush green tea gardens and the estates are a treat to those who want to get the real feel of tea making procedure. The lavish tea gardens always welcome the tourists with greenery to give them the pleasure of watching thevastness of these plantations. The pungent smell of new tea leaves fills the entire atmosphere with the sweet aroma. It tempts people to have a taste of fresh tea and many can buy it as souvenir from Darjeeling town.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

This garden well maintained authorities.There are plenty of dustbinsin every bend kept at proper distance so that the visitors do not litter the place. Gazebos are regularly cleaned and painted. The wooden benches are kept in prominent spots where the tourists can relax and enjoy the scenery. The park assistants keep monitoring the park so that they are readily available to render any sort of help and guidance to the visitors, in need. Littering and walking the pets are not allowed within its premises.

An Appealing Destination

Darjeeling is the Queen of the Hills and always on the bucket list of people who love to explore hills. Although Rock Garden does not fall under the Seven Points of Darjeeling Tour due to its off-beat location yet it is a noteworthy tour. The scenic beauty of this place has everything in it that won’t leave anyone without getting highly impressed and allured for the next visit as well.