Banjhakri falls and park

Banjhakri falls and energy park

Banjhakri Falls
Location Gangtok , Sikkim, India
Coordinates 27°21′03″N 88°36′13″E / 27.35083°N 88.60361°E / 27.35083; 88.60361Coordinates: 27°21′03″N 88°36′13″E / 27.35083°N 88.60361°E / 27.35083; 88.60361
Total height 100 ft

The Banjhakri falls and park form a composite recreation center of a water fall and a theme park near Gangtok, in the state of Sikkim, India which include display of the statues of mythical and traditional shamanic folk lore deities of 'Ban Jhakri' meaning traditional healer who worships spirits living a in caves around the falls; 'Ban' means forest and 'Jhakri' means a "healer".[1][2]

Location

The Banjhakri falls and the park are located in Swastik, next to an army camp, in a thickly forested area, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) away from Gangtok on the National Highway 31 connecting with North Sikkim.[3]

Layout

The Banjhakri falls sourced to springs in its higher reaches, cascades over rock slopes over height of 40 feet (12 m) (100 feet (30 m) is also mentioned[4]). An area of 2 acres (0.81 ha) of forest land has been developed within the back drop of the falls as a theme park. The idea for developing the theme park was conceptualized by the Chief Minister of Sikkim who had visited the falls during his visit to the Ranka monastery on 28 September 2004, with intent to revive the shamanic beliefs of the people. Then many people were also invited to suggest themes for the park. As a result, the theme park was developed into a major recreation center and tourist attraction near Gangtok highlighting shamanic tradition of the people of Sikkim. The theme park, apart from shamanic related statues of the forest based healer, also has many statues of the ancestors of the Lyam Lymay, Mangpas and Lepcha community of Sikkim as part of the shamanic culture of the people.[2][4] These sculptures are Jhakri, Bongthing, Phedangba and Bijuwa, which have been set in thatched enclosures in the well tended garden with trails and footbridges to walk around. Extensive landscaping of the mountainous region has been done and are planted with many ornamental floral trees and plants such as ardesia, acer, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), camellia, angelica, hydrangea and tebuchinie. Many gazebos have also been erected at strategic locations in the park Renewable energy sources in the form of solar lamps and a mini hydel station have been created to provide lighting and other energy needs of the park. Sikkim Rural Energy Development Agency (SREDA) also has exhibits of eco-friendly renewable energy sources.[2][4] The exhibits within the museum hall are solar power fencing. future energy world, energy transformation, geothermal energy, solar cooker and so forth. The exhibits in the open grounds of the park are grassfire, solar water heater, solar powered cars, energy drum, glass climbing wall and Wind Aero generator.[2]


References

  1. ↑ "Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park". Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Bhanjhakri Falls Energy Park". Toursim and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "Bakthang Waterfalls". Sikkin Tourism Development Corporation. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 "This holiday season, enjoy a Yak Safari near Lake Tsongmo in Sikkim". Economic Times. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
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