About Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden
Rimbi Waterfalls is a series of cascades on the Rimbi River, 12km from Pelling in a rocky gorge lined with large-cardamom gardens and subtropical forest. The site is most dramatic in the monsoon and early post-monsoon months (July–September) when the river is running at full volume, but the surrounding cardamom gardens and the rocky gorge walls make it photogenic year-round. A small landscaped rock garden with picnic benches occupies the riverbank above the main falls. As a standalone destination it is a pleasant 1–2 hour stop; as part of the standard Pelling day circuit. Singshore Bridge (20km from Pelling), Rimbi Falls (12km), and Pelling viewpoints. It anchors the morning effectively.
Why go to Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden
Waterfalls in a cardamom gorge
The setting. Rocky gorge walls, large cardamom plants, subtropical forest. Is unusual enough to distinguish Rimbi from standard waterfall viewpoints. The smell of cardamom in the air is distinctive.
Rock garden walk through active large-cardamom cultivation
The landscaped rock garden gives 20–30 minutes of riverside walking through large-cardamom plantations. The same crop that underpins the lower West Sikkim economy, visible in its natural growing environment alongside the gorge walls.
How to reach Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden from Pelling
Taxi from Pelling (20 min, ₹400–500 one-way). Most conveniently combined with the Singshore Bridge circuit.
Best time to visit Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden
July–September for the most dramatic waterfall volume. The Rimbi River swells with monsoon rainfall and the cascade is at full power. October–June for drier, easier walking in the rock garden; the falls are smaller but the cardamom setting is still pleasant. August–September combines the strongest flow with the cardamom harvest season. The most atmospheric time overall.
Time of dayMorning. The gorge is in shadow by early afternoon.
Things we always tell our guests about Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden
- Combine with Singshore Bridge in a morning circuit: Singshore Bridge first (20km), then Rimbi on the return (12km).
- Wear waterproof shoes in the monsoon months. The riverbank paths are wet.
- The ₹20 entry fee covers both the waterfall viewpoint and the garden walk. Allow 45 minutes to see both properly, rather than just the photo stop at the main falls.
Sikkim & Darjeeling packages that include Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden
All our packages can be customised — these are the ones where Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden is already a planned stop.
Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden — your questions answered
More gardens in Sikkim & Darjeeling
Other places in Pelling
- MonasterySacred LakeViewpointHeritageTemple