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.
Rimbi Waterfalls & Rock Garden — your questions answered
More gardens in Sikkim & Darjeeling
Other places in Pelling
- MonasterySacred LakeViewpointHeritageTemple