Darjeeling Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park
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Attraction: Barbotey Rock Garden, often paired with Ganga Maya Park
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Location: ~10 km from Darjeeling town past Ghum, via Hill Cart Road turn
Darjeeling Rock Garden – A Complete Travel Guide for Tourists
Darjeeling Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park – A Nature Lover’s Delight
The Rock Garden (or Barbotey Rock Garden) is a terraced garden built around the natural Chunnu Summer Falls. Created by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, it was designed to boost tourism following 1980s unrest in the hills Northeast Destinations The cascading waterfall, lush floral terraces, and hillside views form a picturesque backdrop for picnicking and short excursions from Darjeeling
Downstream by ~3 km is Ganga Maya Park, known for its peaceful lake, paddle boating, flower gardens, gazebos, bridges over streams, and cultural performances in the evenings
If you’re planning a Darjeeling tour, the Rock Garden—also known as Barbotey Rock Garden—is a scenic marvel you shouldn’t miss. Tucked amidst terraced hills, waterfalls, and lush greenery, this unique man-made garden offers a peaceful escape just a short drive from Darjeeling town. With its cascading waterfalls, floral beauty, and serene pathways, the Rock Garden is one of the best short excursions for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
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📍 Location & How to Reach Darjeeling Rock Garden
The Rock Garden is located around 10 km from Darjeeling town, taking approximately 30 to 40 minutes by road. The drive is steep and winding, offering panoramic views of the hills and tea gardens on the way. It is easily accessible via local cabs or private taxis, and can be included in most Darjeeling sightseeing tours.
Location: Barbotey, below Ghoom, Darjeeling
Distance: ~10 km from Darjeeling main town
Time to Reach: ~35–45 minutes by taxi
Road Type: Curvy and steep hill road; drive cautiously
🌿 What Makes the Rock Garden Special?
Built around the natural Chunnu Summer Falls, the Rock Garden is a marvel of terraced landscaping. Developed by the Gorkha Hill Council to boost tourism in the 1980s, this garden is designed with stone pathways, flower beds, bridges, and gazebos built into the hillside.
Key Highlights:
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Multi-level waterfalls surrounded by flower-laden terraces
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Beautiful stone seating areas and selfie points
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Cool, misty atmosphere and rich greenery
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Ideal spot for half-day trips and photography during your Darjeeling tour
🌸 Ganga Maya Park – The Bonus Attraction
Located just 3 km downhill from the Rock Garden, Ganga Maya Park is another tranquil retreat featuring:
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A small boating lake with paddle boats
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Footbridges, gazebos, and streams running through flower beds
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Local cultural performances on weekends and holidays
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A peaceful picnic spot perfect for families and couples
This makes it a common pairing with the Rock Garden in most Darjeeling tour itineraries.
🕒 Entry Timings & Fees
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Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (all days)
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Rock Garden Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners
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Ganga Maya Park Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
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Photography: Allowed freely; no separate charges
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Boating Cost (Ganga Maya): ₹50–100 (optional)
Note: Entry fees may vary slightly across seasons or local rules.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Rock Garden
The best time to visit Rock Garden is during March to June and October to December, when the weather is clear and the floral terraces are in full bloom. Avoid monsoon (July–September), as landslides and slippery paths may restrict access.
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🌤️ Summer (Mar–Jun): Pleasant and blooming
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🍁 Autumn (Oct–Dec): Crisp weather and clear views
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🌧️ Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Not advisable due to rain & landslides
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❄️ Winter (Jan–Feb): Cold but calm and uncrowded
🧭 How to Include Rock Garden in Your Darjeeling Tour
The Rock Garden is often included in a half-day sightseeing itinerary, usually after visiting Tiger Hill or Batasia Loop. If you’re booking a Darjeeling tour package, be sure to ask your operator to include both Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park as part of your trip.
| Tour Type | Inclusions | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-point Tour | Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Ghoom | ₹1,200–1,500 |
| Rock Garden Combo Tour | Rock Garden + Ganga Maya + Peace Pagoda | ₹1,800–2,200 |
| Full-Day Mixed Tour | Rock Garden + 4–5 attractions | ₹2,500–3,000 |
🧳 Travel Tips for Visitors
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Carry a water bottle and light snacks (local stalls also available)
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Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip
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Don’t forget your camera — the views are worth capturing
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Be mindful of children/elderly due to stairs and uneven paths
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Arrive early to avoid rush and enjoy peaceful sightseeing
🎒 Ideal For:
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Couples looking for scenic nature spots
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Families with kids who enjoy gardens and open space
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Photography lovers
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Tourists wanting a peaceful break from the town center
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Budget travelers looking to explore beyond the usual spots
📸 Gallery Highlights
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Chunnu Summer Falls cascading through terraced rocks
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Flower-laden paths and bridges
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Boating in Ganga Maya Park
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Views of tea estates on the way
🧾 Suggested Itinerary Inclusions
Day 1: Arrival + Mall Road
Day 2: Sunrise at Tiger Hill → Batasia Loop → Rock Garden + Ganga Maya Park → Peace Pagoda → Back to Hotel
Day 3: Darjeeling Zoo / Tea Garden / Return
✅ Why Include Rock Garden in Your Darjeeling Tour?
The Rock Garden is more than just a stop — it’s a refreshing immersion in nature’s calm. With waterfall views, lush garden terraces, and nearby Ganga Maya Park, it offers the ideal half-day escape and adds beauty and balance to your Darjeeling tour itinerary.
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Want to include Rock Garden in your next Darjeeling trip? Get a personalized itinerary with hotel, sightseeing, and transfers – all under your budget!
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