8 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim with Kids 2025
Summary:
If you are planning to visit Sikkim with kids, here are the top places to explore with your tiny tots. Enjoy a day out at Himalayan Zoological Park. Catch stunning and panoramic news from Shanti View Point. Go for picnicking in Saramasa Garden. Stimulate the young minds by taking them to Sikkim Science Centre. And end your trip by going for a souvenir shopping
at the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms.
Sikkim, a hill station in northeastern India, is blessed with a multitude of beautiful sights. The state is best known for its verdant landscapes, snow-clad peaks, lakes and waterfalls. There is no reason for you not to experience the blissful beauty of Sikkim. This tiny Himalayan state leaves an impeccable impression on its visitors, irrespective of their age. If you are visiting Sikkim with kids, there are plenty of places that will keep them happy and entertained. Places like Sikkim Science Centre, Lachung (Valley of Flowers), Himalayan Zoological Park, etc. are a good mix of excursions into nature and learning experiences.
Top 8 Places in Sikkim to Visit with Kids
- Sikkim Science Centre
- Saramasa Garden
- Shanti View Point
- Lachung (Valley of Flowers)
- Bakthang Waterfall
- Rumtek Monastery
- Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms, Gangtok
- Himalayan Zoological Park
1. Sikkim Science Centre
Begin your Sikkim trip with kids by visiting the Sikkim Science Centre. It’s a fascinating place that will satisfy their curiosity and ignite their passion for science. The Sikkim Science Centre was developed by the National Council of Science Museum and Dept. of Science and Technology. Exploring this science centre on your Sikkim holidays is a great way to learn and have a joyful outing. The centre provides audio/visual guides that provide an interactive and engaging experience.
The different galleries will keep you and your little ones entertained. These galleries include state-of-the-art Taramandal (Planterium), Unique Humankind gallery, Fun Science gallery, Gallery for Students’ Activities and the Science Park. You can also watch films related to science and technology in their 3D film theatre. The science centre also has a garden area, ideal for relaxing and picnicking. The centre also hosts events, seminars and lectures.
- Location: Marchak, Ranipool, East Sikkim, Sikkim 737135
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Mondays Closed)
- Entry Fee: ₹25 General Admission
2. Saramsa Garden
Go on a refreshing day out with your kids at Saramsa Garden in Sikkim’s Pakyong district. The garden has an interesting history. It was established in 1922 for fruit cultivation for colonial officers. Later it was used as land for cultivating for a medicinal plant ipecacuanha, which is why it is also known as Ipecac Garden. In 2008, the garden was again repurposed as a recreational spot for locals and tourists. The garden was turned into an orchidarium open to the public.
When you visit Saramsa Garden, the cute model of Red Panda instantly grabs one’s attention. It also makes for a good photography spot. This manicured garden is paved with cobblestone pathways, surrounded by lush greenery. A small lake with a footover bridge is where you can take many photos. The latest additions to the park include a musical fountain and a swimming pool.
- Location: Near Ranipool, in Pakyong District, Sikkim 737102
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person.
3. Shanti View Point
On your way to Rumtek Monastery, you will find an attractive tourist spot called – Shanti View Point. Make sure to plan your visit on a clear day with little to no clouds. A super cloudy day will ruin your chances to watch the sunrise, sunset or just the sweeping vistas. On clear and bright days, you and your little ones can watch the views of verdant values, mountain peaks, tiny and colourful cottages of locals. It’s a point where you can take a rest, savour some onion fritters and enjoy a cup of chai from a nearby tea stall. Once you are done with snacking and resting, continue your journey to Rumtek Monastery which is about 5 kilometers away.
- Location: Ranipool-Rumtek-Sang Road, Sikkim 737135
- Opening Hours: There are no strict opening and closing hours, however the best time to get stunning views from here is between 6 AM to 7 PM.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
4. Rumtek Monastery
Monastery visit is an incredible way to impart knowledge of Buddhist faith and culture to kids, which is predominant in Sikkim. So, if there’s just one monastery in Sikkim that you can go to, visit the Rumtek Monastery. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim belonging to the Kargyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. To reach here, you will be journeying on a curvaceous road surrounded by paddy fields which flourish in full glory from July to September.
Once you reach the monastery, you will be awestruck by the spectacular Tibetan architecture. The architecture of the Rumtek Monastery is quite similar to that of Tsurpu in Tibet. After the monastery visit, you can go to the Nehru Botanical Garden which has a playground for kids and has swings and a see-saw. Take a refreshing stroll in the garden and also check out the big greenhouse of exotic orchids,
- Address: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim 737135
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 10/- per person and INR 50/- for photography.
5. Lachung (Valley of Flowers)
Show your kids the best of nature by taking them to the Valley of Flowers. Just like its name, Yumthang Valley aka the Valley of Flowers is blanketed by small purple hued flowers, as far as the eye can see. To reach Yumthang valley, first you have to go on a road journey from Gangtok to Lachung, find a place to stay. Then you will continue your journey until you reach Yumthang valley.
The green pastures and a variety of blooming flowers will take your heart away. The valley is located at an altitude of 11,800 feet (3,564 metres) above sea level. You will see blooms of poppies, iris, primulas, rhododendrons and many cute wildflowers. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Sikkim.
6. Bakthang Waterfall
Bakthang Waterfall is amongst the most beautiful and refreshing waterfalls in Sikkim. The milky-white water cascades, creating a misty haze as it hits the rock and creates a small pool. The waterfall isn’t lofty or grand but still makes for an accessible attraction that you can visit with little kids. You can also enjoy the thrilling ziplining activity or simply relax soaking in the views of the waterfalls. Needless to say, it’s a good place to capture some instaworthy photographs. Despite its small size, the picturesque setting of the waterfall is too beautiful to ignore. There is also a souvenir shop and small eatery where you can satisfy hunger pangs and have a cup of tea and snacks.
- Location: 5 km from Gangtok’s SNT Bus Station
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Cost of ziplining: INR 100/- per person
7. Himalayan Zoological Park
A typical zoo visit consists of watching animals and birds that are kept in cages. However, the Himalayan zoological park gives an open-air and natural habitat for animals to grow and thrive. This zoological park is at a height of 1,780 metres and offers incredible views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Here you can watch a variety of animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Crimson-Horned Pheasant, Red Panda, Himalayan palm civet, etc.
- Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
- Timings: 09:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Thursday Closed)
- Entry Fee: Adults: INR 25, Kids: INR 10 Foreign Tourists: INR 50/-
8. Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms, Gangtok
Last but not the least, visit the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms in Gangtok to buy local handmade items as memorabilia of this trip. Buying products from here is a great way to support local artisans and Sikkimese arts and crafts. You can buy plenty of items: hats, handmade carpets, bamboo decor, shawls, carpets, Thangka paintings, etc.
- Location: Zero Point, NH 31, A, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Timings: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Pack your bags and take your kids on a rewarding and soul-enriching Sikkim holiday trip. Whether it’s the garden of SIkkim, Buddhist monastery, waterfall or viewpoints, your little ones will always cherish the time spent in the lap of mother nature.