Wellness Park

Gangtok just got itself a new patch of calm. On February 18, 2024, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, P.S. Golay, opened the gates to the Wellness Park at the Old STNM Hospital complex. It’s a place the city had been waiting on for years, and now the doors are finally open.

Walking in, you notice right away that this isn’t your typical park. It’s been designed with intention - ramps instead of endless stairs, tree cover left intact, and spaces carved out for every age group. At just about two acres, it’s compact, but it feels layered, almost like a small ecosystem tucked into the middle of town.

First Impressions

The centrepiece is a koi pond, quietly tying together the indoor and outdoor spaces. Around it spreads a mix of lawns, walking tracks, play areas, and little corners where you could either stretch into yoga poses or simply sit and watch the world. The highlight is a 365-metre rubberised jogging track that loops the park, perfect for anyone looking to swap concrete for something kinder on the knees.

If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll probably make a beeline for the 10,000 sq ft rubberised playground or the skate park. Adults might prefer the open-air gym or the amphitheatre tucked at the centre with seating for 150. A Buddha point, with its sculptural nod to the first sermon, adds a thoughtful touch.

Indoors with a Twist

The four-storey park building adds another layer. A wellness café sits on the ground floor, with a menu that leans healthy. One level up, there’s a mothers’ lounge and daycare space, complete with a kids’ playroom and rest area. The second floor is a quiet hub for senior citizens - think a common hall, library, and resting rooms. At road level, the top floor doubles as the main entrance with offices, security, and even a souvenir shop.

It feels less like one big park and more like a set of small experiences stitched together.

Community Space

This project wasn’t just a government initiative - it was a long-time demand from locals, especially older residents of Gangtok. For many, it’s more than a green space. It’s somewhere to walk without traffic, to meet friends, to stretch, to feel part of the city without the noise of it.

A Practical Note

There’s a small entry fee, and the park is fully equipped with drinking water, toilets, CCTV cameras, and a security presence. In other words, it’s functional as much as it is pleasant.

If you’re in Gangtok, maybe slip the Wellness Park onto your list. It isn’t a tourist attraction in the glossy sense, but it’s an easy way to step into the rhythm of local life. Jog a lap, sip a cup of green tea at the café, or just sit by the pond and watch the koi move lazily under the water. Sometimes, that’s all the wellness you really need.