Neora Valley National Park

Land of the Red Panda, the most endangered species in the world; Neora Valley National Park is one of the richest biological zones in northeast India. The pristine serene natural habitat has a rugged and inaccessible hilly terrain. This national park links the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim and the Toorsa Strict Reserve of Bhutan. Adjoining the park on its southern boundaries are the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park. The Neora Valley National Park is rich with diverse flora and fauna. The landscape has inaccessible patch of late sucessional forests.

Neora Valley National Park

This Park is located in Kalimpong division of Darjeeling district, West Bengal and is located in one of the oldest Reserve forests of India. Established in the year 1986, this park is spread over an area of about 88 Sq.Km. Much of the park is inaccessible and is popular with adventurous trekkers and nature lovers. They have a large terrain to explore in the Kalimpong hills.

The snow-capped mountains in the milieu form a scenic landscape. The view of the majestic Kanchenjunga is a sight to behold! Changey Falls located close to the lower part of the valley is a great tourist attraction. Neora Valley National Park was declared a national park in the year 1992.

The highest point of this park reaches up to an elevation of 10,600 ft at Rechela Danda. This point borders Sikkim and Bhutan. Jaributi, the most beautiful spots in Neora Valley is a wonderful place from where one can watch wild animals. Medicinal plants grow in abundance here.

Flora and fauna in Neora Valley National Park

This accounts for the rich, diverse flora and fauna thus marking this park as a significant wilderness zone. Neora Valley National Park is famous for its virgin forest, lush green valley, colorful cover of rhododendron shrubs, dense bamboo groves, streams and rivers and its unique bio-diversity. The dense and luxurious flora of this park makes it impossible for sunlight to peek in through the vegetation. There are scores of orchid types that are yet to be discovered.

Neora valley national park has been included in the list of sensitive wildlife zones in the country after the recent discovery of the Royal Bengal tiger. Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, common leopard, Himalayan thar, Indian gaur, deer, squirrels and numerous other fauna can be seen at this park.

Neora valley is also famous for its birds. The high altitude of the park has made this park a paradise for birds like minivets, partridges, flycatchers, parakeets, orioles, owls, mynas, swallows, sunbirds, woodpeckers, etc. Colorful butterflies are a treat to the eyes. The eco-system incorporates hundreds of insects, butterflies and more!

Travel to Neora Valley National Park

The park is located 30 kms from Kalimpong and 80 kms from Siliguri. One can enter the park from either Lava or Samsing. Lava is about 33 kms from Kalimpong while Samsing is nearly 70 km from Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station. Bagdogra airport is about 13 kms from Siliguri. Best season to visit Neora Valley National Park is from October to April. Nearest accommodation can be found at Lava and Samsing. Typically the villages on the fringes of the national park are inhabited by Sherpas, Tibetan, Rai and Tamang communities. Neora River and its tributaries provide water to the area.