Neora Valley National Park — Attraction in West Bengal

Neora Valley National Park:- Covering an area of 88sq kms, Neora Valley National Park is located in Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It stretches in the north upto an altitude of 3,200m. The highest point of this park is Rachela Pass, where it forms a boundary with Sikkim in the North and Bhutan in the North East. This links Neora Valley National Park with the Pangolakha Wild Life Sanctuary in Sikkim and Toorsa Strict Reserve in Bhutan. The entire forest is crisscrossed by mountain streams. In fact the name Neora Valley is given after the river Neora flowing through it. This forested land on a hilly terrain was earmarked as a National Park in 1986. This park has challenged the never ending human interference, biotope changes and environmental pollution. It has preserved its natural biodiversity and much of the national park still has inaccessible forests in its territory.

How to reach

The popular tourist destination Lava (which is about 105kms from NJP and 34kms from Kalimpong) is located quite close to Neora Valley National Park. The entrance to the park at a village named Kolakham is about 10kms from Lava. It takes over 1 hour to reach Lava from Kalimpong and over 3 hours from NJP (via Kalimpong).

Entry Permits

You need a permit to enter the park. The permit is available at the forest range office at Lava (and also at Samsing). So if you are staying near the entrance of the park, then you need to come down to Lava early in the morning, take your permit and go back. The whole process of going down to forest office and getting back with the permit can easily take about two & half hours. In summer and spring, they usually start issuing the permits by 6am.

What can you see?

Halt at Lava for a while and first make a visit to the Nature Interpretation Center for Neora Valley National Park which is located at Lava. Here you will know about the landscape, flora and fauna of the park. The center is open from 8am - 12noon, 1pm - 4pm (closed on Thursdays). This is a good place to get your understanding of what the park offers.

Note that vehicles can go up to the Zero Point which is about 13kms inside the forest. While this drive through the forest can be a great experience, best is to take a guide and trek through the various trails in the forest, or just go for a stroll. That is the best way you can closely explore the birdlife, colorful butterflies as well as diverse flora and fauna. At the entrance of the forest, there is a small cottage where government authorized guide is available. He can take you for a trek through the forest.

Flora: The park has an abundance of Sal trees, Ferns and Bamboo groves. During spring and summer, varieties of colorful Rhododendrons bloom in full. There are some 10 different species of rhododendrons found here and some are about 300years old. The pink, white and red flowers are really a feast to the eye. The wild orchids form a canopy in the forest. Yews, Hemlocks and wild Strawberries also form a part of the forest vegetation.

Fauna: The Endangered species like Red Panda and the Black Asiatic Bear inhabit the bamboo belt of the Eastern Himalayas. The Red Panda is at a great risk of becoming extinct as they dwell on bamboos and the bamboo belt is largely destroyed and substituted by timber. The poachers also pose a threat to its fur. The Red Panda can be rarely seen as they normally sleep during the day at the top of bamboo groves and set out to look for food only at dusk

Bird Life: Neora Valley National Park is also a paradise for bird watchers. There are about 265 species of birds in this park. It is the best place to spot the rare species Rusty Bellied Shortwing. Myanahs, Swallows, Flycatchers and...

Neora Valley National Park is a protected area and a national park located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Here are key points about Neora Valley National Park:

Location: Neora Valley National Park is situated in the eastern Himalayas and covers parts of the Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal.

Biodiversity: Known for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.

Landscape: The park features diverse landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and numerous streams. It is surrounded by the Eastern Himalayas and offers stunning views.

Wildlife: Neora Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including red pandas, Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, leopards, Himalayan black bears, and various species of deer.

Avifauna: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a wide range of bird species, including several varieties of pheasants, eagles, and other Himalayan birds.

Flora: The diverse flora includes a mix of broadleaf forests, coniferous forests, and rhododendron forests. The park is home to many medicinal plants and rare orchids.

Trekking: Neora Valley National Park offers trekking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. The trails provide a chance to explore the pristine wilderness of the Eastern Himalayas.

Lava: Lava, a small settlement near the park, serves as a gateway for visitors. It is known for its pleasant climate and proximity to Neora Valley.

Accessibility: The park is accessible from Lava and other nearby towns. However, some areas may require special permits for entry.

Conservation: Neora Valley National Park is a protected area, and conservation efforts focus on preserving its unique ecosystem and safeguarding endangered species.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Neora Valley National Park is during the months of March to June and September to December when the weather is relatively mild.

Permits: Certain areas within the park may require permits, and it's advisable to check with local authorities for the latest regulations.

Visiting Neora Valley National Park offers a chance to experience the pristine beauty of the Eastern Himalayas, witness diverse wildlife, and explore its natural treasures. For accurate and up-to-date information on permits, entry fees, and visiting guidelines, it is recommended to check with the official authorities or local...

Neora Valley National Park - An Untamed Wilderness

Neora Valley National Park, situated in the enchanting Eastern Himalayas, is a pristine wilderness haven that beckons adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers alike. This protected area, located in the Indian state of West Bengal, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and natural beauty.

The journey to Neora Valley National Park is an adventure in itself. The winding roads through lush forests and the gushing rivers provide a scenic drive that builds anticipation for what lies ahead.

Once inside the park, you'll find yourself immersed in a lush, untouched world. The park is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. If you're an avid birdwatcher or a wildlife enthusiast, Neora Valley won't disappoint. It's a sanctuary for numerous bird species, including the vibrant Himalayan Monal, and mammals like the elusive Red Panda.

Trekking in Neora Valley is an unforgettable experience. There are numerous trails that take you through the heart of the forest, offering encounters with the region's rich biodiversity. Be sure to hire a local guide who can not only navigate the trails but also share their deep knowledge of the ecosystem.

The park's rugged terrain, dense forests, and pristine rivers make it an ideal destination for camping and outdoor adventures. Sleeping under a star-studded sky in the heart of the Himalayas is an experience that's hard to put into words.

One of the highlights of Neora Valley is the change in landscape as you ascend. From lush subtropical forests at lower altitudes to subalpine and alpine meadows at higher elevations, the park's diversity will leave you spellbound.

While the park offers abundant natural beauty, it also calls for responsible tourism. Leave no trace, respect the local culture, and help preserve this fragile ecosystem for future generations to cherish.

In conclusion, Neora Valley National Park is a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. It's a place where you can reconnect with the natural world, witness rare wildlife, and experience the serenity of unspoiled wilderness. A visit to Neora Valley is not just a journey; it's a pilgrimage for those who truly appreciate the wonders of nature.

Pro tip: Plan your visit during the spring and summer months for the best weather and wildlife sightings, but be prepared for occasional rain in this...