Spread in an area of 159sq. kilometers, the Neora Valley National Park in the Kalimpong sub-division under the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, is known for its virgin forest patch and its exceptional biodiversity. The national park is situated over one of the oldest Reserve Forests of India and its northern boundary is linked with the forests of the Indian state Sikkim and the neighboring country Bhutan, inhabiting many endemic species of flora and fauna. Home to the endangered Red Panda, the national park is a pristine natural habitat of many other wildlife species along with its hilly terrain and spectacular landscape that makes it a beautiful wilderness zone.
Named after the Neora River which flows through it and was established in the year 1986, the national park area has a luxurious growth of vegetation which results in scanty sunlight in many parts of the forest. Much of the national park is still unapproachable due to its hilly and dark areas, which makes it an exploratory place for trek/nature lovers who are up to taking the challenge of exploring the unknown terrain of the Kalimpong hills. The dense forests and bamboo groves in the park, the lush green grassland, streaming rivers together with the snow-clad mountains in the background form a stunning and magnificent landscape to behold.
One of the highlights of the park is the spot called Jaributi from where visitors can spot numerous wildlife movements and take in the breathtaking view of the majority of the national park. Apart from the trees and other floral species, the park is endowed with many medicinal plants which attract many pharmacists and researchers into its abode. Due to the varied altitudinal level of the park which ranges from 600ft. to 10,600ft. from sea level, numerous bird species also inhabit the park as well. Not only this, nature has endowed Neora Valley National Park with a diverse variety of insects and reptiles such as butterflies, moths, spiders, bugs, beetles, ants, bees, and much more. To have a thrilling and unforgettable experience of the park, a six-day trek through the forests comprising Samsing-Bhote Ghar-Thusum-Rechela-Alubari-Lava is suggested.
The vegetation includes Dry Mixed Forest, Wet Mixed Forest, Lauraceous Forest, Bak-Oak Forest, Coniferous Forest, Himalayas Moist Temperate Forest, and Rhododendron Forest. It is home to various endemic Orchids.
Mammals: Red Panda, Himalayan Thar, Tiger, Goral, Indian Gaur, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Clouded Leopard, Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Civet, sloth Bear, Serrow, Deer, Squirrel, etc.
Birds: Redstart, Whistling Thrush, Golden Headed Black Finch, Niltava, Yuhina, Pheasants, Mayna, Orioles, Owls, Parakeets, Partridge, Flycatcher, Sunbird, Woodpecker, Swifts, etc.
Reptiles: King Cobra, Viper, Lizards, Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Green Pit Viper, Blind Snake, etc.
Due to the wide range of variation in altitude, the climatic conditions of Neora Valley National Park vary from tropical to temperate or even sub-alpine in some areas. The temperature in summers can rise up to 30 degrees Celsius and the winters can be as low as 0 degrees Celsius. Snowfall is common between November and February.
The best time to visit the park is between the months of October to May as the weather is pleasant and the snow-capped mountains make the scenery even more beautiful.
Nearest Train Station: The closest railhead is Darjeeling railway station at about 30km from the park which is well-connected by road directly the national park.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport at a distance of 100km from Neaora Valley National Park. The airport is well-connected by a road network and taxis and buses are available from the airport to the park.
Road Accessibility : The park can be reached by road through a public or a private vehicle. It is well-connected to all the major cities and places in West Bengal.
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