Neora Valley is the habitat of the rare Red Panda. It remains a preserved forest with steep hills and limited human access.
This area is one of India’s last untouched forest zones. It supports a unique combination of tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate forests.
These forests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
The area was declared a national park in 1986. Neora Valley National Park covers 88 square kilometers. It lies in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling district.
It takes around 3 hours to drive from Kalimpong to the park. The altitude rises to 3,200 meters at its northern end.
Location and Boundary
The highest point of the park is Rachela Pass. This point marks the border with Sikkim to the north and Bhutan to the northeast.
The park connects with Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim and Toorsa Strict Reserve in Bhutan. Its southern edge lies at 183 meters in Jalpaiguri.
This section links the park with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National Park.
Attractions of Neora Valley National Park
Bird Watching
Neora Valley is rich in bird species. Its elevation ranges from 600 feet to 10,600 feet. This range supports various bird habitats.
Visitors can spot pheasants, cuckoos, flycatchers, sunbirds, owls, parakeets, woodpeckers, and other colorful birds.
Their sounds and feather colors attract birdwatchers throughout the year.
Butterfly Diversity
The park is home to many butterfly species. Their wing patterns and colors create a beautiful visual experience.
Two notable butterflies found here are the Kaiser-i-Hind and the Krishna Peacock.
Insects and Orchids
Neora Valley hosts many insect types. Spiders, ants, beetles, bees, and bugs play key roles in the forest ecosystem.
The park is also famous for its wild orchids. These flowers grow in deep forest areas and have bright colors and striking shapes. Some orchid species are still undiscovered.
Photography Opportunities
Wildlife and nature photography are popular in the park. Visitors can also photograph the Kanchenjunga mountain range, which forms a scenic backdrop to the forest.
Places to Visit Near Neora Valley National Park
Kolakham and Changey Waterfall
Kolakham is a small village at 6,100 feet above sea level. It is ideal for birdwatchers, trekkers, and nature lovers. Visitors enjoy the clean air and views of the Himalayas.
Changey Waterfall is about 8 km from the park and a short drive from Kolakham. The waterfall drops about 150 feet.
It flows with clear water and is surrounded by green hills. Birds like the Verditer Flycatcher and the Blue Whistling Thrush can often be seen here.
Lava Monastery and Viewpoint
Lava is a nearby town just 12 km from Neora Valley. It takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. The town is known for Lava Monastery.
This Buddhist monastery features Tibetan architecture and colorful wall paintings. The viewpoint in Lava offers wide views of nearby hills. Tiffindara, a nearby viewpoint close to Rishop, also offers partial views of Nathula and Jelep La passes.
Visitors can also see peaks such as Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru, Simvo, and Siniolchu from these spots.
Rishop Viewpoint
Rishop is a quiet village located at 2,591 meters above sea level. It is a 30-minute drive uphill from Lava.
This place offers calm surroundings and green landscapes. The viewpoint in Rishop provides a full view of the Himalayan range, including Kanchenjunga.
How to Reach Neora Valley National Park
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra. It connects to major cities in West Bengal and other parts of India. The airport is 115 km from the park.
The drive from Bagdogra to the park takes about 4 hours via Rishi Road.
By Train
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest large railway station. It lies around 105 km from the park. Trains to NJP run from major Indian cities.
By Road
Visitors can hire cars from NJP, Bagdogra, or Siliguri. The drive passes through scenic towns like Lava and Kolakham before reaching the park.
Where to Stay Near Neora Valley National Park
Travelers can stay in homestays at Lava and Kolakham. These homestays are close to the park and provide views of Kanchenjunga.
Guests can enjoy birds chirping and mountain scenery. The homestays are run by locals and offer basic amenities.
Best Time to Visit Neora Valley National Park
The park is open from September 16 to June 15. The best time to visit is from October to April.
For birdwatchers, December to March is ideal. For flower lovers, March and April are the best months.
The park remains closed for three months during the monsoon. The weather is mostly pleasant. Winters are cold, and visitors should carry warm clothes.
Summers are milder, and light woolens are enough.
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