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Neora Valley National Park

Neora Valley National Park is situated in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India. In 1992 it was declared as a National Park. It belongs in the Eastern Himalayas Range with a rich and diverse biological eco-system. It is the land of the cute Red Panda and various other flora and fauna.

Neora Valley National Park is situated in the foothill of the Himalayas, so it has craggy inaccessible hilly terrain, which makes the park wilder and adventures than others. Somewhere the forests are very deep, even sunlight does not touch the ground. Rechela Danda is the height point of the Neora Valley National Park, with an elevation of 10,600 ft. The Neora River is the main river of this park.

neora valley camp

(Neora Valley Forest Camp)

Neora Valley National Park is situated in the foothill of the Himalayas, so it has craggy inaccessible hilly terrain with varying altitude. In winter, sometimes temperature comes below 0°C where in summer maximum temperature cross 30°C. Snowfall is common between November and February. Monsoon starts from May to middle of October. The average annual rainfall is 635cm.

Flora and Fauna in Neora Valley

Note
Area 88 km2
Altitude Varies from 183m to 3200m
Location Kalimpong District of West Bengal, India
Nearby Locality Lava, Samsing
Nearest City Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri
Distance 100 km from Siliguri, 32km from Kalimpong
Best Season October to April but you can visit any time
Currency Indian Rupee(indian rupee)

Neora Valley National Park, we can find out tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate vegetative system. Rhododendron, bamboo, oak, ferns, sal are the main species in the forests. The valley also has numerous species of colorful wild orchids. The genus, Bulbophyllum, Cymbidium, Celogyne, Dendrobium, Eira, Gastrochilus and Pleione are some orchids which you can watch in the park.

Mammals : Neora Valley National Park consists more than 30 species of mammals, which include the Red Panda, Clouded Leopard , Musk Deer, Mithun, Ghoral, Wild Dog, Himalayan Black Dear, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Thar, Royal Bengal Tiger , five species of civet, sloth bear, golden cat, wild boar, serow, barking deer, sambar and Himalayan flying squirrel.

Birds : Neora Valley National Park is paradise for bird watchers. There are more than 100 species of birds which include Eagle, Tragopan, Cuckoo, Wood Owl, Barbet, Woodpecker, Babbler, Robin, Thrush, Flycatcher, Jungle Crow, Sunbird, Maynas, Orioles, Warbler, Laughingthrush, Flowerpecker, Flycatcher and others.

Reptiles and Insects : King cobra, common cobra krait, green pit viper, blind snake and lizards are also found. Many colorful insects such as butterflies, moths, beetles, bees, wasps, bugs and cicadas are added attractions of the valley.

Transport

By Road : National Highway No.31 between Siliguri and Guwahati passes over Chalsa. From Chalsa to Lava and to Samsing have district road. Lava and Samsing are two adjoin town to the park. North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Lava and to Samsing. Journey time from Siliguri to Lava is about 3 hours and from Siliguri to Samsing is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

By Rail : Nearest railway station to Lava is New Jalpaiguri and to Samsing is Chalsa. But all train is not arrived at Chalsa. New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Railway Station are main railway station in this area. You can change train from New Jalpaiguri or can follow the road journey from New Jalpaiguri to the park or from Siliguri to the park.

By Air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra. It is a domestic airport under Indian Army. All major air services are available from all over India. Distance between Bagdogra and Siliguri is 13 km. You can find out various vehicles to come in Siliguri, and then follow the above road route.

Accommodation

You can find out forest departments cottages at Lava and Samsing. Food and lodging are available here. There have another tourist cottages at Chhadapheri named Red Panda Camp situated just near the entrance to Neora Valley National Park. Some private hotel and lodge are also available at Lava and Samsing.