Neora Valley National Park

Neora Valley National Park

The Neora Valley National Park, a compact patch of virgin forest, is a unique area of rich bio-diversity. The National Park enjoys the distinction of being situated over one of the oldest Reserve Forest in India. The Northern boundary of this National Park is ontiguous with the forest of Sikkim and Bhutan and harbors of endemic species of flora and fauna. The National park comprises tropical & temperate vegitations like oak, bamboo, rhododendron, tree ferns, codal and different orchids. A number of animals like Red Panda, Himalayan Thar, Tiger, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Wild Dog and Clouded Leopard and birds like Redstart, Whistling Thrush, Golden Headed Black Finch, Niltava, Yuhina are found in this National Park. Apart from this a large number of Avian Species are resident to this area. Due to wide range of altitude variation, the climate condition of N.P. varies from tropical to temperate or even Sub-alpine in Rachilla Danda area. Situated in the Kalimpong sub-division under Darjeeling district is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast. The land of elegant Red Panda in the pristine undisturbed natural habitat with rugged inaccessible hilly terrain and rich diverse flora and fauna together make the park an important wilderness zone. The forest in Neora Valley has such a luxurious growth that even sunlight finds it difficult to touch the ground. Much of the park is still inaccessible making it an adventurous place for the nature lovers / trekkers who can take the challenge to explore the still-unknown terrain in the Kalimpong hills. Virgin natural forests, dense bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron trees, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop form a picturesque landscape. The park reaches up to an elevation of 10600 ft at Rechela Danda, the highest point of Neora Valley National park, which borders Sikkim and Bhutan. The Neora River, the majore water source of Kalimpong town, originating from an inaccessible snout of the park and can be visible from Rechila Danda. Jaributi, one of the most beautiful spots in Neora Valley, is an ideal place for viewing wildlife movements. The place has tremendous importance for medicinal plants that grow here in abundance.

Neora Valley National Park is also the home of Red Panda. A cute little animal with reddish brown body and a bushy ringed tail is one of the most endangered species in the world. The recent discovery of Royal Bengal Tiger in Neora Valley has prompted the administration to include the park in the list of sensitive wildlife zones in the country. According to the 2002 tiger census the park holds 19 majestic big cats. Among the other important mammals Indian Gaur, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Himalayan Thar, Serrow, Gural, Deer and Squirrels are worth mentioning.

Neora Valley is extraordinarily rich in avi-fauna or the feathered animals. Due to its altitudinal variation ranging from 600ft to 10600 ft, various species of birds make the park a paradise for the bird watchers. Pheasants, Cuckoos, Minivets, Flycatchers, Maynas, Orioles, Owls, Parakeets, Partridges, Sunbirds, Swallows, Swifts and Woodpeckers would captivate one with their chirpy calls and enchanting colourful plumage display. Nature has bestowed Neora Valley with a broad medley of butterflies, which provide a grand feast to the eyes with their ingrained splendour. Kaiser-I-Hind and Krishna Peacock are amongst the most attractive butterflies found here. The self-sufficient eco-system of Neora Valley harbours a rich plethora of insects. A mammoth diversity of Spiders, Bugs, Beetles, Ants and Bees parts a very important and complex eco-system of Neora Valley.

Neora Valley is particularly well known for wild orchids. Their splendid colours and grace patterns have the capacity to hypnotise anyone. A number of orchids hidden in the deepest parts of the valley are yet to find a place in the records.

The park can be entered from Lava, 30kms from Kalimpong and also from Samsing, 80kms from Siliguri. A six days trek through the forests comprising Samsing - Bhote Ghar - Thusum - Rechela - Alubari - Lava is an unforgettable thrilling experience.