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Spread over an area of 88 km, this place is one of the richest biological zones in entire eastern India. It is situated in Kalimpong district of West Bengal and was established in 1986. The rich diverse flora and fauna of this park makes it an important wilderness zone. Tall and dense forests of the park make it difficult for the sunlight to even touch the ground.
The Neora River is the major water source for Kalimpong town. The park reaches up to the height of 10600 ft at Rachela Danda, the highest point of Neora Valley National Park. The park is strictly restricted for the betterment of the wildlife and biodiversity. The National park comprises tropical & temperate vegetation. It is also an integral part of the Kanchenjunga Landscape.
Lava and Neora National Parks combined are birder’s paradise, most of the birds of India can be sighted here.
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 Parakeets are common.
Other birds spotted here are the Falcon, the Great Pied Hornbill, Himalayan Griffon, Redstart, Whistling Thrush, Golden Headed Black Finch, Khaliz Pheasant, Rufous-throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Golden-throated Barbet, Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, Lesser Cuckoo, Brown Wood Owl, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Jerdon’s Baza etc.
Best time to visit Neora Valley National Park is between December and March.
Vehicles can go up to the zero point which is nearly 13 kms inside the forest. This drive inside offers a scenic view. One can even stop the car and go out for a stroll, this is the best way to view the flora and fauna of this jungle closely.
Lava which is not far away from Neora, also offers wonderful sightings of different species of birds, it is also the starting point for Neora Valley National Park.
Ferns, Bamboo groves and Sal trees are in abundance in the park. Neora Valley is especially acknowledged known for wild orchids. Variety of orchids hidden within the deepest components of the valley are yet to find a place in the records.
Neora national park is also home to several rare and vulnerable plants, animals and birds. The wild orchids form a canopy in the forest. Yews, Hemlocks and wild Strawberries also form a part of the forest vegetation.
The Eastern Himalayas is inhabited by endangered species like Red Panda and the Black Asiatic Bear. King cobra, common cobra, krait, green pit viper, blind snake, and lizards are also found.
By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra airport, about 100 Km from the Neora Valley National Park. Bagdogra airport is well connected by road network to Neora Valley National Park.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is in Darjeeling which is about 30 kms away from the park. This park is well connected by roads and taxis, and public transports are easily available.
By Road: NH 31 between Siliguri and Guwahati passes over Chalsa. From Chalsa to Lava and to Samsing have district road. Journey time from Siliguri to Lava is about 3 hours and Lava and Neora are nearby. There are government and privately operated vehicles that go to Neora Valley National Park at frequent intervals.
West Bengal, Latpanchar, Shivkhola, Rongtong, Mahananda WildLife Sanctuary, Neora Valley National Park, Rishop, Kolakham , Lava, Sikkim, Zuluk , Pangolakha WildLife Sanctuary Zuluk, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Okhrey Hilley, Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, Thangu, Yumthang, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kewzing, Ravangla, Singalila National Park
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderland situated on the foothills of the Himalayas, between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. This beautiful and wildlife rich sanctuary is governed and managed by Darjeeling Wildlife Division of Government of West Bengal. It is considered as the most important bird watching sanctuary of Bengal. This article covers how to reach, timing, bird gallery, birding guides, time to visit.
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