Neora Valley National Park, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is a pristine and biodiverse wilderness that offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Spread across approximately 88 square kilometres, the park is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas and is known for its lush forests, gushing rivers, picturesque landscapes, and rich biodiversity.
The Neora Valley National Park is named after the Neora River, which flows through the park, adding to its scenic beauty. The park is encompassed by dense virgin forests comprising towering trees, including oak, fir, birch, and rhododendron, creating a green canopy that stretches as far as the eye can see. These forests are a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna, making the park a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
One of the unique features of the Neora Valley National Park is its diverse range of animal species. The park is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including the Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Leopard Cat, and many more. It is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 240 species of birds recorded within the park, such as the Rufous-throated Partridge, Long-billed Wren-Babbler, and Black-headed Shrike-Babbler.
Apart from its rich wildlife, the park offers breathtaking landscapes and scenic trails that attract trekkers and adventurers worldwide. The trekking routes within the park take you through dense forests, sparkling streams, and high-altitude meadows, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and valleys. The popular treks include the Rachela Pass Trek, Samsing Trek, and the Bhotey Bhir Trek.
Known as the "Queen of the Hills," Darjeeling is a famous hill station located approximately 88 kilometres from Neora Valley National Park. It offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, tea gardens, toy train rides on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the opportunity to visit attractions like Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
About 78 kilometres from Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong is a charming hill town known for its Buddhist monasteries, scenic beauty, and flower nurseries. Visitors can explore attractions like the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, Deolo Hill, and Durpin Monastery and enjoy a walk through the bustling markets.
Lava is a picturesque hamlet approximately 17 kilometres from Neora Valley National Park. It is known for its serene ambience, beautiful landscapes, and the Neora Valley Interpretation Centre. Lava also serves as a gateway to the famous Rishop and Kolakham villages.
Bishop:
Situated about 21 kilometres from Neora Valley National Park, Rishop is a small village nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. It offers panoramic views of the snow-clad mountains and is a perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers.
Jaldhaka:
Located 53 kilometres from Neora Valley National Park, Jaldhaka is a scenic valley with tea gardens, rivers, and waterfalls. It is an ideal spot for picnics, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Rangpo:
Rangpo is a town located approximately 84 kilometres from Neora Valley National Park, near the border of West Bengal and Sikkim. It serves as a transit point for travellers heading towards the famous destinations of Sikkim, like Gangtok and Tsomgo Lake.
Mirik is a beautiful hill town around 90 kilometres from Neora Valley National Park. It is known for its serene Mirik Lake, orange orchards, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Boating on the lake and visiting the nearby Pashupati Market in Nepal are popular activities.