Neora Valley National Park – Nature admirers your paradise awaits

Covering a zone of 88sq km, Neora Valley National Park is situated in Kalimpong locale of West Bengal. It extends in the north up to a height of 3,200m. The most elevated point of this park is Rachela Pass, where it shapes a limit with Sikkim in the North and Bhutan in the North East. This connects Neora Valley National Park with the Pangolakha Wild Life Sanctuary in Sikkim and Toorsa Strict Reserve in Bhutan. The elevation at its southern breaking point is 183m and the backwoods of Jalpaiguri structures its southern limit associating it with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park.

The whole Neora Valley got its name after the stream Neora moving through it. This forested land on a bumpy territory obtained the National Park status in 1986. It has safeguarded its unique biodiversity and a significant part of the national park still has inaccessible forests in its territory. 

How to reach Neora Valley National Park

The famous tourist place Lava (which is about 105kms from NJP and 34kms from Kalimpong) nestled near Neora Valley National Park. You can enter the Neora Valley National Park through a small town called Kolakham which is about 10kms from Lava. To reach Lava from Kalimpong it takes more than an hour and over two hours from NJP (by means of Kalimpong). From NJP, you can likewise arrive at Lava by means of Gorubathan. Take NH-31 towards Sevoke Road, cross Coronation Bridge, go by means of Odlabari, Damdim, and Gorubathan, then to Lava. Takes around 3 hours to arrive at Lava.

You can also reach Neora Valley which is by means of Samsing. This route goes through spots in Dooars region like Malbazaar, Chalsa and Metli and afterwards, comes to Samsing. This elective course takes about 3.5 hours to reach Neora Valley. Moreover, trekkers who intend to camp and trek the region more than a few days can use this route. Most trek courses start from the town Suntaley Khola (means Orange Stream) which is about 5kms from Samsing and go through Neora Valley National Park.

Also Read: Namchi Tourism – A Complete Guide To Visiting The South Sikkim district

Entry Permits in Neora Valley National Park

You need the grant papers to enter the Neora Valley National Park. The license is accessible at the range office at Lava (and furthermore at Samsing). So if you are remaining close to the gates of the Neora Valley National Park, then you should have to climb down to Lava promptly in the first part of the day, take your admit cards and return. The entire procedure of going down to the ranger’s office and getting back with the grant can undoubtedly take around two and a half hours. In summer and spring, they generally begin giving the grants by 6 am.

What can you expect in Neora Valley National Park?

Before heading to the park, stop at the Lava and visit the Nature Interpretation Center for Neora Valley National Park. Here you can get an overview of nature scape, widely varied vegetation and wildlife of the park. The park is open from 8 am – 12noon, 1 pm – 4 pm (shut on Thursdays). This is a decent spot to get your knowledge of what the park offers.

Note that vehicles can go up to the Zero Point which is about 13kms inside the park. While this drives through the woods can be an incredible encounter, best is to take a guide and trek through the different path in the forest, or simply take a walk. That is the most ideal way to witness the birdlife, bright butterflies just as different widely varied vegetation. At the gate of the forest, there is a little cabin where the government-approved guide is accessible. He can take you for a trek through the jungle.

If you choose to trek, one way would take around 45 minutes, so a sum of an hour and a half walk. It’s, for the most part, a wilderness trail and can be sloppy if it downpours. Before you start your arrival trek, request that the guide show you the path that goes right to Phuntsholing situated at the Bhutan fringe. It’s about 16kms away starting there.

Also read: Hill Stations Near Kolkata For Breathtaking Weekend Getaway

Flora in Neora Valley National Park

The park has a plethora of Sal trees, Ferns and Bamboo forests. During spring and summer, combinations of colourful Rhododendrons sprout in full. There are approximately 10 unique types of rhododendrons discovered here and some are about 300years old. The pink, white and red blossoms are actually a gala to the eye. The wild orchids structure a shade in the backwoods. Yews, Hemlocks and wild Strawberries are an integral part of park vegetation.

Fauna in Neora Valley National Park

The endangered species like Red Panda and the Black Asiatic Bear occupy the bamboo belt of the Eastern Himalayas. The Red Panda is at an extraordinary danger of getting wiped out as they harp on bamboos and the bamboo belt is to a great extent annihilated and subbed by lumber. The poachers likewise represent a danger to its hide. The Red Panda can be once in a while observed as they ordinarily rest during the day at the head of bamboo forests and set out to search for food just at nightfall. An overview in 2015 appeared there are just 38 Red Pandas in Neora Valley national park.

The Barking Deer, Goral Deer visit passers-by when you take a trek on this forest. Different animals from the wilderness family which can be seen are the Leopards, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Thar, Flying Squirrel, wild felines and even the Royal Bengal Tigers. Creepy crawlies and reptiles additionally occupy this park. Cobra, Viper, Lizards, bright honey bees and crawlies like scarabs, moths, wasps and bugs are normal.

Also read: These 5 National Parks in Meghalaya are a must inclusion in your next trip

BirdLife in National Park

Neora Valley National Park is additionally a heaven for winged animal watchers. You can spot close 265 types of winged creatures and one of the best place to see the exotic species Rusty Bellied Shortwing. Mynahs, Swallows, Flycatchers and Parakeets are normal. You can see a plethora of cockatoos which is additionally an endangered animal variety. To get the best bird watching experience, visit this place from December to March.

Best Time To Visit

October to April is perfect for visiting this park however day visits are available to sightseers from sixteenth September to fifteenth June. The park stays shut for 3 months during the storm. October to December time is extraordinary for mountain sees while spring (March to April) is the ideal occasion for blooming blossoms. Feathered bird watchers ought to preferably visit Neora Valley National Park between December to March.

Neora valley in West Bengal is one of the most beautiful locations in India and should be experienced with your family and loved ones. Book your domestic package through Pickyourtrail to enjoy a hassle-free vacation. Want to quickly know chat with our destination expert, we can make your Whatsapp query here.