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Singalila National Park, located in the Eastern Himalayas of India, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and wildlife photographers. The national park was established in 1986 and is spread across an area of 203.6 sq. km. Located 2300 metres above sea level and near the Indo-Nepalese border it requires a bit of trekking adventure for you to be able to reach the spot. As you gear up for this nature and wildlife adventure to one of the most iconic national parks in West Bengal, getting things in order is an absolute necessity.
Quick Details About Singalila National Park
Address: Singalila Forest, West Bengal
Ticket Price: ₹120 for Indians and ₹500 for Foreign tourists
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to May or October to November, depending on your preferences
Things To Do At Singalila National Park
There is a wide range of Singalila National Park activities waiting to be explored. From trekking to jungle safaris, you can indulge in adventures that await there.
1. Trekking
Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons
Due to the rugged terrain and high elevation of the national park, trekking is one of the most popular activities. From Manebhanjan, the trek to reach the national park takes you through dense forests and rugged terrains, which make the whole experience worthwhile. Beyond these treks, there are other associated treks like the Sandakphu trek and Phalut trek, which you can consider setting out on as well as per your convenience.
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2. Wildlife Safari
Photo: G Devadarshan Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Beyond the dense forests that combine oak, thick bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron, the park is also home to a variety of animals, birds and reptiles. Some popular mammals that you might see on the jungle safari are barking deer, leopard cat, pika, pangolin, wild boar, etc. Not just that, the park is also home to 120 species of birds including Blood Pheasant, Brown, Fulvous Parrotbills, and Scarlet Minivet. There are several migratory birds too. Also, if you visit during the right season, you might get to witness the Himalayan Newt congregating around the JorePokhri, Sukhia Pokhri and nearby lakes.
3. Camping
Photo: Laura Pluth / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Getting to experience the thrill of camping under the stars is truly one-of-a-kind. You get to soak in the views of the breathtaking night sky that is untainted by light pollution. There are designated camping grounds where you can set up your camp and reconnect with nature. Waking up to the panoramic views of the Himalayas and the chirping of the birds is truly a highlight of the camping adventure.
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4. Go On Village Tours
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Typically, this isn’t an activity to do inside the national park but a part of the experience when you visit. There are local villages around the park such as Tumling and Kalipokhri, which offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the people and the culture of the region. You can go about interacting with the locals and try some of the food at the local food joints. Their warmth and hospitality is truly a rewarding experience.
Places To Visit Around Singalila National Park
Due to its central location in the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, there are several places to visit around the Singalila National Park.
1. Darjeeling
Given the proximity to the national park, planning a day or two to spend in Darjeeling is a must. Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens, colonial architecture, and stunning views of the Himalayas. Beyond enjoying the toy train experience, you should also consider visiting Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Stop to shop at the flea market at Mall Road as well.
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2. Kalimpong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Kalimpong is an offbeat charming town located 1,250 metres above sea level. The quaint town has a lot of historical significance that is reflected in the different sightseeing spots like Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, Durpin Dara Hill, and the bustling Kalimpong Market. While there, stop at one of the local roadside eateries to try Momo and Maggi with the views of the mountains.
3. Gangtok
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok thrusts you back into the city life with bustling markets, vibrant nightlife and delectable food. You get to witness a blend of modern and traditional ways of living, which is truly mesmerising to witness. Set aside 1-2 days in Gangtok to explore some of the popular places like Enchey Monastery, MG Marg, Tsomgo Lake, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
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Where to Stay
Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons
If you don’t plan on camping at the park, you’d need to book your accommodation in the nearby city, Darjeeling. It offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Popular choices include Mayfair Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel, and Elgin Darjeeling. For a more authentic experience, consider staying at a homestay in the villages around Singalila National Park.
Homestays like Tumling Homestay and Kalipokhri Homestay provide a cosy and hospitable environment. The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation operates several rest houses within the park, including ones at Gairibas, Kalipokhri, and Sandakphu. These rest houses offer basic amenities and are ideal for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Where to Eat
Photo: Abhishek Sanwa Limbu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
With limited accessibility within the park, you would need to settle for the local cuisine which you come across in Darjeeling. Some of the most popular food items to munch on are momos, thukpa, and gundruk. You can also stop at some of the local cafes and bakeries like Glenary’s and Keventers for a quick snack. Lastly, don’t miss out on a sip of a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea.
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Other Factors to Consider
Photo: Christine Roy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
As you finalise your next trip to Singalila National Park, keep the following in mind:
Average Cost
The cost can range from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per day for budget travellers and ₹3,500 to ₹5,000 per day for a luxurious experience.
How To Reach
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Once you reach either of these spots, there are shuttle jeeps, taxis and public buses available to take you to Manebhanjan. From there, you’d have to trek or take a Land Rover to reach the national park.
Tips For Travellers
- Get all your permits sorted from the respective departments for trekking and entering the park.
- If you are new to trekking and wildlife safaris, there are tour guides there to help you plan things.
- Due to the altitude, the weather is quite cold up in the national park. So, the key is to carry warm clothes.
- If you have altitude sickness, be wary of the same and carry medications to acclimate yourself.
Singalila National Park is a gem in the Eastern Himalayas, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. As you plan your next trip to Darjeeling, including this adventure and trekking experience to the national park is an absolute must. For quick and easy confirmations on your booking, plan your trip with TripXL without any further thoughts.
Cover Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons
