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Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal is a small, densely populated area of forest that is abundant in biodiversity. This park is spread across an area of 88 kilometres square. It shares borders with Sikkim and Bhutan in its northern and northeastern regions. It also connects the Toorsa Strict Reserve in Bhutan and the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim. There are a variety of flora and fauna in Neora Valley National Park which make this national park unique in itself.
Neora Valley National Park Location
Photo: Anirban Biswas / Wikimedia Commons
Neora Valley National Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary situated in West Bengal’s Kalimpong district. Neora Valley National Park is home to elegant red pandas, one of the most endangered species in the world. A large portion of the park remains inaccessible. It takes three hours to reach Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong. It shares borders with Samtse Bhutan and Pakyong district. The main source of water for Kalimpong town is the Neora River.
How To Reach
Photo: Abymac / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport to this park is Bagdogra Airport. Bagdogra is well connected with various regions of India. Rent a car from Bagdogra Airport and visit Neora Valley National Park. It is approximately 115 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport.
By Train: NJP, or New Jalpaiguri Junction, is the nearest train station to this national park. Trains to New Jalpaiguri Station are readily available from major Indian cities. Visitors shall get down at this railway station and take a local bus or private to this national park.
By Road: You can rent a car from any of the major cities that are close by, including Cooch Behar, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Kolkata. Neora Valley National Park is approximately 105 kilometres from Siliguri via NH717A, and 113 kilometres via NH 717A and Gajoldoba Road.
Places To Visit In And Around Neora Valley National Park
The Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India, is home to the ancient and biodiverse Neora Valley National Park. It is renowned for its verdant forests, abundant wildlife, and picturesque vistas. There are plenty of other unexplored treasures in the vicinity.
1. Deolo Hill
Photo: Biswajit Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
Deolo Hill is a popular tourist destination renowned for its quiet atmosphere and gorgeous scenery. It is one of the tallest hills in Kalimpong district at an elevation of 1,704 meters above sea level. It lies precisely in the northeast of the town of Kalimpong. The spring months of March through May are ideal for visiting Deolo Hill because of the beautiful, clear sky that permits great outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Ticket: Adult- Rs. 20 and Child- Rs. 10
2. Zang Dhok Palri Phodang
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The famous Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang is located in Kalimpong, West Bengal, atop Durpin Hill. This place has its proximity to Neora Valley National Park. The esteemed Dalai Lama dedicated this monastery in 1976. It contains numerous rare texts that were taken from Tibet. This monastery is also called Durpin Monastery and provides a stunning view of the Teesta and Rangeet river confluence and a broad perspective of the surrounding hills and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. It is encircled by lush gardens and several prayer wheels that enhance its holy charm.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Ticket: Free of cost
3. Graham’s Home
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Dr. Graham’s home was formerly known as St. Andrew’s Colonial Homes. It was founded in 1900 by John Anderson Graham. The home is basically an orphanage and has offered educational facilities since the 1900s in the tranquil hill station of Kalimpong in West Bengal, India. In addition to its instructional function, the colonial and Indian architectural styles combine to create a lovely location that attracts tourists. A chapel on campus serves as a haven and a reminder of the university’s illustrious past.
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Ticket: Free of cost
4. Thongsha Gumpha
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thongsha Gumpha, also called Tharpa Choling Monastery, is situated in the tranquil hill station of Kalimpong, West Bengal. Founded in the year 1937, it is one of the oldest Bhutanese monasteries in the area. It is a member of the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery has traditional Tibetan architecture, a serene ambience, elaborate frescoes and lovely murals that illustrate different facets of Buddhist mythology.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Ticket: Free of cost
5. Sillery Gaon
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Sillery Gaon is tucked away in the serene Eastern Himalayan foothills of West Bengal’s Kalimpong district. The surrounding lush forests, rolling hills, and magnificent vistas of snow-capped peaks make Sillery Gaon the perfect getaway for anyone seeking peace and quiet. It is located at an elevation of 6000 ft above sea level. It provides a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and its allied peaks and exudes a sense of calm and seclusion. You will be greeted by the soft sounds of distant waterfalls, rustling leaves, and chirping birds.
Distance: 27.6 kilometres
Sightseeing places: Cross Hill, Damsang Fort, Tinchuley Top and Ramitey View Point
Where To Stay
Photo: Booking.com / Wikimedia Commons
Numerous lodging alternatives are available in Lava and Kolakham, which are close to Neora Valley National Park. All of the necessities that visitors typically need for a restful night’s stay are provided by the homestays in these areas. Whichever homestay you dwell in, you can clearly see Kanchenjunga. One of the best resorts in Kolaham is Neora Valley Jungle Camp. The five timber homes are completely furnished and have roomy interiors. Additionally, they have geyser-equipped western bathrooms attached. In the winter, room heaters are also available for use. Local farmers provide the organic ingredients used to make the food served here. Traditional Nepali dishes are available here. On-demand, however, Indian and Continental cuisine are also offered.
Where To Eat
Photo: afterdog / Wikimedia Commons
The rich cultural legacy of Kalimpong, which is tucked away in West Bengal’s Himalayan foothills, is mirrored in its varied cuisine. It is a melting pot of flavours because of the diverse cultural influences on its culinary heritage, which include the Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, and Tibetan groups. A few of the recommended restaurants near Neora Valley National Park are Hotel Dev, Hotel Devika and Rohina Restaurant. Some of the recommended dishes to eat in restaurants near Neora Valley National Park are Momos, Thukpa, Aloo dum, Veg Sel roti, Veg Phapar Ko roti, Aloo Tama, and many more.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Soumyadeep Chatterjee / Wikimedia Commons
Neora Valley National Park features a rocky, inaccessible steep landscape with shifting elevations because it is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Although day trips are available to visitors from September 16 to June 15, October through April is the best time of year to explore this park. The temperature can drop below freezing in the winter and go as high as thirty degrees Celsius in the summer. It frequently snows from November to February. On the other hand, flowers bloom in the spring (March through April). During the monsoon season, the park is closed for three months.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: sayannalanda / Wikimedia Commons
Here are a few factors to be considered before visiting Neora Valley National Park:
Timings: Neora Valley National Park is open from 9 AM – 4 PM. But it closes at noon (12 PM) on Sundays.
Entry Permit: To enter the park, visitors must have entry permission. Samsing and Lava can both provide the permit early in the morning only.
ID Proof: It’s mandatory to carry any government ID such as Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.
Ticket: For Indian nationals, the ticket price or permission charge is approximately 130 rupees, whereas for foreigners, it is 500 rupees. The price of a Jeep Safari will be approximately 1500 rupees. In addition to the vehicle entry cost, there is a guide fee. The price will be 400 and 300 rupees, respectively. (It should be noted that the prices listed here are subject to change.)
Others: Avoid teasing animals, put out fires, maintain a clean forest, dress in dark, olive green, or khaki, and stay away from bright colours.
Neora Valley National Park is one of the top destinations in Darjeeling for seeing wildlife. The 88 km2 wildlife park is home to a variety of exotic plant, animal, and bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts from all across the nation are drawn to Neora Valley National Park by its abundant Himalayan biodiversity. Trekking paths that go through the park are another reason to explore. Subscribe to TripXL to plan your trip and discover more about the Neora Valley National Park and its surrounding area.
Cover Photo: Saswatamandal / Wikimedia Commons
