Neora Valley National Park - Travel Guide
The land of elegant Red Panda in the pristine undisturbed natural habitat with rugged inaccessible hilly terrain Neora Valley, it is one of the last tracts of virgin wilderness in the country, sustains a unique ecosystem where tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and the temperate vegetative system still harbors a wealth of flora and fauna. This forested land on hilly terrain was earmarked as a National Park in 1986. Covering an area of 88sq km, Neora Valley National Park is located in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling district a journey of 3 hrs from Kalimpong to Neora Valley National Park. It stretches in the north up to an altitude of 3,200m.
The highest point of this park is Rachela Pass, where it forms a boundary with Sikkim in the North and Bhutan in the North East. This links Neora Valley National Park with the Pangolakha Wild Life Sanctuary in Sikkim and Toorsa Strict Reserve in Bhutan. The altitude at its southern limit is 183m and the forest of Jalpaiguri forms its southern boundary connecting it with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park.
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Attractions of Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley is extraordinarily rich in avifauna or feathered animals. Due to its altitudinal variation ranging from 600ft to 10600 ft, various species of birds make the park a paradise for bird watchers. Pheasants, Cuckoos, Minivets, Flycatchers, Maynas, Orioles, Owls, Parakeets, Partridges, Sunbirds, Swallows, Swifts, and Woodpeckers would captivate one with their chirpy calls and enchanting colorful plumage display. Nature has bestowed Neora Valley with a broad medley of butterflies, which provide a grand feast to the eyes with their ingrained splendor. Kaiser-I-Hind and Krishna Peacock are amongst the most attractive butterflies found here.
The self-sufficient eco-system of Neora Valley harbors a rich plethora of insects. A mammoth diversity of Spiders, Bugs, Beetles, Ants, and Bees parts a very important and complex eco-system of Neora Valley. Neora Valley is particularly well known for wild orchids. Their splendid colors and grace patterns have the capacity to hypnotize anyone. A number of orchids hidden in the deepest parts of the valley are yet to find a place in the records. The rich flora and fauna of Neora Valley National Park make it a paradise for nature and wildlife photography. You can also capture the captivating panorama of the Kanchenjunga range, which lies in the backdrop of this national park.
Places to visit near Neora Valley National Park
There are several attractions travelers can get to see and explore near this park. Here, let's have a look at some of the best places near it.
Kolakahm and Changey Waterfall
Kolakham is a secluded hamlet at an altitude of 6100 feet above sea level. It is certainly a paradise for avid birdwatchers, adventurers, trekkers, hikers as well as nature enthusiasts. This village, even though a tiny one, is truly an ideal place to rejuvenate the travelers' soul with the beauty of nature, fresh mountain air, and the captivating panoramic view of the Himalayan range.
Not more than 8 km driving distance away from Neora Valley National Park and just a few kilometers upwards from Kolakham, Changey waterfall comes under one of the gorgeous waterfalls near Kalimpong. The approximate height of this waterfall is about 150 feet whose crystal clear cascading water looks stunning to look at. The surrounding lush greenery also provides a bewitching visual treat to the eyes. The serene ambiance of the waterfall also attracts some of the most beautiful Himalayan birds such as White Capped Water Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Niltava, Blue Fronted Redstart, Grey Treepie, Indian Robin, Blue Whistling Thrush, and more.
Lava Monastery and Viewpoint
From the magnificent park of Red Panda, Lava is another worth visiting town nearby. The approximate distance between them is merely 12 km and by a car, it would take not more than 40 minutes to reach. Travelers love to visit the monastery of Lava which is the epitome of beauty and religious belief. The architecture of the monastery in the Tibetan style and the paintings let the travelers witness the Buddhist culture and their architectural excellence. The viewpoint of Lava shows the tourists a magnificent panoramic view of the hills and their surroundings. Another viewpoint named Tiffindara is quite adjacent to Rishop from where Nathula and Jelep La can be viewed partially. Apart from this, Himalaya's magnificent mountain peaks such as Mt Kharg, Mt Kokthang, Mt Rathung, Mt Kabru, Mt Talung, Mt Pandim, Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Simvo, Mt Narsing, and Mt Siniolchu look bewitching from the viewpoint.
Rishop Viewpoint
Just 30 minutes upward journey from Lava, Rishop another paradise on earth travelers usually visit with their Neora Valley National Park Tour. This relaxing hamlet is located at an average altitude of 2591 meters above sea level and far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hidden beneath the lush greenery, Rishop exhibits intense serenity most of the travelers usually demand from a Himalayan hamlet. The viewpoint of Rishop lets the spectator witnesses the sweeping view of the Himalayan range including the world's third-highest peak Kanchenjunga.
Getting There
By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport travelers can board a flight to. This airport is connected with all the major airports of Bengal as well as India. The distance from Bagdogra Airport to Neora Valley National Park is approximately 115 km that takes not more than 4 hours to cover via Rishi Road.
By Train: From the major nearby railway station NJP, Neora Valley National Park is approximately 105 km away. Several trains run every day from most of the major cities to NJP. Hence, getting a train will not be a problem at all.
By Road: To reach the park directly from NJP, Bagdogra airport, and Siliguri, a rented car is the only option. Travelers will go through some of the finest places Lava, Kolakham, etc prior to reaching Neora Valley National Park.
Where to Stay
Near Neora Valley National Park, travelers can stay at the homestays at Lava and Kolakham. Staying quite near to the park gives it a great feeling of staying with nature itself. Getting the dazzling view of Kanchenjunga all the time and hearing the chirping of Himalayan birds are truly an awesome feeling. These homestays are run by the locals and also offers most of the basic amenities. There will be attached western bathrooms, electricity, view rooms, and more. North Bengal Tourism's entire Kalimpong Tour Package includes the accommodation at the lowest ever price and by booking the tour package travellers do not have to book a homestay separately.
Best time to visit Neora Valley National Park
Even though, the park stays open for tourists from 16th September to 15th June, the best time to visit is during the months of October to April. December to March is the best time for those who are avid birdwatchers. For those who are in love with colorful blossoming flowers, March to April would be the best months to visit Neora Valley National Park. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that during the monsoon, the park stays completely closed for three months. The weather is of its stays mostly soothing. In winter, the temperature is mostly chilly and winter clothes are required then. Summer is comparatively hotter when the light woolen garments will be sufficient.
FAQs about Neora Valley National Park
With the dazzling Kanchenjunga range as its backdrop, the Neora Valley National Park is famous for its immense natural beauty and the huge population of flora and fauna.
The Neora Waterway serves as this park's primary river. Neora Valley National Park contains rocky, impassable hills with varied altitudes.
You can get to Neora Valley National Park by road. ThroughCoronation Bridge, travel along NH-31 toward Sevoke Road, passing via Odlabari, Damdim, and Gorubathan before arriving at Lava. From Lava, Neora Valley National Park is only 10 kilometers driving distance away.
In the year 1986, Neera Valley National Park was founded. However, it got national park status in the year 1992.
In Neora Valley National Parks, some of the prominent animals found are clouded leopards, red pandas, black bears, Himalayan flying squirrels, Thar sloth bears, golden cats, wild boars, leopard cats, goral, musk deer, five species of civet, serow, barking deer and sambar deer.
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