 Situated
in the Kalimpong sub-division
under Darjeeling district is
one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast. The land
of elegant Red Panda in the pristine undisturbed natural habitat with
rugged inaccessible hilly terrain and rich diverse flora and fauna
together make the park an important wilderness zone.
The forest in Neora Valley has such a luxurious
growth that even sunlight finds it difficult to touch the ground.
Much of the park is still inaccessible making it an adventurous place
for the nature lovers / trekkers who can take the challenge to explore
the still-unknown terrain in the Kalimpong hills. Virgin natural forests,
dense bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron trees, lush
green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snow-capped mountains
in the backdrop form a picturesque landscape.
The park reaches up to an elevation of 10600 ft
at Rechela Danda, the highest point of Neora Valley National park,
which borders Sikkim and Bhutan. The Neora River, the majore water
source of Kalimpong town.
 Originating
from an inaccessible snout of the park and can be visible from Rechila
Danda. Jaributi, one of the most beautiful spots in Neora Valley,
is an ideal place for viewing wildlife movements. The place has tremendous
importance for medicinal plants that grow here in abundance.
Neora Valley National Park is also the home of Red
Panda. A cute little animal with reddish brown body and a bushy ringed
tail is one of the most endangered species in the world. The recent
discovery of Royal Bengal Tiger in Neora Valley has prompted the administration
to include the park in the list of sensitive wildlife zones in the
country. According to the 2002 tiger census the park holds 19 majestic
big cats. Among the other important mammals Indian Gaur, Himalayan
Black Bear, Clouded Leopard Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Himalayan
Thar, Serrow, Gural, Deer and Squirrels are worth mentioning.
Neora Valley is extraordinarily rich in avi-fauna
or the feathered animals. Due to its altitudinal variation ranging
from 600ft to 10600 ft, various species of birds make the park a paradise
for the 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 colourful plumage display.
 Nature
has bestowed Neora Valley with a broad medley of butterflies, which
provide a grand feast to the eyes with their ingrained splendour.
Kaiser-I-Hind and Krishna Peacock are amongst the most attractive
butterflies found here. The self-sufficient eco-system of Neora Valley
harbours 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 colours and grace patterns have the capacity
to hypnotise anyone. A number of orchids hidden in the deepest parts
of the valley are yet to find a place in the records.
The park can be entered from Lava, 30kms from Kalimpong
and also from Samsing, 80kms from Siliguri. A six days trek through
the forests comprising Samsing - Bhote Ghar - Thusum - Rechela - Alubari
- Lava is an unforgettable thrilling experience. |
Home
| About Us | Contact
Us | Site Map | Feedback
