 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. |
