Located in the eastern part of the Himalayas, Neora Valley National Park remains unexplored for most travellers. This hidden gem in West Bengal’s Kalimpong district is an awe-inspiring natural habitat that brings the feel of dense jungles, glistening waterfalls, and serene mountain mists. Upon arrival in this area, you hear the birds chirping and leaves whispering that this park is endowed with lots of troupes of wildlife. Starting with the beautiful orchids to the elusive red pandas, Neora Valley offers a thrilling journey through one of India’s most enchanting wildlife parks.
About Neora Valley National Park
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Preserving and protecting some flora and fauna species is necessary. Therefore, Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong is a significant Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Conservation national park. It should be noted that it is challenging to identify the price of a ticket to the National Park online. Thus, one should ask the locals for the latest prices.
Some of the flora and fauna that can be found in this park are the Red Panda and many kinds of orchids. It holds an important biophysical position at the crossroads of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bhutan. However, the Neora Valley National Park Resort hotels and lodging are few and basic for those interested in trekking and bird watching in and around the valley.
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Flora And Fauna Of Neora Valley National Park
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The beautiful Neora Valley National Park is located in one of the oldest forest reserves in India. The place is endowed with wonderful biodiversity. At times, sunlight is limited to penetrate the layer of tree cover, thus forming another microhabitat.
The vast wilderness covers the park and is therefore endowed with a moderate climate favouring different bird species, where over 265 bird species, including pheasants, cuckoos, woodpeckers, and others, are found. The bright feathers and trill singing take birding lovers. It also displays the most beautiful butterflies, such as Kaiser-I-Hind and Krishna Peacock, to name a few. However, the flowers are not the only thing that impresses the guests during the walks, and no one will interfere with wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of untouched nature here.
Neora Valley National Park Location
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Neora Valley National Park is located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal in India, situated in the Eastern Himalayas. Located to the north of Sikkim and the east of Bhutan, it covers an altitudinal range of 183 metres to 3,200 metres. Lava and Kalimpong are the nearby towns where one can directly visit the park. Bagdogra is the nearest airport.
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Neora Valley National Park Ticket Price
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Discover the ticket prices for visiting Neora Valley National Park, a pristine and biodiverse haven in West Bengal. The park offers various entry options for different visitors. Here’s a detailed guide to help plan your visit.
Indian Nationals:
- Adults: INR 100 per person
- Children (5-12 years): INR 50 per person
Foreign Nationals:
- Adults: INR 200 per person
- Children (5-12 years): INR 100 per person
Vehicle Entry Fee:
- Light Motor Vehicle: INR 100 per vehicle
- Heavy Vehicle: INR 200 per vehicle
Camera Charges:
- Still Camera: INR 50
- Video Camera: INR 100
Neora Valley National Park Resort And Hotel
Located close to Neora Valley National Park, there are few places to stay, such as Lava and Kolakham, where homestay is available, with bare minimum facilities and a splendid view of Kanchenjunga. Again, the Neora Valley Jungle Camp in Kolakham offers the best, with five well-furnished cottages, large comfortable rooms, western-style baths with geysers, and room heaters when necessary.
The resort has a provision of organic foods, particularly special Nepali foods, but they also prepare other foods like Continental and Indian food on request. A group of nature lovers can find themselves in the park, being at one with nature and probably seeing some parts of heaven there as they marvel at the biological diversity. For more information, the Nature Interpretation Center is near the park so people can extend their knowledge about this biome.
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Nearby Places: Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley National Park, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is surrounded by diverse destinations. Nearby places showcase rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, each complementing the park’s natural wonders, from hill stations to tranquil districts.
1. Pakyong District
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Pakyong District, located in Sikkim, is one of the unexplored destinations and is blessed with Neora Valley National Park. It has rolling green hills, fresh valleys, and well-tended tea plantations, giving the scenery a greenish touch. Nature lovers will find Pakyong an excellent place for trekking and leisurely long walks in nature. Altogether, the district’s topology provides several trails that one can take for hiking, whether as a beginner or a seasonal hiker. Feel relaxed with calm nature and fresh mountain air, and explore the hidden treasures of this lesser-known biodiversity area.
Distance: 50 KM
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
2. Changey Waterfall
The Changey Waterfall is located near Lava and falls with extreme elegance; visitors can relax in a rather tranquil zone surrounded by vegetation. The water of the falls is so crystal, glistening clear, that it tumbles down through the mossy rocks with a fine spray that catches the sunlight like opalescence. People from the area and visitors go to spend some moments eating and even swimming in the pools of water found at the base of the formation or just watching the beauty of it all. It is well endowed with various wildlife and has good and well-established nature trails. Hence, the place is a paradise for wildlife and nature photographers and enthusiasts.
Distance: 25 kilometres
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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3. Tiffin Dara
Tiffin Dara is a bit closer to the tourist attraction of the National Park, where one can savour the exquisite beauty of the park. On this elevated ground, one gets to have a clear view of the dominating hills and the dales, which are typical of the area’s geographical features. Tiffin Dara is quite famous for its wonderful sunrise and sunset notes, which attract photographers and nature lovers most of the time. During these hours of the day, the reflection and casting of shadows across the landscape creates a magical feeling of the area and, therefore, should not be missed by anyone who intends to visit the place.
Distance: 10 KM
Timings: 6 AM TO 6 PM
Best Time For Neora Valley National Park Tour
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Visitation of the Neora Valley National Park is best from October to April because of the good climate and better animal spotting. The cold season is October to February, offering cool temperatures perfect for hiking, while the flowering season is March to April, where Rhododendrons are in full blossom.
It is an ideal bird-watching ecosystem; tourists can easily spot more than 350 species of birds between October and March. For a chance to enjoy stunning snowy mountain views, plan your visit between mid-October and December, when temperatures are cooler.
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How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is about 100 km away from Neora Valley National Park. Auto rickshaws or taxis can be hired from Bagdogra to reach the park, and buses are also available.
By Rail: The railhead is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), nearly 90 kilometres from the park. While in New Jalpaiguri, one can arrange for a taxi or take a bus to the park.
By Road:
- From Siliguri: Neora Valley National Park is about 100 Kms from Siliguri. While getting to the park, you can hire a taxi or take a bus from Siliguri.
- From Kalimpong: The park is about 32 km from Kalimpong. One may use local transport of a taxi or a scheduled bus to Lava, which is the gateway to the park.
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A trip to West Bengal would be incomplete if one does not venture through the fascinating Neora Valley National Park. This ecological Pandora’s box promises a healthy dose of thrills, serenity, and scenic beauty. As in any other part of the sanctuary, whether you are on a trek in the dense forest, bird watching, or simply enjoying the splendid view, it will surely remain etched in your memory. Here is your opportunity to plan your trip and get enchanted by the natural beauty of the Eastern Himalayas.
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Cover Image Credit : Anirban Biswas for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Neora Valley National Park
Is it possible to get a guided tour of Neora Valley National Park?
Yes, it is possible to hire local guides, particularly at the entrance of the park to conduct nature/animal viewing tours.
Can snow leopards be easily seen in Neora Valley National Park?
Although those are not very common, there is some presence of snow leopards in high elevations of the park particularly in the cold season.
Are there restrictions on the use of plastics within Neora Valley National Park?
There is no tolerance for plastic within the park to conserve it, so do ensure you come with refillable water bottles and eco-friendly bags.
Are night safaris allowed in Neora Valley National Park?
No, night safaris are not allowed in the park to minimise the impact of human activity on animals. You can take the day safari to interact with multiple animals.
Are there any facilities such as a canteen or restaurant available?
Cafeterias and restaurants are not available within the park, so carrying your meals and/ or water during a one-day trip is advisable.
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