 Neora Valley National Park is located in the Kalimpong subdivision which falls under DarjeelingDistrict, in West Bengal. The National Park, located near Lava, was established in the year 1986. It covers an area of 88 sq. km and is amongst the largest biological reserves in the Northeast zone. Neora Valley National Park houses the graceful and rare Red Panda in its serene natural environment. The land comprises of jagged unapproachable mountainous terrain and diverse flora and fauna that make the park an imperative wilderness region. The natural vegetation in Neora Valley has such dense growth that even sunlight cannot penetrate properly into the forest floor. Most of the region in the park is still unreachable, which makes it attractive to trekkers and adventurers as there is lot of scope to explore this virgin terrain in Kalimpong. The landscape provides a picturesque view filled with pristine natural forests, meandering rivers and streams, dense bamboo groves, lush green valley and snow-capped mountains.
Lava is the nearest town and around 30km away from Kalimpong town. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, which is 100 km away, where as nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, around 130 km. The narrow gauge railhead at Darjeeling, 30 km, is well conncetd with Siliguri. Moreover, Regular buses are available from Siliguri to Kalimpong and the distance is 100 km. Neora Valley National Park can also be reached from Samsing. Geography of Neora Valley National Park Neora Valley National Park contains a total area of 88 sq km with an altitude of 10600 ft. The highest summit of the park, Rechela Danda extends up to the borders of Bhutan and Sikkim. The Neora River, which flows through the park, is one of the major sources of water for the town of Kalimpong and its neighbouring areas. Flora of Neora Valley National Park Neora Valley incorporates a unique and rare ecosystem as it is amongst the last natural reserves in the country which is still untouched and virgin. The local ecosystem sustains tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and sub-temperate vegetation, which consists of varied flora and fauna. The forests contains of diverse species like Bamboo, Rhododendron, Ferns, Oak, Sal, etc. The valley also has several species of orchids. Fauna of Neora Valley National Park Neora Valley National Park is considered as a paradise for birds and bird lovers. There are several birds found here in the semi-evergreen forests between 1600 m and 2700 m. birds like Rufous-throated Partridges, Crimson-breasted Woodpeckers, Golden-throated Barbet, Satyr Tragopan, Lesser Cuckoo, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Brown Wood Owl, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Jerdon's Baza, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Chestnut-crowned Warblers, Black-faced Laughingthrush, White-browed Bush Robin, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Black Eagle, Red-headed Bullfinch, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Maroon-backed Accentor, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Gold-naped Finch and many other varieties. Moreover, various endangered species of animals are also found here like Red Panda, Musk Deer, Clouded Leopard, other varieties of Leopards and Civet, Golden Cat, Sloth Bear, Black Bear, Goral, Sambar, Wild Boar, Himalayan Flying Squirrel, Serow, Leopard cat and Thar. Reptiles like Blind Snake, Common Cobra krait, King cobra, Green Pit Viper and other Lizards are also abundant here. Various species of bugs and insects are prevalent here in the dense forests, like Butterflies, Wasps, Moths, Beetles, Cicadas and Bees. Neora Valley National Park is Kalimpong is well renowned as a trek route for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers as it is pregnant with wide variety of flora and fauna and provides a panoramic view of the Himalyas. |
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