Neora Valley National Park is a natural paradise located in West Bengal, India. A rich biodiversity of breathtaking landscapes attracts thousands of tourists to this park annually. It is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, home to endangered species such as red pandas and clouded leopards. The park is also home to more than 265 species of birds, making it a top bird-watching destination in West Bengal.
Are you planning a trip to Neora Valley National Park? Here is a detailed guide on this park, how to reach it, the best time to visit, the nearest resort & hotel, entry fee, map and many more. This guide will help you in planning your trip to this park.
How to reach Neora Valley National Park?
Getting to Neora Valley National Park requires some planning since there is no airport or train station in the town. Many nearby towns and cities are well connected by road to the park, including Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. Here are the details on how to reach the park by all modes of transportation:
By Air– Bagdogra airport is nearest to the Neora Valley National Park. The airport is located approximately 120 km away from the park. From there, one can take a cab, taxi, or local bus to Lava or Samsing, the entry points of the Neora National Park.
By Rail– The nearest railway station to the park is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is 107 km away. One can hire a taxi or cab or take a local public bus to reach to the park.
By Road– The Neora Valley National Park is well connected to the major West Bengal cities and towns. Public transport or bus services are available from Siliguri and Kalimpong to Lava and Samsing.
The park is located about 4.1 km from Lava’s entry point. Tourists can hire local jeeps or trek to reach the park. A winding road and lush green scenery make the journey from Lava to the park exciting.
Best Time To Visit Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley National Park can be visited throughout the year. It is open for 365 days to serve the visitors. But from March to June and from September to December, the beauty of this soulful national park is at its peak. The weather, flora, and fauna of this area perform magically in these months. It is recommended to avoid this area during July and August due to heavy rainfall following thunderstorms. When it rains, Neora Valley National Park becomes a green paradise, so if you like greenery, you should visit now.
Things to do in Neora Valley National Park
To make your trip to the Neora Valley National Park more exciting, here are some of the activities you should do.
Gazing wildlife – Neora Valley National Park consists of rare species like Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, Black bear, and bird species. Visitors can spot these soulful creatures with their binoculars.
Safari Rides- Taking a safari ride in Neora Valley National Park is an experience filled with biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity. Visitors can spot big cats in the park more easily on safari rides.
Melody of birds – This National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. Here, around 265 different species of birds chirp in their melodious voice. Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and Rufous-necked Hornbill are examples of different bird species that add beauty to this kingdom. These birds can be spotted at Rachela Pass, Lava, and Changey Falls.
Trekking and walking in nature – The National Park offers trekking on some popular routes. The Lava to Loley Gaon Rachela trek is most famous offers stunning views of snow-covered peaks and dense forests.
Explore the culture – This area exhibits the unique heritage of the indigenous Lepcha community. Tourists can gain a deeper understanding of Lepcha culture and way of life by visiting Lepcha homes and talking to locals.
Neora Valley National Park Hotel and Resort
Forest Rest houses –The West Bengal Forest Department completely manages these houses. The park offers basic forest rest houses. For this reason, prior booking is compulsory because the service may not be available during peak season.
Eco resorts –Several homestays and eco-resorts around this Valley offer visitors comfortable staying options.
Neora Valley National Park Entry Fee & Timing:
To enter the park, tourists must have a valid ticket. Tickets can be purchased online or offline at the entry gate. For Indians, the entry fee to a Neora Valley National Park is INR 100 and for foreigners, it is INR 200.
Timing: 06:00 am – 06:00 pm
Time required to visit: 03:00 Hrs
Tips to Visit Neora Valley National Park
- While independent travel is possible, a l, local guide is recommended for a richer and uninterrupted experience.
- Photography is legally allowed in Neora Valley National Park, but one must carry a camera. Since some areas are restricted to photography, visitors should remember to follow such rules.
- Although basic medical facilities are available at some distance from the national park, carrying a first aid kit and your medication is advisable.
- One must carry their trekking boots, extra clothes, umbrella, selfie stick, hats, pain sprays, etc., for an easy experience.
- Visitors must inquire about the permits, accommodation availability, and weather conditions some days before reaching the location.
Visitors must respect the ecosystem, habitats, wildlife species, and ecosystem of the park. Make sure to follow the guidelines and rules by the park authorities at all times. When park authorities find that a visitor misbehaves with wildlife or species, pollutes a place or water, or creates a negative scene, they may punish that visitor. Visitors may be asked to pay a fine by the authorities.
Conclusion
Now that you know every detail about Neora Valley National Park, you can easily plan a trip. From trekking to the gazing of the sun and, the chirping of birds to the dancing waves of lakes, every moment of this national park seems like the playing movements of some magical scenery. It is a park that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories they will never forget.
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