Neora Valley National Park

The park is spread over 88 km². The forest in Neora Valley has such 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, colorful canopy of Rhododendron trees, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snowcapped 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 is the major water source for Kalimpong town.

Neora Valley, one of the least tracts of virgin wilderness in the country, sustains a unique ecosystem where tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate vegetative system still harbours a wealth of flora and fauna. The forests consists of mixed species like rhododendron, bamboo, oak, ferns, sal, etc. The valley also has numerous species oforchids.

The fauna consists of endangered species such as the clouded leopard,red panda, and musk deer. Other species are leopard, five species of civet, black bear, sloth bear, golden cat, wild boar, leopard cat, goral, serow, barking deer, sambar, Himalayan flying squirrel and thar.

Lava and the Neora Valley National Park are birders' paradise; some of India's most sought-after birds are found here.

Nature Trek:

The unexplored terrain of the virgin forest in Neora Valley National Park can be unveiled if one goes for a nature trek; the pine clad winding roads, the dense bamboos, the colourful birds, the homes of the Himalayan Black Bear and the ever green Neora River offers glimpse of the Natures wealth. There are 5 different trekking routes, which visitors can avail.

The semi-evergreen forests between 1600 m and 2700 m is the home of several rarities like Rufous-throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Golden-throated Barbet, Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo, Lesser Cuckoo, Brown Wood Owl, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Jerdon's Baza, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Dark-throated Thrush, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, White-gorgeted Flycatcher, White-browed Bush Robin, White-tailed Robin, Yellow-browed Tit, Striated Bulbul, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Black-faced Warbler, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Rufous-fronted Babbler, Black-headed Shrike Babbler, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Brown Parrotbill, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Maroon-backed Accentor, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Red-headed Bullfinch, Gold-naped Finch and many other rarities.

King cobra, common cobra krait, green pit viper, blind snake and lizards are also found. Many colourful insects such as butterflies, moths, beetles, bees, wasps, bugs and cicadas are added attractions of the valley.

1) Lava – Chauddapheri – Zero – PHE Souree – Alubari Halt – Lava.

2) Alubari Halt – Rachella Danda – Jorepokhri – Lava.

3) Jorepokhri – Tangta – Tode – Jaldhaka.

4) Mulkhagra – Renuk (Sikkim)

5) Samsing – Bhotekharka – Samsing.