About Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley National Park is a protected national park spread over 88 sq km in Kalimpong district of West Bengal, adjoining Lava. Notified in 1986, it preserves one of the last remaining pristine virgin forests in the Eastern Himalayas. Known for its rich biodiversity, dense subtropical to temperate forests, orchids and habitat for red panda, clouded leopard and Himalayan birds, it is a key ecological corridor near Sikkim and Bhutan.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect dense, undisturbed virgin forest with steep valleys, rivers and rhododendron and oak forests. Access is controlled through forest check posts near Lava and Kolakham. Experiences include guided jungle safaris by 4x4, trekking on forest trails such as the Rechela trek, birdwatching, wildlife viewing from watchtowers, and views of surrounding Himalayan ranges. Accommodation is limited to forest rest houses and eco-camps inside and around the park.
Key highlights
- 01
One of the last virgin forest tracts in the Eastern Himalayas with undisturbed ecosystem
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Important habitat for red panda, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear and diverse birdlife
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Rich orchid diversity with over 300 species recorded
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Trekking route to Rechela Danda (10,600 ft) with views of Kanchenjunga range
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Dense forest, waterfalls and watchtowers for wildlife and nature photography
History of Neora Valley National Park
Notified as a National Park in 1986 covering 88 sq km in the Darjeeling Himalayas (now Kalimpong district). Established to protect a pristine virgin forest ecosystem ranging from subtropical to temperate zones and to conserve endangered species including the red panda. It forms part of an important transboundary ecological corridor connecting forests of West Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), about 110 km away; onward by road via Siliguri and Kalimpong |
|---|---|
| By train |