Forest · Jalpaiguri
Neora Valley National Park
The last true wilderness of North Bengal
Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India October to mid-May; the park is closed during the monsoon.
Location
Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India
Known for
National Parks · Forests & Sanctuaries
Best time
October to mid-May; the park is closed during the monsoon.
Nearest airport
Bagdogra (IXB)
About Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley National Park rises from 180 m to over 3,200 m at Rachela Pass, where Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan meet. Its bamboo thickets, rhododendron and mixed evergreen forest make it one of the richest biological zones in eastern India.
The park shelters red panda, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear and hundreds of bird species. Access is on foot, with permits, and the reward is forest that feels genuinely unvisited.
Why visit
- Red panda and clouded leopard habitat
- Untouched primary forest across a huge altitude range
- Serious multi-day trekking to Rachela Pass
- Outstanding Himalayan birding
Things to do & experiences
Guided trek from Suntalekhola or Lava
Birding for Himalayan specialities
Forest camping with permits
Rachela Pass expedition
How to reach
By air
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport, 2–4 hours by road depending on the destination.
By train
New Mal Junction; approach from Lava or Suntalekhola.
By road
Entry via Lava, Kolakham or Suntalekhola with forest permits.
Best time to visit
October to mid-May; the park is closed during the monsoon.
