Singalila National Park, Darjeeling-West Bengal
Singalila National Park is very famous tourist place in West Bengal. It is situated in Darjeeling District. An unique eco-system and lush green terrains, and discover and observe riotously coloured rare birds are the main attraction of this beautifull park.
This is a region of virgin rhododendron forests, alpine valley and some species of animals and orchids. Singalila is the highest National Park in West Bengal is situated on the Singalila Ridge at an altitude of more than 7000 feet above sea level, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and at the higher ridges of Darjeeling Himalayas between 2400 m to 3650m. It covers an area of 78.60 sq. km. In 1986 the park was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary and later on it was made Indian National park in 1992. This park is the border to two state in north and west side Sikkim and Nepal respectively.
Singalila National Park is the part of Eastern Himalaya. The total area of the National park is composed of mixed vegetation of Magnolia, Rhododendron, Oak, Pine Hemlock, Silver Fir, Juniper, Mailing Bamboo, Buk, Kawla, Bhujpatra etc. Two world famous River named Rammam and Sirikhola flow through the park includes the classic view of two highest peaks of West Bengal, Sandakphu 3630 m and Phalut 3600 m are located inside the park. Sandakphu is the highest point in Singalila National Park and is the most specified destination in Darjeeling Himalayas for trekkers through out the world.
The species of fauna present here includes Mammals: red panda, leopard cat, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, wild boar, pangolin, pika, Himalayan black bear, leopard, clouded leopard and serow. Among these 120 species of birds have been recorded here. These includes carlet minivet, kalij pheasant, blood pheasant, satyr tragopan, brown and fulvous parrotbills, rufous-vented tit, fire-tailed Myzornis, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, and more. Two roomed rest houses are avaiable at Rambi, Tonglu, Gairibus, Sandakphu and Phalut. Many beautifull hotels and houses are also available for tourist at Maneybhanjang.
March to June & September to December are the best time for visiting Singalila National Park. Bagdogra Airport is the nearest Airport which is 90 kms away from Darjeeling Town and NJP is the main railhead junction in Siliguri, which is 80Kms from Darjeeling. Obviously there are buses and taxis are available from Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Singalila National Park is the most favored place for trecking and observing the wildlife. Tourist often get their best moments here.
