|  Singalila
National Park
A land of virgin rhododendron forests, alpine
valley and rare species of animals and orchids. Located at the
higher ridges of Darjeeling Himalayas
(between 2400 m to 3650m) Singalila is the highest National
Park in West Bengal. The park has an area of 78.60sq.km with
mixed vegetation of Magnolia, Rhododendron, Oak, Pine Hemlock,
Silver Fir, Juniper, Mailing Bamboo, Buk, Kawla, Bhujpatra etc.
The Singalila Park also has a priceless collection
of different species of rare orchids that adorns the forests.
The Singalila Park is also very important for some most endangered
species of animals. Exotic Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear
are the most important mammals found in Singalila National Park.
Among the other majore species found in the park are leopard,
serow, pangolin, barking deer, boar etc. The park has a variety
of birds such as Kaleej pheasants, tragopan, Munal, pigeons,
doves, sibia, minivet, magpie, cuckoo, hornbills, and a large
number of migratory birds.
 Apart
from its rich bio-diversity Singalila National Park is also
famous for its stunning natural beauty with spectacular views
of Himalayan peaks over the unspoiled stretches of virgin forests
with blooming rhododendron and magnolia flowers. The park offers
some spectacular treks through the alpine meadow and rhododendron
forests. Sandakphu at 3636m is the
highest point in Singalila National Park and is the most favored
destination in Darjeeling Himalayas for trekkers through out
the world. Phalut at 3605m is another
popular trekkers' destination in Singalila. Both the places
offer some grandstand view of the entire Kunchenjungha snow
ridges and even Mt Everest. The famous trek to Sandakphu and
Phalut via Tumling (2900m) or Tonglu
(3050m) - Gairibans(1900m) - Sandakphu
( 3636m)(35Km) - Phalut (3605m) (23kms)
- Rimbik (2286m) originates from Maneybhanjan
(2134m) at a distance of one and a half hours drive by road
from Darjeeling.
 Accessibility:
The trek in Singalila starts from Maneybhanjan, which can be
reached from siliguri within a 3hrs (95kms) drive by car. One
can also go to Maneybhanjan from Darjeeling via Ghoom (35kms).
SINGALILA NATIONAL PARK AT A GLANCE
Place: Darjeeling district, West Bengal
Best time to visit: March to June & September to
December
Nearest town: Darjeeling
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra- 90kms from Darjeeling. There
are regular Indian Airlines and Jet Airways flights connecting
Kolkata, New Delhi and Guwahati.
Nearest Railheads: NJP is the main junction in Siliguri,
which is 80Kms from Darjeeling. There are frequent train services
connecting all the important cities in India.
Main Attraction: Red panda, birds, and Treks along the
valleys of flowering Rhododendron and Magnolia forests
Important: All travelers need permission
from forest department before entering Singhalila Park. The
foreign nationals need to show their identity at the Foreigners'
Check Post at Maneybhanjan.
Naturebeyond arranges treks in Singalila and provides accommodation
in Trekkers' Hut and Tents along with expert guide, porters
and food. |
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