Extension Services
Neora Valley
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- The pristine track- The pristine forest of Neora Valley National Park (NVNP) in Kalimpong hills, Darjeeling district, which has formed an ecological trijunction with Sikkim and Bhutan, is the last virgin wilderness in West Bengal considered as crowning glory due to its wide range of environmental gradients (183 m – 3,200 m) and climatic conditions. In May 2009, NVNP was also been included in the shortlist of World Heritage sites. The park spreads over 88 km 2 , the highest point is the ‘Rechila Danda Peak’ (3,170 m) bordering Sikkim. NVNP is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot for representing the unique biodiversity of tropical, subtropical, temperate and sub-temperate forests and one of the key biodiversity areas in the Eastern Himalayas for mammals and birds. This area is included in one of the 25 Global Hotspots, the Global 200 forest eco-regions, two endemic bird areas and several centers for plant diversity. It is also an integral part of the Kanchenjunga landscape which has characteristics of all the three sub-regions, viz. the Himalayan Montane System, the Indian Peninsular sub-region and the Malayan subregion. It is also an important ecological corridor to other contiguous protected areas (PAs) in northern Bengal (Gorumara National Park, Mahananda and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuaries), Sikkim (Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary) and Bhutan (Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, Jigme Dorji, Thrumshingla and Bomdeling National Parks) linking Arunachal Pradesh (India). NVNP exhibits a rich variety of habitats, as the area comprises the catchment and watershed of the Neora River, which is fed by nine main streams and sixteen subsidiary streams. There are also a few wetlands like Jorepokhri, below the Rechila danda, Panchpokhri in West Nar-5 compartment and Tempola Khola at the East Nar-22 compartment. Four habitat types are recognized in NVNP, namely: i) Subtropical Mixed Broadleaf Forest; ii) Lower Temperate Evergreen Forest; iii) Upper Temperate Mixed Broadleaf Forest; and iv) Rhododendron Forest. NVNP is the home to 45 ferns, 154 angiosperm and 1 gymnosperm species, 83 medicinal, 59 edible, 18 ornamentals, 21 poisonous and 11 plants having fascinating assorted ethnic uses, 52 orchid species, including some endemics. 17% of the total mammalian diversity in West Bengal (65 species) is represented by NVNP. This place is a birders’ paradise. 15 species of amphibians, 12 species of lizards, 47 species of snakes and 31 species of fishes have been recorded here. There are 276 species of insects and 38 species of other invertebrates (mollusks, arthropods and annelids), including 6 species of leeches.
- Experiencing nature’s glory and wilderness- During spring and summer, the entire area is filled with the songs of different species of cuckoos, from the Indian cuckoo and the large hawk cuckoo to the oriental cuckoo and the lesser cuckoo. Mammals in the park include the tiger and the leopard, among the big cats. While pugmarks and scratch marks of the Asiatic black bear are common, sighting the rare red panda could be difficult. The goral and barking deer oblige by putting in regular appearances. Visible from the top of the pass is the Kangchendzonga Range, a magnificent sight that amply compensates for the long hike to the top. In close competition is the breath-taking view of cloud cover, over the valley of Bhutan, on the eastern side of Rechi La. Neora Valley National Park provides excellent trekking routes with the backdrop of the Kangchenjunga. These day treks range from easy to moderate levels. Jungle safaris are conducted in a jeep.
- Zero Point-Alubari- On the Lava-Damdim Road, a bridle path heading southeast hugs the slope just below the Nature Interpretation Centre. Walking along the water supply pipeline towards the northwest, entering an oak forest for a couple of km until arriving at a flat piece of land called Jaree-Butee. The place is full of wild strawberries and hidden amid them are medicinal plants, hence the name Jaree-Butee. The track continues along mountain streams and enters a moist, temperate forest with long mossy growths hanging down from large oak trees. The camp at Alubari is near the river, and the large rocks provide adequate cover for setting up a makeshift kitchen. If you decide to spend the night here, ask the guide to show you an Asiatic black bear’s feeding place on an oak tree, popularly known as bhalu-ka-gur or the bear’s nest.
- Alubari-Rechi La- The trek from Alubari to Rechi La is an uphill slog. Walk out of Alubari Camp (3,152 m), past an old wooden bungalow, heading north. Watch out for the red-headed bullfinch as they are found in good numbers here and can be a photographer’s delight. From this point, the path heading northeast enters a dense oak and rhododendron forest interspersed with bamboo groves. It continues to climb uphill for about 4 km. While walking, watch out for remnants of camouflaged bunkers, which were once used by the Indian Army for keeping an eye on Bhutan and Sikkim. The final part of the climb is through the rhododendron forest. During spring and summer, there is always a red-carpet welcome for visitors. Before reaching Rechi La, turn towards the east to get to the Rechi La Camp. This place is wonderful for sighting sunbirds and flowerpeckers. Also present is the spotted nutcracker.
- The nascent breeze of whispering nature- The perfect place to unwind and leave it to Mother Nature to soothe your senses. The views of the valley and Kanchenjunga are simply spectacular. The chirping of the different birds is music to the ears. A walk through the jungles will arouse the senses. The smell of the wet leaves and grass and everything makes one feel one with nature. The nearby Kolakham village is very sweet and the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and the Changey Falls is a must-visit. The jungle camp itself is very wonderful and picturesque.
Location: Neora Valley; Course name: Forest & Biodiversity
Brief Itinerary of ‘Forest & Biodiversity’ in Neora Valley
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10.30 AM | Arrival at NJP |
| 11.00 AM | Settling time: Welcome drink/tea and biscuits |
| 11.00 AM to 12.00 PM | General Session: Orientation (1 hour with light snacks/fruits) |
| 12.00 PM to 01.00 PM | Lunchbreak (1 hour) |
| 01.00 PM to 03.00 PM | Technical Session-1 / Interaction (2 hrs indoor) |
| 03.00 PM to 03.30 PM | Tea Break and Rest time 30 minutes |
| 03.30 PM to 05.30 PM | Field Activity: 2 hours till dusk – till 05.30 pm ((Biodiversity trail in Neora valley national Pack) |
| 05.30 PM to 06.30 PM | Evening tea/coffee with snacks and refreshing time |
| 06.30 PM to 08.30 PM | Debriefing and discussion |
| 08.30 PM to 09.00 PM | Free time |
| 09.00 PM to 10.00 PM | Dinner |
| 10.00 PM to 11.00 PM | Open session |
Day 2: Field Activity
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06.00 AM | Wake Up |
| 06.30 AM to 8.30 AM | Nature study, bird watching, Alubari Camp |
| 08.30 AM to 09.00 AM | Breakfast |
| 09.00 AM to 01.00 PM | Technical Session 2: On-field hands-on and habitat assessment (4 hrs) |
| 01.30 PM to 02.30 PM | Lunch break (working packed lunch - on the field) |
| 02.30 PM | Technical Session-3 / On-field hands-on and trek to Kolakham |
| 06.30 PM | Back to campus: Evening tea and refreshments |
| 07.00 PM to 09.00 PM | Debriefing and discussion |
| 09.00 PM | Dinner |
| 10.00 PM to 11.00 PM | Open session |
Day 3: Field Activity
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06.00 AM | Wake Up |
| 06.30 AM to 8.30 AM | Habitat assessment at Kolakham |
| 08.30 AM to 09.00 AM | Breakfast |
| 09.00 AM to 12.00 PM | Course assessment session |
| 12.00 PM to 01.00 PM | Experience sharing and feedback session |
| 01.00 PM | Lunch break (working packed lunch - on the field) |
| Leaving the station |
How to enrol in the course
Please see the steps for enrolling in these all-time hit courses. Remember, seats are limited to only
10 (Ten) in each session to ensure sustainable tourism. So, the earlier you register, the earlier you
get a chance to be on board. First come first served.
* The Itineraries are changeable; modifications can be done as per the requirements.
