|
|
 |
| .................................................................................................... |  .... |
| |
|
HIMALAYAS |
| |
| |
|
| Singalia
National Park | The
High Altitude Rhododendron and Orchid Country encompasses the higher reaches of
the Himalayas, where the forests of Darjeeling district and the Singhalila National
Park share the border with Nepal.
 The
natural beauty and the rich flora make it 'God's own country'. It is a natural
habitat for the endangered Red panda, whose population has dwindled considerably.
A project for captive breeding of the Red Panda in the Darjeeling zoo is operational
for subsequent release of the stock in their natural habitat.
Singhalila
National Park is the highest located
National Park(between 2400 m to 3650m A.S.L.) in West Bengal, and is situated
in the extreme north western boundary of Darjeeling District.
The park
is not only famous for its wildlife but also offers one of the best trekking routes
in the eastern Himalayas - from Maneybhanjang near Darjeeling, via Tonglu to Sandakphu
(35Km) and Phalut. The view of the Kanchendzonga range of peaks from Sandakphu
is a breathtaking and unforgettable one. Viewed from Phalut, the Kanchedzonga
looks close enough to touch. There is also a motorable road upto Sandakphu. Rail,
road and air routes via New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri and Bagdogra, connect Darjeeling
from Calcutta and Delhi. | |
| | |
| |
|
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary |
The
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary constitutes the forests of the lower catchment area
of the Mahananda river, and covers an area of 159.86 sq.km. It is the home of
elephants, Indian bison or gaur (Bos gaurus), tigers, leopards, sambar (Cervus
unicolor), and cheetal.
Situated at the western end of the elephant migration
route, more than 150 elephants shelter here during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Migratory water birds are common in winter. The other animals found are the rare
mountain goat (Serow), some tigers and herds of Gaur, leopards, wild pig, varieties
of deer and monkeys, jungle cats, porcupines, civets, monitor lizards and snakes.
The Sanctuary offers some beautiful trekking routes from Sukna. Golaghat, Deorali
and the Latpancher-Mana track are the favourites for trekking and bird watching.
Sukna, about 7 km from Siliguri, is the main entry point, and has a Nature Interpretation
Centre. | | |
| |
| |
|
Senchal Sanctuary |
| Senchal
Sanctuary, adjoining Darjeeling town, is the home of barking deer, wild pigs,
himalayan black bear, leopards, jungle cats, common rhesus monkeys, assamese macaque,
himalayan flying squirrels, etc. The sanctuary is also rich in bird life.
| |
| | |
| |
|
Neora
Valley National Park |
The Neora Valley National Park contains some of the last remnants of virgin
and pristine forests. This is reckoned as an unexplored treasure trove of flora
and fauna. | |
| | | | |
Jorepokhri Salamander
Wildlife Sanctuary | | Jorepokhri
Salamander in Darjeeling district is home to the Himalayan Newt or Salamander.
The forest is artificially decorated and offers some breathtaking views. | | | | |
Chapramari National Park | | Chapramari
National Park in the Jalpaiguri district is a predominantly Sal mixed forest.
The other major flora in the park are Chilaune, Kanchanan, Bahera, Kawla, Dilenia,
Mallotus etc. | | | | | Click
for a virtual safari of the Himalayas | | | | Click
for a Photo Gallery of the Himalayas |
| |
|
