Overview About Singalila National Park

Singalila National Park in northern West Bengal is one of the world’s most stunning regions of the Eastern Himalayas. Rich in scenic beauty, including geophysical features, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking trails, this park has often attracted hikers, bikers, and tourists. This span covers an area of 78.6 Km ² and lies between 7,000 and 12,000 feet above sea level; this park provides spectacular views of the earth’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges.

Wildlife photographers and nature lovers can enjoy the diverse species of fauna and flora within the park. Regardless of what you expect to encompass the wildlife tour in seeing the Red Panda, hiking the rhododendron forests, or just admiring the majestic Himalayan ranges, Singalila National Park will not disappoint you.

Biodiversity and Wildlife in Singalila National Park

Singalila National Park has recently been associated with a park with a rich and diverse bio-diversity of endangered and rare wildlife. The park's main attraction is a Red Panda, an obscure and adorable inhabitant of the Himalayas. Besides the Red Panda, the park is also home to:

• Himalayan Black Bear
• Clouded Leopard
• Barking Deer
• Yellow-throated Marten
• Leopard Cat
• Himalayan Serow

Bird watchers will also consider themselves lucky because Singalila National Park houses more than 300 bird varieties, such as Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Fire-tailed Sunbird. Due to its high altitude, the park offers the best conditions for bird Migrants and other native bird populations that are of special interest to Bird watchers.

The park also has a variety of vegetation; different species of rhododendrons cover most of the areas, and they are supplemented by various types of trees, including magnolia, silver fir, and oaks. This is particularly true during the spring when the flowers are fully bloomed, covering most of the park's trails in red, pink, and white.

The Sandakphu Trek – A Thrilling Experience

One of the major tourist interests in Singalila National Park is the Sandakphu Trek, undoubtedly one of India's most beautiful treks. Mount Sandakphu, at an altitude of 11 941 feet in West Bengal, has the world's four highest peaks, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, visible in its backdrop.

The trail to Sandakphu passes through lush green forests, extensive bamboo grounds, pretty villages, and lush green grasslands. Climbers can see the sleeping Buddha structure of Kanchenjunga, which gives people a moment of awe. The trail is fairly strenuous and takes 4 to 6 days, with many variations.

To those wishing for a more relaxed tour, jeeps are also available where enthusiasts would love biking through the national park's rough terrains. The suggested season to attempt this trekking is between March and May and October up to December since the weather and skies are clear enough to give one a betting view.

Best Time to Visit Singalila National Park

It is always pleasant in Singalila National Park all year round, depending on the tastes of the visitors, as the park has different attractions in different seasons.

• Spring (March to May): There is a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers in the park, and it is a good time for plants such as rhododendrons, magnolia, and orchids to bloom. Trekking and wildlife watching because this is the right season for both activities.
• Monsoon (June to September): The area is wet, making it almost impossible to trek. However, this is a good time to witness the great expanse of greenery that is part of the forest.
• Autumn (October to November): This is one of the best seasons because the weather and the Himalayan plates have good natural views.
• Winter (December to February): It is still a beautiful sight since the park is still covered by snow. Trekking comes with many difficulties because it involves survival in extremely cold environments.

Red Panda is primarily active during spring and autumn; the best seasons to see this animal are spring and autumn.

How to Reach Singalila National Park

The Singalila National Park is easily accessible by road, and the trail heads to Manebhanjan, which serves as the park's entry point.

By Air: The closest airport is Bagdogra, which is about a 90-kilometre drive from Manebhanjan, the nearest town. From there, there is the option of taxing the park.

By Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is hardly 85 km from Manebhanjan. One can easily get taxis and shared jeeps to the park from NJP.

By Road: To get to Singalila National Park, travelers can take a taxi or a shared jeep to Manebhanjan, which is the gateway to the park. Driving time takes at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

It is mandatory to obtain entry permits for the Singalila National Park, which you can secure at Manebhanjan. A local guide must always be hired to avoid being irresponsible towards the local environment and wildlife.

Accommodation Options Near Singalila National Park

The accommodations that are available to visitors to Singalila National Park include homestays, lodges, and others. Some popular places to stay include:

• Homestays in Tumling and Gairibas: Promising an authentic feel with gorgeous views of hills and mountains.
• Trekkers’ Huts at Sandakphu and Phalut: Basic but comfortable accommodations for trekkers.
• Lodges in Manebhanjan: Best for those seeking more comfortable accommodation before they begin their hike.

Staying in a homestay helps the guests to engage with the locals and taste authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine.

Final Thoughts

Singalila National Park is undoubtedly a treasure trove of the Eastern Himalayas, providing the best combination of stunning views, wildlife, and aesthetic treks. They can opt for an adventurous wildlife walk through the jungle or a short sightseeing trek through the woods, or, for those looking for a closer view of wildlife, or even birds and reptiles, there is a track here for everyone in this region.

As such, Singalila National Park is the best destination that anyone planning to visit Darjeeling should consider visiting most of all. That is why, with its mountain views, the incredible number of species of fauna and flora, and a relatively tranquil atmosphere.