Singalila National Park in Darjeeling
· Summer: April-May (19°C - 37°C)
· Winter: November-February (-2°C - 24°C)
· Monsoon: July-August
Best time to visit:
March-May and October-December
Opening Time: 08:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Nil
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 100
Children:
INR 100
Cameras: INR 100
Video Camera: INR 400
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 200
Children:
INR 100
Cameras:
INR 100
Video Camera:
INR 400
Singalila National Park is a high-altitude park located in the Eastern Himalayas occupying the magnificent Singalila Ridge. Home to West Bengal’s highest peaks Sandakphu and Phalut and a part of the Indomalaya Ecozone, the park is well-known for its wildflower blooms and exotic fauna consisting of red panda, leopard cat, yellow-throated marten, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, takin and Himalayan newt.
Singalila is also a birders’ paradise and boasts of a significant population of the species like blood pheasant, scarlet minivet, satyr tragopan, rufous-vented tit, golden-breasted fulvetta and many more. Rhododendrons, primula, cotoneaster and hundreds of orchids bloom twice a year, lending mesmerizing grandeur to the park.
Spread over an area of about 79 sq. km., the park is also a popular destination for adventurers. Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut is a fabulous activity which attracts trekkers from all over the world. Camping and mountain jeep safari are other amazing activities. The park closes from July to mid-September due to heavy monsoons.
Connectivites
Road:
The park is accessible from Mane Bhanjang and Darjeeling by hill road of NH 31A which disclose unique natural beauty throughout the trip. Taxis and shared jeeps are the most convenient modes available. For safari inside the park, you can hire jeeps or the vintage Land Rover at Mane Bhanjang.
Railway:
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, about 120 km. away is the closest rail access point. From the station, it is possible to hire shared jeeps and taxis to reach the park.
Airway:
Bagdogra Airport is about 118 km. from the park and offers good connectivity with many popular cities of India. Taxis from the airport are available to access the park.