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Singhalila National Park located at a very high altitude
of more than 7000ft from sea level (between 2400 m to
3650m ) is the highest National Park in West Bengal. It
is situated in the extreme north western boundary of
Darjeeling District and extends on an area of
78.60sq.km. 
The
vegetation of these virgin forests mainly alpine,
changes with the range in altitude. The main tree
species found are the Rhododendron, Magnolia, Oak,
Hemlock, Silver Fir, Juniper, Mailing Bamboo, Buk, Kawla,
Bhujpatra etc. Other flora include primulas, aconitums,
gentians, arisaemas and orchids adorning the forest
clearings. The fauna found in the park are leopard,
serow, pangolin, elephant, chinkara takin, red panda,
barking deer etc. The park has a variety of birds such
as pigeons, doves, sibia, minivet, magpie, cuckoo,
hornbills, Kaleej pheasants and a large number of
migratory birds.
Treks:
The park is famous for its treks with spectacular views
of Himalayan peaks through a mist of pristine forests
and mountain flowers. Maneybhanjang ( 2134m) at a
distance of one and a half hours by road from Darjeeling
is the starting point to one of the popular trekking
routes in the eastern Himalayas, via Tumling (2900m) or
Tonglu (3050m) - Gairibans(1900m) - Sandakphu (
3636m)(35Km) - Phalut (3605m) - Rimbik (2286m) and back
to Manebhanjyang. The park area is enclosed within this
trek route beyond Tonglu or Tumling. The trekkers can
halt at Meghma/ Tonglu, Gairibans, Sandakphu and Phalut
for the nights.
Maneybhanjyang to Mekhma (2600m) takes 4 hours, then to
Tonglu or Tumling and from there to Gairibans through
dense forests and wild flowers. This trek is a paradise
for wild flower lovers particularly in March-April when
rhododentrons bloom in white, scarlet, pink and yellow
and large white and pink flowers of the magnolias,
orchids along with beautiful birds adorn the way. But be
wary of the leeches which infest the wet ravines. From
Gairibans it is a steep four hour climb to Sandakphu.
Halfway is the settlement of Kala- Pokhri at 2750m. The
arduous trek through treacherous routes is worth the
breathtaking view of the majestic Kanchenjunga the third
highest peak in the world, from Sandakphu. Sandakphu is
known as the mountain of poisonous plants cause of the
cobra lillies seen here. The one day trek from Sandakphu-
Phalut about 23km is the best of all the treks. Phalut
lies on the borders of West Bengal, Sikkim and the
eastern border of Nepal. The best for this trek along
the Singalila ridge which passes through desolate hills
covered with patches of forest is October and November.
At Phalut, one can have real close look at the
Kanchedzonga and experience the spectacle of circular
rainbows. From Phalut the way down to Sirikhola on the
banks of river Sirikhola, one can see meadows clustered
with blue iris, orchids and a further 6km leads to
Rimbik, a small village which connects Maneybhanjang and
Darjeeling (51km)by road. From Sandakphu one can skip
the trek to Phalut and come straight down to Sirikhola
through a steep descend via Gurdum (2300m).
There is
also a motorable road up to Sandakphu.
Accommodation :
There are two
roomed rest houses available at Rambi, Tonglu, Gairibus,
Sandakphu and Phalut available for stay. . Maneybhanjang
has plenty of hotels and houses available for stay.
How to
get there:
Air:
Nearest Airport
is Bagdogra ( 80km) from Darjeeling. There are regular
flights to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.
Rail : Nearest railhead is Darjeeling( 20km). New
Jalpaiguri, Siliguri railway Junctions connect
Darjeeling with Kolkata (665 km) and New Delhi. From
Siliguri/ Jalpaiguri one can also take the heritage toy
train which takes about 7hours and get down at Ghum.
Jeeps are available from Ghum to Maneybhanjang.
Road: There are buses and taxis available from
Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling or
Maneybhanjang. Siliguri is 15km from Bagdogra and New
Jalpaiguri 4km respectively.
Place:
Darjeeling district, West Bengal
Best time to visit: March to June & September to
November
Nearest town: Darjeeling
Main Attraction: Red panda, birds, and Treks
along stretches of flowering Rhododendron and Magnolia
forests.
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