Darjeeling Hills
West Bengal
Best Time to Visit
December – Mid May
Reaching Darjeeling Hills
Flight: New Delhi – Guwahati
Types of Safaris
Accommodation
Bird Checklist
Highlight Species
- Satyr Tragopan
- Scarlet Finch
- Red-headed Trogon
- Blue fronted Robin
- Red-faced Liochichla
- Long-tailed Broadbill
- Gold Naped Finch
- Crimson Breasted Woodpecker
- Great Hornbill
- Bay Woodpecker
- Mountain Imperial Pigeon
- Spotted Wren Babbler
- Darjeeling Woodpecker
- Oriental Pied Hornbill
- Rufous Throated Wren Babbler
About Darjeeling Hills
The name Darjeeling is almost synonymous with “Tea” as Scotch is with “Whisky”. Tea growing dates back almost 170 years when a British civil surgeon Dr.Archibald Campbell successfully planted seeds in his own garden, the rest, as they say, is history, and today, most employment and economic dependence stems from this advent. Its produce is sold throughout the world.
Darjeeling Hills is now a bustling hill station city in the northern part of West Bengal and a major tourism hub for adventure, leisure, and of course spending time staying within the tea plantations away from the main town, where, one can learn about the art of tea cultivation.
Grand Himalayan views of the Kangchenjunga Mountain range can be seen from Darjeeling and is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Here lies the Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the richness of Darjeeling Hills
The forests here are semi-evergreen temperate forests, Sal & Bamboo forests, Alluvial plains(Dooars), and leading up to Oak & Alpine forests at higher altitudes; all of which are hotspots for biodiversity and the regions is one of the most important ecological areas of India. Key places of interest for Birding :
1. Lava & Neora Valley National Park: Close to the Bhutanese border, Neora Valley is a pristine stretch of forest ranging from an altitude of 1600 m to 3000m above sea level through which the Neora river flows. A paradise, there are around 200 bird species recorded here with sightings of spectacular species. It has been declared an IBA (Important Bird Area of the world).
2. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary & Latpanchar: The northeast of India has several wonders, of which the beautiful Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is one of them. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the Rivers of the Mahananda & Teesta surround this sanctuary and create a heavenly ecosystem that is teeming with birdlife and other flora and fauna. Situated at an altitude of 800m to 1500m above sea level, one witness varying habitats of the Doaars (alluvial plains), Broadleaf Forests, Riverine Forest as well as Montane forest.
Safaris at Darjeeling Hills
Walking Safaris
Accommodations at Darjeeling Hills
Tea Forest Samabeyong
Related Birding Destinations in India
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Guest Testimonials
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We just finished the first half of two tiger safari tours in India. The first was on the Banhavgar National Park. Our guide was Sanjay Gupta, who had 25 years of experience in the park and with the tigers. He was wonderful, sharing his experience and knowledge throughout our three full days together. He was definitely a highlight of our trip, as a great guide makes for a great experience, whether you see tigers or not! And we did see tigers...
Nature Safari India organized our private 2 Weeks Safari in Central India plus a couple of Sightseeing and we are very happy to having choose this agency. I found them on the responsible tiger tourism association (TOFTigers) and I liked them from the very first contact. From the first email more than two years ago to the end of our trip in April 2022, the service was great, the selection of the itinerary, Parks, lodges and guides was perfect...
Deepkul and the Tiger Safari India team put together an incredible experience for us in Kanha and Bandhavgarh. All the details were taken care of as per our preferences and budget including transportation, food, lodging, and our amazing safari guides. Deepkul was easy to communicate with and always quick to respond to any questions before and during our trip. Highly recommend!
