Darjeeling is a beautiful hilly town situated in the eastern Himalayas, which is known for its dense forests, colonial history, and plantations of aromatic tea. The abundance of natural beauty and sightseeing attractions of this place has been attracting many adventurous, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lover tourists.
The in and around areas of the town are still covered with evergreen and deciduous trees, which are also home to various medicinal plants and vibrant rhododendrons. If you want to spot some exotic birds, wildlife, and flowers here then you must book a Darjeeling car rental at affordable rates.
Let’s explore some of the famous spots in Darjeeling where you can witness diverse flora and fauna.
1. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is considered one of the oldest sanctuaries in India, which is situated at an elevation of 8,160 ft. The wonderful natural surroundings of this forest area are perfect for a one-day tour with your friends and family, where you can also spend some quality time near Senchal Lake.
You have to get permission from the ranger’s office situated in Jore bungalow to explore the sanctuary. After reaching there, you can see orchids, rhododendrons, oak forests, and pine trees. Some of the wild species that can be spotted here are Indian civets, black bears, leopards, and barking deer.
2. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or Darjeeling Zoo is the closest spot in Darjeeling to witness diverse flora and fauna since it is just 3km from the railway station.
This zoo is mainly known for the conservation breeding and preservation of various endangered species such as the Tibetan wolf, red panda, and snow leopards. You can also indulge in the “adoption program” here to contribute to taking care of the country’s fauna.
3. Singalila National Park
The natural wonders in Singalila National Park attract many wildlife enthusiasts every year. This park was built in 1986 and it is mainly famous for the large population of red pandas.
You can also cherish your eyes here by witnessing the mesmerizing views of Mount Kanchenjunga from here. Indulging in wildlife tours and birdwatching are other famous activities here. Booking an NJP to Darjeeling car rental will enable you to reach the park comfortably.
4. Lloyd Botanical Garden
Apart from zoos and national parks, Darjeeling also has a beautiful botanical garden that showcases the vibrant flora of the town. Lloyd Botanical Garden is the best place to see preserved and exotic species of Flora.
This garden is segregated into three sections, where the upper section is home to the various Himalayan plantations, and conifer and fern trees can be seen in the middle section. You can also witness orchids and cacti in the greenhouses. A medicinal garden, weeping willow plantation, and living fossil can be seen in the lower section.
5. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is another famous wildlife hotspot in Darjeeling, which was mainly developed to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger and Indian Bison. Apart from these endangered species, you can also spot various birds here such as fairy bluebird and Himalayan pied hornbill.
The retro charm, lush green tea plantations, vibrant flower species, and rich wildlife are some of the special things about Darjeeling that will surely make your vacation worth remembering. To make your trip relaxing, you can hire a Darjeeling car rental from a reputed agency.