Destinations

Perched high in the Eastern Himalayas along the India-Nepal border, Singalila Wildlife Sanctuary is a breathtakingly scenic and ecologically rich protected area in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Known for its high-altitude biodiversity and panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks, including Kanchenjunga and even distant glimpses of Mount Everest, Singalila is a paradise for trekkers, birdwatchers, and wildlife lovers.

Singalila is perhaps most famously known as one of the few places in India where the elusive Red Panda can be spotted in the wild. Other notable species include Himalayan black bears, barking deer, yellow-throated martens, and clouded leopards. The sanctuary is also a birding hotspot, home to more than 120 species of birds such as the blood pheasant, satyr tragopan, fire-tailed sunbird, and various species of thrushes and laughingthrushes.

The sanctuary forms part of the larger Singalila Ridge and lies at elevations ranging from 2,100 to over 3,600 meters. This altitude brings with it a unique mix of Eastern Himalayan flora and fauna. Dense forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and bamboo dominate the landscape, which transforms into a riot of colors during the flowering season in spring. Mist-laden trails, alpine meadows, and clear mountain streams weave through the terrain, making every step an experience in natural beauty.