Singalila National Park

Singalila National Park is a protected area in India.

Singalila National Park at a Glance

Location
Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
27.125190, 88.033990
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Singalila National Park

Nearest airport: Phalgunanda Sukilumba Airport, 30 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), 58 km away.

Wildlife in Singalila National Park

Home to 43 recorded species including 17 iconic birds, 13 birds of prey, 6 waterbirds, 5 tropical birds, 1 predators, 1 small mammals.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Singalila National Park

48 safari lodges available.

Other

ultra-luxury

Similar Parks in Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Singalila National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Singalila National Park for wildlife viewing, especially the Red Panda, and what weather conditions should I expect?

The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) or autumn (October-November) when the weather is clear, offering excellent views and better chances of spotting the elusive Red Panda. While the park experiences moderate crowding (3/5) during these periods, the high-altitude climate means temperatures can still be quite chilly, especially at higher elevations.

Beyond the Red Panda, what other unique wildlife can I hope to encounter in Singalila National Park, and what kind of "safari" experience does it offer?

Singalila is a prime habitat for the endangered Red Panda, but you might also spot Himalayan Black Bears, Barking Deer, and a rich variety of high-altitude birds like the Satyr Tragopan. Unlike typical jeep safaris, the park primarily offers trekking experiences along scenic trails, often requiring sturdy footwear and a good fitness level to explore its mountainous terrain.

How do I access Singalila National Park, and what are the typical permit requirements and accommodation options available within or near the park?

Access to Singalila National Park is commonly via Manebhanjan, from where you can hire a Land Rover or begin trekking towards Sandakphu or Phalut. Permits are required and can be obtained at the entry points, with varying fees for Indian and foreign nationals. Accommodation within the park is generally basic, consisting of trekkers' huts, forest bungalows, or local homestays, emphasizing a rustic experience.

What specific health and safety precautions, beyond the moderate malaria risk, are crucial for visitors to Singalila National Park?

Given the park's high altitude, visitors should be prepared for potential altitude sickness by acclimatizing properly and staying hydrated. Additionally, warm clothing is essential due to cold temperatures, and sturdy trekking shoes are vital for navigating the challenging trails, alongside standard malaria prevention measures like repellents.

What are the primary costs involved in planning a trip to Singalila National Park, including entry, guides, and transportation within the park?

Key costs include park entry fees, which vary by nationality, and often mandatory guide fees for trekking routes to ensure safety and navigation. Transportation within the park, if not trekking, typically involves hiring specialized 4x4 vehicles like Land Rovers for specific routes like the journey to Sandakphu, adding to the overall travel budget.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.