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A species that is extremely rare to spot, red pandas are beautiful creatures with their flame coloured fur. An animal that is truly the most adorable, unfortunately red pandas have now become endangered like a lot more species. Nature’s most alluring species, red pandas in India are found in natural habitats along the regions of the Eastern Himalayas. With a minority population in India, red pandas are the only surviving species of the genus Ailurus and the family Ailuridae, which are a kind of bear family. An animal that is rarely sighted in the wild, red pandas are shy and small, that portray solitary behaviour. Although not related to the Giant Panda, red pandas showcase a similar diet, feeding on massive quantities of bamboo in order to survive. At present India has about 20 protected areas that aim towards conserving this rare species. Concentrated mainly in the regions of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal, here are some of the national parks and zoos that are home to the red panda bear in India.
Here are the places where you can find red panda in India
Khangchendzonga National Park
Among the highest biosphere reserves in the world, situated in the state of Sikkim, this place is home to a number of endangered species. Located at the centre of the Eastern Himalayan bamboo belt, this national park has a large population of red pandas in India. A red panda India zoo that has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this national park is also extremely popular for its exciting trekking trails. A great place to explore the red panda along with a number of other rare animals, this national park needs to be covered by foot as there are no vehicles allowed inside the premises.
Entry fee: Rs 200 for Indian nationals; Rs 400 for foreigners
Nearest airport: Bagdogra
Nearest railway: New Jalpaiguri
Neora Valley National Park
A national park in Kalimpong that is situated in the rather unexplored terrains of the area, this place is a protected area and home to several endangered species. Covered with untouched forest land, and dense bamboo groves of the Neora Valley, this national park is a natural habitat for the red panda bears in India. Connected to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Neora Valley National Park covers a huge area. Often referred to as the land of the elegant red panda among tourists, visiting this national park is a great way to spot the rare red pandas in India.
Entry fee: Rs 100
Nearest airport: Bagdogra
Nearest railway: New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri
Singalila National Park
A national park that earlier had the highest density of red pandas in India, until a major forest fire occurred, the Singalila National Park at present is only left with a few from the species. With an initiation to reintroduce the red pandas, this national park has launched what is called the Project Red Panda. Brimming with lush greenery, this national park is a haven for all nature lovers. Great for adventure lovers, those visiting the Singalila National Park can also take part in the very popular trek from Phalut to Sandakphu.
Entry fee: Rs 100 for Indian nationals; Rs 200 for foreigners
Nearest airport: Bagdogra
Nearest railway: Ghoom Railway Station
Nokrek National Park
Situated in Meghalaya, this national park is a significant one among the list of red pandas in India Zoo, where they work towards the conservation of this rare species. A hotspot for biodiversity in Meghalaya, the Nokrek National Park is also home to the Asian elephants, along with a variety of flora and fauna. Among the important biosphere reserves in India, the Simsang River game reserve, the Nokrek Peak and the Ronbang Dare waterfalls are also a part of this national park.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Nearest airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Nearest railway: Guwahati Railway Station
Namdapha National Park
Among the largest national parks in India, the Namdapha National Park is one with the richest biodiversity in the Northeastern region of the country. Home to an extensive species of flora and fauna, including the red India panda, this national park is covered with huge areas of Dipterocarp forests and is a hotspot with regard to the Himalayan biodiversity.
Entry fee: Rs 10 for Indian nationals; Rs 50 for foreigners
Nearest airport: Mohanbari
Nearest railway: Tinsukia Railway Station
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.