Butterfly in Darjeeling hills:
Darjeeling hills are actually one of the richest butterfly habitats in the Eastern Himalayas In India.
The Darjeeling hills, lying between the Balasun valley, Singalila range, and the forests of Senchal and Mahananda. This region are home to an astonishing diversity of butterflies. Because of its varied elevation from subtropical foothills to alpine meadows. The region hosts species found in both tropical and temperate zones.
Major Species Found
• Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis). A rare and prized swallowtail, symbol of Himalayan forests.
• Common Bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon) Vibrant turquoise markings.
• Red Helen (Papilio helenus) – Elegant black swallowtail.
• Paris Peacock (Papilio paris) – Jewel-toned green and blue scales.
• Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) – Known for its female mimicry forms.
• Glassy Tiger (Parantica aglea) and Common Tiger (Danaus genutia) – Iconic striped butterflies.
• Tailed Jay, Blue Mormon, Spotted Swordtail, Yellow Orange Tip Frequently spotted around tea gardens and valleys.
Rare sightings include the Golden Birdwing, one of the largest butterflies in the world.
Best Butterfly Regions in Darjeeling Hills
1. Singalila National Park Sandakphu–Phalut region is Famous for rhododendrons. This high-altitude park is a butterfly paradise in summer months( March, April and May)
2. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in Siliguri Sevok road side Subtropical forests rich in swallowtails and nymphalids.
3. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary near Tiger Hill is Mixed forests with a wide butterfly population.
4. Balasun River Valley in Tungsung, Tabakoshi in Rangbhang river valley. An Offbeat tea garden of Tabakoshi landscapes where butterflies thrive near riverbanks and orange orchards.
5. Neora Valley in Kalimpong Though slightly outside Darjeeling. it’s a hotspot for rare species like the Bhutan Glory.
Best Time for Butterfly Tours
The ideal seasons are April–June in spring bloom and September–November in post-monsoon. In this month flowers are abundant and butterflies are most active.
Why Butterfly Tourism?
Butterfly watching in Darjeeling is not just about spotting species. it’s about experiencing the fragile harmony of forests, rivers, tea gardens, and alpine meadows. For eco-tourists, homestay visitors, and photographers, butterfly tours add a colorful and gentle charm to offbeat Darjeeling travel.
Suggested Travel plan for 9 nights stay and 10 Days
Day 01: Reaching at Badogra airport near Siliguri West Bengal and Proceed to Mirik or Tabakoshi an offbeat destination check in night halt.
Day 02: Full day hiking for butterfly tour Tabakoshi Ranbhang River valley night halt at Tabakoshi.
Day 03: after Breakfast next destination transfer to Singalila National park at Sandakphu check in night halt
Day 04: Full day butterfly excursion at Sandakphu and Falut night halt.
Day 05: Sandakphu to transfer to next destination at Darjeeling town check in halt.
Day 06: Early Morning travel to Tiger hills Sunrise view point and Fulll day excursion Sinchel wildlife Santuary hiking for Butterfly and by evening back to town halt.
Day 07: Early breakfast and check out from Darjeeling hotel Joy ride of Darjeeling Himalayan railway till Ghoom railway station and proceed to next destination Kalimpong town night halt
Day 08: Early breakfast check out from Hotel and Kampong main heritage tour Monastery tour and proceed to next destination to Neora Valley wild life check in night halt
Day 09: Full day butterfly excursion in wildlife and night halt at Neora valley.
Day 10: Early breakfast and transfer to Bagdogra airport.
Please feel free for customized tour plan and its price List.
Travel Guide and Tour manager: Bijoy Fago Subba
Name of Enterprise: TOUR THE NORTHEAST
Registered no:UDYAM-WB-06-0045091
Contact information: +91944131737 / +917501372955
