Overview
Lava is a hamlet situated along an ancient trade route to Tibet that was known as the Silk Route. It's a scenic area with forests of fir, pine, and birch. It's still somewhat a virgin area with an assortment of wild animals and birds.[1]
To give a better idea of where Lava is, consider this. Mt. Everest is a place many people think of when talking about the Himalayas. It is approximately 123.48 miles/198.72 km NNW of Lava which is also in the Himalayas.
Standing alone, Lava might not attract a lot of notice when it comes to birds and birding. But it is situated in an area where, in addition to what it does offer in the way of birding, there is an assortment of places that also offer birding opportunities that, when all are combined, amount to a significant birding area.
Birds
Notable Species
There doesn't seem to be a lot of sightings reported specifically in the Lava area, but it's situated in an area of India where there are a number of eBird Hotspots in the same general area. In addition to these, there have been 69 reported sightings specific to the Lava KP here. [2]
Rarities
As of 12 November 2020, there has been no species recorded as rare for this particular location.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Rufous Sibia, Rock Pigeon, Long-tailed Shrike, Nepal House Martin, Himalayan Bulbul, Whiskered Yuhina, White-throated Laughingthrush, Common Hill Myna, Blue-fronted Redstart, Scarlet Finch, Oriental Turtle Dove, Golden-throated Barbet, Long-tailed Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Brown Shrike, Scaly Laughingthrush, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Olive-backed Pipit
Other Wildlife
Himalayan Black Bear and barking deer might be seen due to the region's relative virgin habitat.[1]
Site Information
History and Use
Lava is located along what has been referred to as the Silk Route, an ancient trade route to Tibet.[1]
Areas of Interest
WBFDC Nature, Education and Wilderness Resort
This is an area developed by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation for people to experience what has been called the rustic Himalayan lifestyle.[1]
Nearby Areas of Interest
Lolaygaon
Lolaygaon, which can also be seen as Lolegaon or Loleygaon, is another of the villages located along the ancient Silk Route. It sets among cypress trees in a virgin, natural environment with good opportunities for birding with 88 species reported as having been seen. Among those sighted have been the Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Black Eagle, and Scarlet Minivet. Lolaygaon is 7.47 mi (12.02 km) WSW from Lava. [1][2]
Rishyap
Rishyap, or Rishop as it's also known, is 1.78 mi (2.86 km) NNE of Lava and situated at 1676 meters/5500 feet offering great views of the sunrises and sunsets along with the surrounding mountains. It offers good birding potential with 236 species reported as having been sighted here. Among those have been the Black Bulbul, Red-billed Leiothrix, Whiskered Yuhina, Sikkim Treecreeper, and Collared Owlet. [1], [2]
Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley National Park is situated 2.41 mi (3.87 km) almost due east of Lava. Covering more than 88 sq km/35 sq miles, it's a diverse area that's a place a visitor might spot the red panda and such bird species as the Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, and Black-faced Warbler to name a few of the 371 species that have been reported as sighted here. The King Cobra, Sloth Bear, and Leopard Cat are some of the other wildlife species that might be seen here. [2][4]
Kalimpong
Almost 12 miles/19 km west of Lava a visitor would find Kalimpong. It's said to be a nice hill town famous for it's views, monasteries, churches and Tibetan handicrafts. In addition 144 species of birds such as the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, and Great Cormorant have been reported as having been seen here, so there is a good birding potential to add to the other attractions of Kalimpong. [4][2]
Pedong
Pedong has been described as a place to stay for visitors to the Dzuluk silk route trail. Outdoor possibilities here include nature walks, treks, fishing, river picnicking, rock climbing, bird watching, and camping. 27 species of birds have been sighted here. Among those are the Rufous Sibia, Blue Whistling Thrush, and Green-tailed Sunbird.[2][5]
Access and Facilities
Consult a trusted travel professional for advice along with specific, up-to-date information concerning travel to this area.
References
- Visit North East – https://www.visitnortheast.com/
- eBird – https://ebird.org/home
- WBFDC Nature, Education and Wilderness Resort - North Bengal Tourism - https://northbengaltourism.com/government-resorts/lava-wbfdc-cottage/
- Incredible India - https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/kalimpong/neora-valley-national-park.html
- NorthBengal.com - http://www.north-bengal.com/pedong-kalimpong.html
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Lava. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Lava
Maps
