The Highest Point In West Bengal - Sandakhphu

Welcome to the “land of the poisonous flowers” or Sandakphu. Situated at an altitude of 3,636 meters (11,930 feet), it stands proudly as the highest point of West Bengal. Straddling the border between India and Nepal, Sandakphu is a peak in the Singalila Ridge and is located at the edge of the Singalila National Park.

View of Sandakphu, West Bengal. Image credit: Po0zan via Wikimedia Commons.

The name of Sandakphu comes from the growth of the Aconitum ferox, a herbaceous perennial plant in the area. It is a highly poisonous plant whose consumption would often lead to the deaths of livestock grazing in the area. As a result, the locals would fit muzzles on their sheep to prevent them from feeding on the poisonous vegetation. The plant can also prove fatal to humans. Its poison works by affecting the respiratory system, and death occurs by asphyxiation or cardiac arrest. The plant is considered the most poisonous in the Himalayas.

View from Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal. Image credit: solarshakti via Wikimedia Commons.

Sandakphu is also a popular tourist destination as it promises spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. On clear days, four of the five highest peaks in the world, Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, can all be viewed from Sandakphu. The peak houses some hotels and homestays, allowing visitors to stay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

The Singalila National Park is also visited by wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It is home to the endangered red panda and other Himalayan wildlife and rich birdlife.

Sandakphu can be reached by trekking or via a 4x4 Land Rover ride. The nearest base is Manebhanjan, where visitors can spend one or two nights to make all the arrangements before heading out to Sandakphu.

View of Kangchenzunga from Sandakphu. Image credit: Abhishek.ghosh1984 via Wikimedia Commons.

Warning: Doctors and other authorities have warned that visitors who are of ill health or not properly acclimated may suffer from health issues in Sandakphu due to high-altitude sickness. Several deaths due to this reason have been recorded as people visiting the nearby hill stations like Darjeeling have taken Sandakphu tours without giving time for their bodies to adjust to the elevation difference.

Sandakhphu is not just the highest point in West Bengal, but also one of the state’s most treasured natural destinations. It is important that such places do not welcome unruly tourists and maintain the environmental sanctity. Visitors must always ensure that they adhere to the rules and regulations at all times and refrain from actions that harm the natural balance of the place.

Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In Mizoram And Where To See Them

 Mizoram, tucked within the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife shaped by its rugged hills, dense forests, and varied ecosystems. From elusive mountain-dwelling mammals and arboreal primates to rare birds and newly discovered reptiles, the state supports species found in few other parts of India. Here are 7 iconic wild animals found in Mizorma.

Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant

A Mrs. Hume's pheasant. Image credit: Christoph Moningvia Wikimedia Commons.

Mizoram’s state bird, the stunning Mrs. Hume’s pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae), is named after the wife of Allan Octavian Hume, a renowned British ornithologist. The males of this species exhibit striking plumage colours, whereas the females have a subdued colour. The bird range includes parts of Northeast India, Myanmar, southern China and parts of Thailand. The bird prefers inhabiting forest edge areas, as well as areas with mixed vegetation types and along the edges of farmlands. In Mizoram, it is locally known as Vavu and is more common in the Champhai and Saiha districts. It is possible to see them in the Phawngpui and Murlen National Parks of the state. The bird is a threatened species and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It suffers from habitat loss due to slash-and-burn agricultural practices, forest fires, infrastructure development and also hunting for meat and feathers.

Himalayan Serow

Close-up of a Himalayan serow. Image credit: Dibyendu Ash via Wikimedia Commons.

The Himalayan serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) is the state animal of Mizoram. A subspecies of the Mainland serow, this member of the Bovidae family is found across the Himalayas in India, but in small numbers. It is well-adapted to live on the rocky slopes and extreme conditions. It is a strict herbivore that migrates from lower to higher elevations in the summer and vice versa in the winter, depending on food availability. They are usually solitary in nature and active most of the day, but more at dawn. Poaching for meat and habitat loss are major threats to the animal. At the species level, the Mainland serow is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Bengal Slow Loris

A Bengal slow loris. Image credit: ian_dugdale via Wikimedia Commons.

The Nycticebus bengalensis is found in the evergreen and mixed deciduous forests of Mizoram. Its range in India includes the states of the northeast. Beyond India, it inhabits parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, China and Southeast Asia. It is a venomous mammal that is arboreal and nocturnal. It feeds on nectar and other plant parts and occasionally on small invertebrates. The species is Endangered and is threatened by habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. It is also heavily poached for traditional medicines and sport. It is also collected for the illegal pet trade market. The Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram houses a small population of the Bengal slow loris.

Leopard Cat

An elusive leopard cat in the wilderness. Image credit: Shan2797 via Wikimedia Commons

The Mainland leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small wild cat species found in Mizoram. Although widely distributed from parts of the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia to East Asia, this species is highly elusive and very difficult to spot and observe. It also adapts to a wide variety of habitats from forests to grasslands, shrublands, wetlands, and even plantations and croplands. The cat hunts small prey, primarily rodents, birds, and some reptiles. It lives at elevations ranging from 0 m above sea level to 4,474 m. Although still a Least Concern species on the IUCN Red List, the leopard cat suffers threats like habitat loss and hunting.

Mizoram Parachute Gecko

Endemic to Mizoram, this is a newly-described species. The Gekko mizoramensis is endemic to Mizoram. It was discovered in May 2022 in Lawngtlai town in the southern part of the state. Little has been studied about the species. It was found feeding on insects at dusk. Being a parachute gecko, this species possesses special adaptations that allow it to leap into the air and glide from one surface to another up to a distance of around 200 feet.

Phayre's Leaf Monkey

The Phayre's leaf monkey. Image credit: Md. Tareq Aziz Touhid via Wikimedia Commons.

The Phayre’s leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) is an Endangered primate species found in the Northeast Indian states of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura and some parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. The species inhabits evergreen and mixed deciduous forests. It is predominantly diurnal, arboreal and folivorous (fruit-eating) in nature. The animal suffers from hunting to remove its gallstones which are used in traditional medicines and for its meat. It also suffers from habitat loss and degradation due to high deforestation rates.

Clouded Leopard

A clouded leopard. Image credit: Sandeep pai1986 via Wikimedia Commons.

A magnificent mid-sized wild cat, the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a threatened species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is found in parts of South and Southeast Asia at elevations ranging from 3,700 to 5,580 m. In India, it is primarily found in the northeastern part, including the Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram. Leopard cats are highly arboreal animals and thus prefer living in tropical evergreen rainforests, but are also sometimes found in dry and deciduous forests, grasslands, etc. These cats feed on a wide variety of prey, including small ungulates, birds and reptiles. Habitat destruction and illegal hunting are the two biggest threats to the species.

5 Strangest Lakes In India

From meteorite impact craters and high-altitude glacial lakes to vast coastal lagoons and sacred water bodies, these lakes are not only natural wonders but also vital to biodiversity and human livelihoods. They support rare species, preserve ancient histories, and reflect deep spiritual beliefs, while also facing growing threats from pollution, climate change, and human activity.

Lonar Lake, Maharashtra - A Geological Marvel

The Lonar Lake in Maharashtra. Image credit: Praxsans via Wikimedia Commons.

The Lonar Lake is a rare geological marvel nestled in the Buldhana District of Maharashtra, India. It is located in an impact crater formed when a meteorite from outer space collided with Earth's surface in this area. Various estimates exist about the age of the crater, ranging anywhere from 52,000 to 570,000 years ago. Analysis of the soil in the lake area has detected minerals found in Moon rocks. An endorheic basin with no outflow, the lake loses water by evaporation and gains it from precipitation and freshwater springs. The water is highly saline and alkaline, supporting a range of microorganisms that are adapted to hypersaline environments. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity with over 160 species of birds, 12 mammalian species, 46 reptilian species, and more. Pollution and unsustainable tourism threaten the unique environment of this lake.

Roopkund, Uttarakhand - The Skeleton Lake

The Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand. Image credit: Ashokyadav739,via Wikimedia Commons.

A lake steeped in mystery, the Roopkund Lake is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Located at 5,020 m, it is accessible only through a multi-day trek from Lohajung, the nearest settlement with a motorable road. The Roopkund Lake is surrounded by the lofty, snow-clad massifs and glaciers of the Himalayas and is a place of ethereal beauty. The lake itself is not too large and the water is around 9.8 feet deep, and remains frozen for most of the year. The lake is known for the many human skeletons that reveal themselves when the snow thaws over the lake. The origin of these skeletons remains a matter of debate. Some studies claim that an extreme weather event, possibly a deadly hailstorm, killed a group of people from a single group passing through this area sometime in the 9th century. Other studies, however, propose that the skeletons come from two separate events and belong to people of three distinct ancestry groups.

Loktak Lake, Manipur - Home To World’s Only Floating National Park

The phumdis on Loktak Lake. Image credit: Sharada Prasad CS via Wikimedia Commons.

The Loktak Lake is a spectacular water body, varying in size from 250 square km to 500 square km, and is located in Moirang, Manipur. The lake is famed for its floating phumdis. These are circular, often ring-shaped masses of decomposing vegetation of varying sizes that float throughout the lake. In some places, such phumdis are used by fishermen to build their huts and use a fishing station. At the southeastern side of the lake, the phumdis have coalesced to form a large mass of floating vegetation that is home to a great diversity of species. This area has been designated as the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The endangered sangai deer, an endemic subspecies of the Eld’s deer, is found in this park, along with many other species. The Loktak Lake is currently threatened by pollution and climate change.

Chilika Lake, Odisha - Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon

The Chilika Lake in Odisha. Image credit: Government of Odisha via Wikimedia Commons.

The Chilika Lake, the world’s second-largest coastal lagoon, covers an area of 1,100 square km in three districts of Odisha. It is present at the mouth of the Daya River as it flows into the Bay of Bengal. The lake is the Indian subcontinent’s largest wintering ground for migratory birds. Hence, it has earned recognition as a Ramsar wetland of international importance. Chilika is also famous for its rich fisheries and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins found near Satapada.

Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan - Mythological Legends And Lore

Ghats on the Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan. Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghats_on_the_Pushkar_lake,_Rajasthan.jpg via Wikimedia Commons.

This lake, situated in Pushkar in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, is considered sacred by Hindus. Thousands of pilgrims take a bath in the lake each year, with over 50 bathing ghats built to facilitate this ritual. It is believed that bathing in the lake cleanses people of their sins. The lake is surrounded by over 500 temples, including India’s only temple dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma. Pushkar Lake also finds mention in ancient Indian mythological tales, epics, and scriptures, and thus holds great significance in the country’s history and culture.

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Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In The Andaman And Nicobar Island And Where To See Them

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an isolated archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, are among India’s most biologically rich regions. Separated from the mainland for millions of years, these islands have evolved a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, much of it found nowhere else on Earth. Dense tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows together support a unique mix of terrestrial and marine species. Among this extraordinary biodiversity, several animals stand out as truly iconic, symbolising the ecological importance of the islands.

Andaman Cuckoo Dove (Macropygia rufipennis)

Andaman Cuckoo-dove from Mt Harriett National Park, Andaman. Image credit: Mvshreeram via Wikimedia Commons.

This beautiful endemic species of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands inhabits forested areas on the islands and feeds on fruits and berries. Although they have been classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, these birds face many threats, including habitat loss and poaching. Although an accurate population census of the species is missing, it is estimated that the bird’s numbers are steadily dropping. These birds have been spotted in the outskirts of Port Blair and are usually found hidden in the forested areas of the islands. The Mount Harrier National Park is an excellent place to observe these birds.

Andaman Cobra (Naja sagittifera)

An Andaman cobra. Image credit: Moinudheen via Wikimedia Commons.

One of the most threatened species of cobras, the Andaman cobra is an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. It is endemic to the islands and has a very potent venom. It can also spit its venom, but is less efficient than the true spitting cobras in this behaviour. It inhabits forested and semi-modified habitats, playing a vital role in controlling small vertebrate populations. Seeing this animal demands great luck because it is one of the best-kept secrets of the Andaman Islands and is known to be extremely elusive and mysterious in nature.

Dugong (Dugong dugon)

A dugong near Neil Island in the Andamans. Image credit: Vardhanjp via Wikimedia Commons.

This threatened marine mammal is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The shallow coastal waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the best places to observe these animals in India. However, only a small population of the animal survives here, making sightings extremely rare. As a specialist herbivore reliant on seagrass meadows, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of marine ecosystems.

Andaman Day Gecko (Phelsuma andamanense)

Andaman day gecko photographed outside Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Image credit: Kalyanvarma via Wikimedia Commons.

This endemic reptile of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a stunner in appearance. It has a bright green colour with red spots and stripes on the back. The tail in males is blue or turquoise. This diurnal and arboreal gecko is one of the few wild species that has managed to adapt well to the increasing anthropogenic presence and has found a new habitat in agricultural fields. Hence, it has grown in numbers and is a least concern species on the IUCN Red List. By feeding on insects, it acts as a natural pest controller.

Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosus)

A Nicobar long-tailed macaque in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve. Image credit: Prasun Goswami via Wikimedia Commons.

A subspecies of the crab-eating macaque, this primate is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, where it is found in only three locations: Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, and Katchal. It prefers to inhabit mangroves but is also found in coastal and inland forests. These animals are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and are threatened with habitat loss and human disturbance. These frugivorous animals feed on fruits and nuts, helping to disperse seeds. The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Forest houses a population of these primates.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

A saltwater crocodile. Image credit: Richard.Fisher via Wikimedia Commons.

This apex predator of saltwater habitats is the largest living reptile species in the world. The Andamans host a considerable population of these salties in the coastal waters, mangroves, and open sea. The crocodile helps keep prey populations in check. On rare occasions, crocodiles have approached beaches visited by humans and raised alarms, with a few cases of human deaths due to crocodile attacks reported in the Andamans. Such incidents are, however, very rare, and the waters of the Andamans are mostly safe for swimming and other activities. It is always wise to listen to locals when venturing on isolated beaches to ensure the safety of the waters in the area.

Narcondam Hornbill (Rhyticeros narcondami)

Narcondam Hornbill female on the Ficus rumphii tree. Image credit: Rohitjahnavi via Wikimedia Commons.

This hornbill has the most restricted habitat of all hornbills found in Asia. It is endemic to only Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region. It is highly dependent on intact forest habitats and serves as a flagship species for the conservation of island biodiversity. The species is primarily frugivorous in nature.

Seven Iconic Wild Animals Found In Punjab And Where To See Them

While Punjab may not be the first state that comes to mind when discussing wildlife, it does have its own fair share of animals that have adapted to living in its agricultural fields, fragmented forests, and grasslands. With the exception of the first species on this list (which is completely missing from the state despite being a state symbol), the rest are present in significant to extremely low numbers in the state. Protecting these wild species must be a top priority for Punjab in the coming times.

Northern Goshawk - The Missing State Bird Of Punjab

A Northern goshawk. Image credit: F. Dahlmann via Wikimedia Commons.

The Northern Goshawk, a formidable raptor, is the state bird of Punjab. However, unfortunately, this bird has not been seen in Punjab since its declaration, and there is more to the story. In 1989, the Eastern goshawk, a bird found in Africa, was designated as the state bird of Punjab. It was realised in 2015 that the bird had no presence in India, and the eastern goshawk was replaced with the northern goshawk, which is present in India. However, even this species has not been seen in Punjab’s skies. The choice of this bird, known as “baaz” in the local language, was primarily driven by the fact that it is mentioned in the Sikh religion’s sacred texts. The search for the bird is still on in the skies of Punjab and in 2025, a panel was formed to locate Punjab’s missing goshawks and citizens were asked to report the bird in case they happened to spot one.

Blackbuck

Blackbucks in the grassland. Image credit: Shadow Ayush via Wikimedia Commons.

The state animal of Punjab, the blackbuck, with its strikingly spiralled horns and elegant leap, is beloved of the region’s Bishnoi community. These animals are found in significant numbers in grasslands and agricultural fields near Bishnoi settlements. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal location to observe these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, protected by the Bishnois who reside there.

Sarus Crane

Image credit: Ad031259 via Wikimedia Commons.

Standing as the world’s tallest flying bird, the Sarus Crane brings grace to Punjab’s wetlands and agricultural fields. A few decades ago, these birds had almost ceased to exist in the state, but now, the populations are gradually rising. Sarus cranes are known for their lifelong pairing, with their bond being so strong that the death of one mate often leads the other to starve itself to death. Thus, these birds are considered symbols of loyalty and marriage in parts of northern India. In Punjab, a pair of sarus cranes has been found to make the Keshopur wetland their permanent home. It is an extremely rare phenomenon as these birds usually move from one wetland to another. However, experts believe that the protection offered to the Keshopur wetland by restricting human activities in the area has allowed the birds to build their forever home in the area, as other regions remain unfavourable for their settlement.

Indus River Dolphin

A rare image of an Indus River dolphin. Image credit: Christina H Lockyer and Gill T Braulik via Wikimedia Commons.

Punjab is the only home to the Indus River dolphin in India. However, this endangered species is on the verge of disappearing from the state, with the latest census finding only three individuals in the Beas River of Punjab. These dolphins are extremely sensitive to environmental changes and are threatened by river pollution, disturbances like the movement of vessels, dams, and also fish net entanglement.

Barking Deer

A male barking deer. Image credit: KongkhamWichit via Wikimedia Commons.

Recognisable by its dog-like “bark,” which it uses as an alarm call, the barking deer, or muntjac, is among the most widespread deer species in India. In Punjab, it inhabits forests, foothills, and dense thickets. As a key herbivore, it helps shape vegetation patterns and serves as prey for carnivores, such as leopards.

Leopard

A leopard in the grassland. Image credit: Haplochromis via Wikimedia Commons.

While Punjab does not have a very notable population size of this big cat, leopard sightings in the state are growing. According to sources, the loss of forest cover in neighbouring Himachal is forcing leopards to enter Punjab and mark their territory in the state. The government of the state is now planning to develop Anandpur Sahib's Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary as Punjab’s first leopard safari venue.

Chinkara

A chinkara. Image credit: Mvshreeram, via Wikimedia Commons.

The chinkara, or Indian gazelle, is a slender, swift antelope adapted to the dry scrublands and semi-arid plains of Punjab. It thrives in landscapes where thorny vegetation and open terrain offer both food and escape routes. The species is known for its remarkable agility and ability to survive harsh, water-scarce conditions. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to spot these dainty antelopes. It is a private protected area managed by the local Bishnoi community.

10 Most Beautiful Butterflies Of India

Here are 10 of the most beautiful butterfly species found in India, with photos and a little about each:

Malabar banded peacock. Image credit: Uajith via Wikimedia Commons.

Southern Birdwing (Troides minos)

The Southern birdwing butterfly. Image credit: Uajith via Wikimedia Commons.

• One of India’s largest butterflies (wingspan ~140-190 mm).
• Found in the Western Ghats, endemic to Southern India.
• It is the state butterfly of Karnataka.
• Bold yellow and black colouring – male and female differ in size and subtle patterns.
• Best seen in evergreen or deciduous forests of southern India, especially post-monsoon.

Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor)

The blue Mormon butterfly. Image credit: Subhash Pulikkal via Wikimedia Commons.

• Striking, shimmering blue patches on black wings.
• Found in the Western Ghats and some parts of eastern India.
• It is the state butterfly of Maharashtra.
• Attracted to citrus plants and gardens; good for butterfly watchers in the monsoon season.

Common Jezebel (Delias eucharis)

Common jezebel. Image credit: © 2010 Jee & Rani Nature Photography (License: CC BY-SA 4.0), CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Very colourful: patterns of white, yellow, red, and black like stained glass. 
• Found in forests and gardens across India (except very arid regions).
• Because of its vibrant colours, it is a popular butterfly for photography.

Krishna Peacock (Papilio krishna)

A Krishna peacock. Image credit: Alka Vaidya <chitralka(at)yahoo.co.in> via Wikimedia Commons.

• Beautiful green-blue iridescent patches on dark wings.
• Found in the Himalayan foothill forests and some adjoining regions.
• Very rare.

Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae)

 A common rose butterfly. Image credit: Peellden via Wikimedia Commons.

• Black with white and red patches and spots. 
• Found across a wide variety of habitats in the Western Ghats region in southern India.
• More commonly seen during and just after the monsoon season.

Malabar Banded Peacock (Papilio buddha)

A Malabar banded peacock. Image credit: Uajith via Wikimedia Commons.

• Very striking: dark wings with blue-green banded markings. 
• Lives in the Western Ghats, especially the misty evergreen hills & coastal slopes.
• It is the state butterfly of Kerala.
• Swift flight makes it exciting to spot in the wild.

Paris Peacock (Papilio paris)

A beautiful Paris peacock butterfly. Image credit: 57Andrew via Flickr.com.

• Elegant black wings with metallic green scales – very eye-catching.
• Found in rainforest/evergreen areas in India (Himalayan foothills, NE India, Western Ghats).
• A good indicator species for healthy forest habitats.

Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus)

A basking orange oakleaf butterfly. Image credit: Gayatri Dutta via Wikimedia Commons

• On the upperside: deep blue/blue-green sheen and an orange band; underside: looks exactly like a dried leaf — amazing camouflage.
• Found in the moist forests of central, northern & northeast India.
• Great species to observe how butterflies use camouflage for survival.

Common Tiger (Danaus genutia)

A mating pair of common tiger butterflies. Image credit: Jaiprakashsingh via Wikimedia Commons..

• Closely resembles the monarch butterfly of the Americas and has "tiger" in its common name due to the black stripes on orange wings.
• Found in a wide variety of habitats across India.

Northern Junglequeen (Stichophthalma camadeva)

The Northern Junglequeen. Image credit: Sandipoutsider, via Wikimedia Commons.

• Large-sized butterfly with a beautiful cerulean-blue upper side and distinctive red eyespots on the underside. 
• Found in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh and other Northeast regions.

📌 Notes & Tips

Many of these species prefer forest habitats (evergreen, deciduous, hill forests) rather than urban gardens.

Some are seasonal: post-monsoon or during certain months offer better sightings.

If you go butterfly-watching: carry a good camera/zoom lens, wear muted colours so you don’t spook them, and visit early morning when butterflies are basking.

Respect nature: don’t trap or harm them — photography and observation only.