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Bengal Natural History Museum: A Himalayan Fauna Treasure

Explore Himalayan biodiversity at the Bengal Natural History Museum, home to a vast collection of preserved fauna in Darjeeling.

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Located within the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, the Bengal Natural History Museum showcases the diverse fauna of the Himalayan region. Established in 1903, the museum houses a vast collection of preserved specimens, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects, offering a glimpse into the region's rich biodiversity.

A brief summary to Bengal Natural History Museum

  • Padmaja Naidu, Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, Jawahar Parbat, West Bengal, 734104, IN
  • +913542253709
  • Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase a combined ticket for the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling Zoo, and Bengal Natural History Museum for entry to all three attractions.
  • Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
  • The museum is closed on Thursdays.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Chowrasta, walk along Mall Road, then continue onto Jawahar Road. The museum is located within the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, approximately a 30-minute uphill walk.

  • Public Transport

    Take a shared cab from Darjeeling town towards the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The museum is located within the park. Shared cab fares typically range from ₹20-₹50 per person.

  • Taxi

    Hire a taxi from Darjeeling Chowk Bazaar to Lebong Cart Road, which is located below the zoo's entrance. From there, it's a short uphill walk to the museum. The taxi ride is approximately 3 kilometers and takes about 15 minutes. Taxi fares start at ₹10.50 INR per kilometer.

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Discover more about Bengal Natural History Museum

The Bengal Natural History Museum, nestled within the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, is a captivating repository of the region's natural heritage. Founded in 1903, the museum began as a modest display of local birds and butterflies within the Lloyd Botanical Garden, under the patronage of then Governor-General of India, George Nathaniel Curzon. The aim was to educate visitors and provide a resource for zoological study. As the collection expanded, the museum relocated in 1915 to a new building. For many years, the Bengal Natural History Society managed the museum, later handing it over to the Forest Department of West Bengal in 1976. In 2015, the museum found its current home within the zoological park. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 4,300 specimens, meticulously preserved through taxidermy. Exhibits include over 400 bird species, with a total of over 822 bird specimens, including nests and eggs. Mammal displays feature the clouded leopard, red panda, and flying squirrel. Reptiles, fish, and a vast insect collection, including over 1,104 butterfly species, further illustrate the region's biodiversity. The museum also houses a library with valuable books on British Indian fauna. The Bengal Natural History Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Himalayas.

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