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Bengal Natural History Museum: A Himalayan Fauna Treasure Trove

Explore the natural wonders of the Himalayas at Darjeeling's Bengal Natural History Museum, home to over 4,000 fascinating specimens.

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Located within the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, the Bengal Natural History Museum showcases the region's diverse flora and fauna. Established in 1903, the museum houses over 4,000 specimens, including rare reptiles, birds, insects, fishes, and mammals, offering a captivating glimpse into the natural history of the Himalayas.

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 cost savings.
  • Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
  • Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see live animals in addition to the museum's specimens.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Chowrasta, walk along the Mall Road towards Jawahar Parbat. Continue onto Jawahar Road until you reach the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The Bengal Natural History Museum is located within the zoo complex. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Darjeeling town, hire a taxi to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The taxi will drop you near the entrance of the zoo on Lebong Road, from where it is a short uphill walk to the museum. Taxi fares in Darjeeling start at approximately ₹124 for a 5 km trip. Expect to pay between ₹250-₹400 for a short trip within the city.

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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 Himalayan biodiversity. Founded in 1903, the museum began as a humble effort to display local birds and butterflies within the Lloyd Botanical Garden. Over time, its collection expanded, necessitating a move to a new building near Chowrasta in 1915. In 2015, the museum found its current home within the zoo, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of the region's natural wonders. The museum's extensive collection comprises over 4,000 specimens, meticulously preserved to showcase the region's rich fauna. Exhibits include a wide array of birds, reptiles, insects, fishes, and mammals, many of which are rare and unique to the Himalayas. Highlights include the Himalayan Brown Wood Owl, Northern Spotted Owlet, and Northern Brown Fish Owl, alongside specimens of the estuarine crocodile, Tibetan Fox, and Tibetan Lynx. The museum is divided into sections that represent different ecological zones, such as marine, mangrove, alpine, lake, and wetland ecosystems. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring a vast collection of butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and beetles. The museum also houses a small library with rare and valuable books, including the 125-volume series 'The Fauna of British India'. A dedicated taxidermy unit ensures the preservation of specimens for display and study.

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