West Bengal is situated in the eastern region and is ranked as fourth most populous state in India and also seventh populous in sub-national in the world. The state is the 6th largest contributor for GDP of India. The state is bordered by three countries Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal and five states such as Sikkim, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and Orissa. The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata. The state is popular for thrilling experiences for wildlife, as it is flourished with number of sanctuaries and parks. West Bengal is the land for wildlife enthusiastic and no lover can skip such and rich place. The distinct topography and climate of the state helps in offering diversity in flora an avifauna. The place is not only for wildlife treasure, but it has exquisite natural beauty so that traveling in the park is a remarkable experience.
West Bengal is the recognition for one of the finest sanctuaries and parks and thus we get various amenities and remarkable experience. The state has earned wild recognisation as the “Royal Bengal Tigers”, even is one of the largest who has Mangrove forest across the world. As the state is closest to the Bay of Bengal, the sanctuaries and parks are spanned with perennial place and an ideal location for most of the species of wildlife to flourish. The place is truly a paradise for both the lovers of natural beauty and wildlife. One gets enthralling experiences while traveling through the thick and thin of the forests. The majestic land of West Bengal opens its entire natural treasure selectively and gradually, distinct from other wildlife destinations in India. The untouched terrains are suitable for various species in aquatic, reptiles and amphibians life as well. The incredible expanse of greenery, the playful high tide and the blue heaven mesmerize everything.
Gorumara National Park
- Location: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal 735101
- Established: 1949
- Park Area: 99 Sq. Km.
- Timings: 6am – 5pm
- Entry fee:70/- per person
- Best recommended time to visit: Nov to Apr and the park remains close from June to Sept.
- Main tourist attraction: Chukchuki Bird watching point, Jatraprasad Watchtower, Rhino Observation pint and Chandrachur watchtower.
- Nearest Town: Bagdogra, Guwahati, Siliguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Maynaguri.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport- Bagdogra (80 kms), nearest railway station- Madarihat (7 kms).
One of the major attractions for the Gorumara National Park is the Asiatic one horned rhino is observed over here. The park is located on the hill slope of the Dooars region in the district of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. The small forests of the park are popular for natural population and thus in 1949, it was declared as “Wildlife Sanctuary”. Later in 1992, the park was established as National Park including diverse forests stretched about 80km. The Dooars lies on the Himalayans foothills and hence we get exquisite natural beauty to explore the most distinct species of flora and avifauna. As the place is located near the bank of river Raidak and Murti, the riverine vegetation of savannah woodlands are present, including sal and moist deciduous forests and few trees such as Khair, siris, Simul, Teak and many more.
The fauna of the Gorumara National Park includes Indian Bison, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Pythons, Turtles, four species of deer, monkeys and more than 200 birds species. The park is truly paradise and this we observe distinct birds such as Minivet, Woodpeckers, Pied Hornbill, Drongo, fly catcher, Fly catcher, Pheasant and some of them are migratory birds. Brahminy Duck is the regular visitor in the Gorumara National Park. Besides these there are Egrets, Cormorant, Indian Shag and many more. One can see Owls and Night jar in night. The park has got Indian Python and King cobra, which are world’s largest venomous and non- venomous snakes.
The Gorumara National Park provides tourist excellent facilities to take an overview for the entire park. The Jatraprasad Watchtower gives you the entire view of the park including various animals that come nearby. One can see diversity of birds by visiting Chukchuki Watchtower, as the paradise is located on the borders of the park; there are many migratory birds who often visit seasonally. Next is the Khunia Watchtower, which allows the visitors to get acquainted with the Indian Bison, also called as Gaur and Indian Elephants. Stepping towards is the Rhino Point, just located adjacent to the Forest Department Bungalow. As the place is near the salt reservoir, animals such as Asiatic one horned Rhinoceros and Indian Elephants visit these places regularly.
Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary
- Location: Jaldapara, Uttar Madarihat, West Bengal 735220
- Established: 1941
- Area: 216.5 km²
- Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Entry fee: Rs.60/- per person
- Best time to Visit: Mar to Apr & Oct to May.
- How to reach: Nearest bus station- Siliguri (3 hrs), nearest Railway station- Madarihat (7 km), nearest airport- Bagdogra (145 km)
- Nearest Town: Bagdogra and Madarihat.
- Main Tourist Attraction: Elephant Safari to watch Asiatic One horned Rhinoceros.
The Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary is one of the majestic lands in West Bengal for its distinct variety of species for birds, animals, reptiles and amphibians. The sanctuary is situated on the eastern foothills of Himalayans, along the bank of river Torsa. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1943 and hence was under the protection by the Forest Department. As the sanctuary lies on the bank of river, the vegetation over here is more with different types of Cassis grasses, sal trees and many more. It has recorded its name as the 2nd largest sanctuary after Assam’s Kaziranga National Park for one horned Rhino. The attraction of the park includes Spotted deer, deers, Royal Bengal Tigers, Sambhar, Wild Pigs, Hog Deer and Bisons. It has also got distinct variety of species in birds such as Pied Horbill, Fishing Eagle, Crested Eagle, Jungle Fowl, Shikra and Bengal Florican.
Elephant safari is the enthralling experience that one will enjoy while spending time in the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary. With this safari you can see rhinos from close view, beside this exploring the wildlife with other different animals and birds as well.
Also Read: Places to visit in Siliguri
Singalila National Park
- Location: Singalila Forest, Darjeeling District, West Bengal
- Established: 1986
- Area: 203.6 km²
- Timings: 6am–7pm
- Entry fee: Rs.100/- per person
- Best time to Visit: Sep to Nov & Mar to June.
- Main Tourist Attraction: Red Panda, diversity of birds and Trekking.
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Bagdogra International Airport (4 hrs), nearest railway station- Ghum (13 km)
Singalila national park is situated at a height of 7000 ft above the sea level and is the only highest park in West Bengal. The park is situated on the extreme north-west boundary in the Darjeeling District. The vegetation of the forests are mainly Alpine and one can observe species of trees such as Oak, Magnolia, Rhododendron, Silver, Hemlock, Juniper, Buk, Juniper, Kawla, Bhujpatra, Mailing Bamboo and many more. The flora of the park also includes arisaemas, orchids, aconitums, primulas and gentians. One can observe fauna in park such as elephant, serow, leopard, chinkara takin, leopard and the only forest in West Bengal with Red Panda. The birds observed in the park are doves, pigeons, magpie, sibia, cuckoo, Kaleej pheasants, hornbills, and large number of distinct species in migratory birds.
The Singalila national park is popular for its spectacular treks, where one can enjoy the view of fog of mountain flowers and pristine forests. The major trek starts from eastern Himalayan Manebhanjan, as Darjeeling as the start point through Tonglu or Tumbling to Gairibas to Sandakphu to Phalut to Rimbik and again reverses to Manebhanjan. Sandakphu is known as Mountain of Poisonous plants called as Cobra Lilies.
Also Read: Popular Places to visit in Darjeeling
