Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Darjeeling in West Bengal. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India. It was set up as a sanctuary in 1915. This sanctuary covers an area of 38.6 square km. Altitude of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary varies from 4900 ft to 8,500 ft. Two lakes situated inside the sanctuary supply drinking water Darjeeling district. This is a popular picnic spot too. Continue reading
Category: Bird Sanctuary in West Bengal
Bird Sanctuary in West Bengal
Exploring the Serene Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, India. This sanctuary covers approx 362 square kms. Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the three Wildlife Sanctuaries inside Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, the other two being the Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lothian Wildlife Sanctuary. It was set up as a sanctuary in 1976. The Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is home of rich population of water fowl, heron, pelican, spotted deer, rhesus macaques, wild boar, tigers, water monitor lizards, fishing cats, olive ridley turtle, crocodiles, Batagur terrapins, and migratory birds. This sanctuary is essentially a bird watcher’s paradise.
Getting There
Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kolkata, the capital city of the state. The most convenient way to reach the sanctuary is by road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Kolkata to Godkhali, which is the gateway to the Sundarbans. From Godkhali, you can hire a boat or join a guided tour to reach Sajnakhali.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather during this period is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The winter season offers excellent wildlife sightings, as animals are more active and easier to spot. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall and increased chances of flooding.
Attractions in Sajnakhali
1. Mangrove Forests: Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its dense mangrove forests, which are part of the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Take a boat ride through the intricate network of channels and witness the breathtaking beauty of these unique ecosystems.
2. Wildlife Safari: Embark on thrilling wildlife safaris to spot the diverse array of fauna that inhabits the sanctuary. Keep an eye out for majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, spotted deer, crocodiles, wild boars, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary is particularly famous for its tiger population, and a sighting of this magnificent predator is an unforgettable experience.
3. Bird Watching: Sajnakhali is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 200 species of resident and migratory birds. Get your binoculars ready and spot beautiful avian creatures such as the white-bellied sea eagle, black-capped kingfisher, purple heron, and many more.
4. Sajnakhali Watchtower: Climb the Sajnakhali Watchtower to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mangrove forest and the adjacent rivers. This vantage point offers an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Accommodation in Sajnakhali
Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary does not have accommodation facilities within the sanctuary itself. However, there are several options available in the nearby areas, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Sundarbans National Park, Pakhiralay, and Godkhali. These accommodations offer comfortable rooms and necessary amenities for a pleasant stay.
Nearby Places to Explore
1. Sundarbans National Park: Located adjacent to Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary, Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another must-visit destination. Explore its diverse ecosystems, spot wildlife, and learn about the unique mangrove ecosystem.
2. Pakhiralay: Situated close to Sajnakhali, Pakhiralay is a picturesque village known for its serene ambiance
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is situated at Kolkata near Narendrapur Ramkrishna Mission. This is also known as Kayaler Bagan. This is place is also good for Butterfly & Insect watching. Those people are like to do macro photography, they will get a heaven for sure. This site was recognized as a sanctuary in the year 1982 and renamed as Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary on September 8, 2004. However, since 2005, the sanctuary was finally named as Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary.
Visiting hours
Sanctuary hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission Fees: Rs. 50 per head
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. This Sanctuary is situated in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary can reached from NJP in 30 minutes. Sukna, the gateway to the sanctuary, is only 14 km from Siliguri , 8kms from Siliguri and 28 km from Bagdogra airport.
This sanctuary covers over 159 squer kms. In 1959, it got the status of a sanctuary to protect the bison and Royal Bengal Tiger. It is considered as the most important sanctuary of North Bengal.
Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Welcome to the serene and captivating Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the enchanting Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India. Situated amidst the largest mangrove forest in the world, this sanctuary offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of nature. In this travel blog, we will provide you with essential information on how to reach Lothian Island, the best time to visit, the main attractions within the sanctuary, accommodation options in the Sundarbans region, nearby places to explore, and more. Let’s embark on a remarkable journey into the heart of the Sundarbans!
Getting There:
Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located within the Sundarbans region of West Bengal. To reach the sanctuary, the most convenient way is to travel to Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. From Kolkata, you can take a train or hire a taxi to reach the nearest town of Canning, which is approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) away. From Canning, you can continue your journey by taking a boat or ferry to reach Lothian Island. The sanctuary is situated in the southern part of the Sundarbans, and specific instructions can be obtained from the local authorities or tour operators.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary in the Sundarbans is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather during this period is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The winter season offers comfortable weather for exploration and wildlife sightings. However, it’s important to note that the Sundarbans can be visited year-round, and each season offers its own unique charm and experiences.
Attractions in Lothian Island:
1. Mangrove Forests: The Sundarbans is famous for its dense mangrove forests, and Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary showcases the incredible biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. Marvel at the intricate network of mangrove roots, which provide shelter to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
2. Wildlife Safari: Embark on thrilling wildlife safaris in the Sundarbans to spot the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, which inhabits the region. Keep an eye out for other fascinating wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars, and a diverse array of bird species.
3. Boat Excursions: Explore the Sundarbans’ enchanting waterways on boat excursions, allowing you to witness the beauty of the mangrove forest from a different perspective. Glide through the narrow channels, spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.
4. Bird Watching: Lothian Island is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for bird watching. Keep your binoculars handy to spot avian species such as herons, kingfishers, egrets, and the majestic white-bellied sea eagle.
Accommodation in the Sundarbans:
While Lothian Island does not have accommodation facilities within the sanctuary, there are several options available in the nearby towns of Canning, Gosaba, and Basanti. These places offer a range of accommodations, including resorts, eco-lodges, and guesthouses. These establishments provide comfortable rooms and necessary amenities to ensure a pleasant stay amidst the natural splendor of the Sundarbans.
Nearby Places to Explore:
Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Explore its diverse ecosystems, take part in wildlife safaris, and learn about the conservation efforts in the region.
Nearest town is Namkhana, Gosaba is 50 km away.
Nearest rail station is Namkhana, Canning is 48 km away.
Nearest popular picnic spot is New Bakkhali.
Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary
Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary is located on the foothill of Sintura Range of the Eastern Himalayas. It falls in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal and is basically a marshland or swamp which is famous for birds. The place is flocked by a large variety of birds and is therefore known as a bird sanctuary. It is spread across an area of 175 hector and also includes Aviary & Tortoise rescue center, python house, leopard house, crocodile rehabilitation center and deer park. The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year and is at a distance of 34 kilometers from Alipurduar; 45 kilometers from Cooch Behar and 212 kilometers from Siliguri.
Trekking & Forests around Ayodhya Hill
Ayodhya Hills in the district of Purulia, West Bengal is an amazing tourist destination known for its natural beauty. Ayodhya hills are an extension of the Dalma range in Jharkhand. Each year hundreds of tourists visit the hills to witness the scenic beauty of the forests in and around Ayodhya hills. The hills are covered with dense forests with a variety of flora and fauna. The dense forests are a home to different species of wild animals. Gorshabru is the highest peak in Ayodhya and stands tall at an altitude of 610 meters. The presence of numerous waterfalls amidst the forests makes them even more beautiful.
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the Eastern Himalayan foothills in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal. It covers an extensive area of 216 square kilometers and is a maze of grasslands, perennial streams, woods, extensive belts of tall grass and sandy river banks. The beauty of the forest lies in the fact that it is home to an amazingly wide variety of flora and fauna with some endangered species. The one horned rhinoceros in particular is the most famed one inhabiting the forest. Jaldapara was declared to be a wildlife sanctuary in 1914 to preserve the diverse flora and fauna of this land. Rivers Torsha, Malangi, Kalijhora, Sissmara and Chirakhawa have created banks along which the wildlife sustains itself.
Buxa Fort and Tiger Reserve Forest
Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in the foothills of Bhutan covering an area of 790 square kilometers and is of course famous for tigers, civet and red jungle fowl. The forest was declared as a tiger reserve in 1983 and received the title of National Park in 1992. Buxa Tiger Reserve forest is the largest in North Bengal and is home to second largest tiger population in entire West Bengal after Sunderbans. There are many species of mammals, reptiles, birds and an amazing collection of medicinal plants and orchids. It is only 24 kilometers from Alipurduar and about 180 kilometers from Siliguri, reckoned as the gateway of Bengal. Certain parts of the forest have still remained unexplored due to inaccessible terrain.
28 Mile is within the Buxa Tiger Reserve forest
28 Mile is a small settlement within the Buxa Tiger Reserve with 110 households. The number of households has increased considerably since 1960. Homestays are available for tourists at the 28 Mile Basti as it is known in the local language. There is also a well furnished cottage at 28 Mile serving guests who visit Buxa Tiger Reserve. Buxa is one of the largest forest reserves in West Bengal and is home to Asian tigers whose population is only second to that of Sunderbans. The importance of Buxa increased manifold in the year 1992 when it was declared to be a national park.