Top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries In West Bengal That Are Home To Some Of The Most Exotic Species!

West Bengal is a culmination of diverse cultures, history, and natural forms. From the Himalayas to the Ganges, West Bengal has several communities and forms a huge biosphere comprising rich flora and fauna. The northern part of the state has flourished into a major tourist spot because of the Shivalik and several tributaries of Ganga that flows through the state. Southern Bengal is especially famous for housing the world’s largest mangrove forest. To protect the rich biodiversity, the Government has to build many wildlife reserves, national parks, and sanctuaries in West Bengal. These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal are home to a large variety of animals, plants, trees, and birds.

Top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries In West Bengal

Here is a comprehensive list of the famous sanctuaries and national parks of the state.

• Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
• The Buxa Tiger Reserve
• Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary
• Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary

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This is an old wildlife sanctuary located in Darjeeling. The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across 39 square kilometers of area. You will find a wide variety of birds and animals in the sanctuary. This includes Rhesus Monkey, Himalayan Flying Squirrel, Assam Macaque, Wild Boar, Barking Deer and more. You can also find some of the endangered species like the jungle cat, Leopard, and Himalayan Black Bear. It houses many species of birds as well.

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours
Location: Sittong Khasmahal
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach: The sanctuary is about 11 km from Darjeeling town. One can hire a taxi from Darjeeling.
Staying Options: Humro Home, Mystic Rodhi Resort

Must Read: 43 Tourist Places To Visit In West Bengal

2. The Buxa Tiger Reserve

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With rich biodiversity, the Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in the Indo-Malayan region. It covers a large area providing a home to some of the endangered and rare birds and animals. You will find Tigers, Leopard Cats, Asian Elephants, Regal Pythons, Bengal Floricans, Hog Deer, Hispid Hares, Slender-billed Vultures, and more. The place is rich in flora and fauna. This helps attract tourists to come and visit the place. When visiting the Buxa Tiger reserve, you can also explore other attractions like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Buxa Fort.

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours
Location: Buxa Forest, Buxa
Best time to visit: October and March
How to reach: Reach Alipurduar Junction and travel via road which is just 17 km away.
Staying Options: Buxa Jungle Lodge

Suggested Read: 7 Amazing Places To Visit In Summer In West Bengal That No Traveler Would Want To Miss!

3. Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary

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Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary covers more than 362 square kilometers of land in the Sundarban Reserve. The mangrove forests are the main attraction of the place. other than that visitors also come here to see the large variety of birds, animals, amphibians, and fish. The prime wildlife attractions include Pelican, Rhesus Macaques, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Fishing Cat, Crocodile, and otter. You can also find a sloth bear, panther, chinkara, and wild hog.

Ideal trip duration: 2 hours
Location: Sajnekhali
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach: one can drive straight to Sonakhali and take a 3-hour ferry ride to Sajnekhali.
Staying Options: Sunderbans Gateway Resort

Suggested Read: Top 9 Hill Stations Near Siliguri To Spend A Relaxing Time In West Bengal

4. Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary

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Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Ramnabagan Mini Zoo which is very well stretched over an area of about 14.31 hectares and is located in Mouza Baburbag right in the heart of Burdwan. If we talk about the evolution of the said sanctuary in brief then we can start with its conversion from a reserved forest into a deer park in the year 1978 when it introduced six spotted deer and then later it was eventually declared as a wildlife sanctuary.

Amidst tall and stately Teak, Sal and several other known trees, this sanctuary has been recognized as one of the finest sanctuaries in several ways. It is known to be home to several wildlife species which can be seen and spotted here living in their natural habitat such as grey langurs, black-buck, snakes, owls, storks, mongooses, leopards and several others.

Ideal trip duration: 2 to 3 hours
Location: Golapbag, Mouza, Baburbag, Bardhhaman, West Bengal
Best time to visit: Monsoon
How to reach: Burdwan railway station is at a distance of 4 kms and can hire a taxi or local buses.
Staying Options: Nearby hotels or lodges

Suggested Read: Singalila National Park: Home To The Red Pandas & West Bengal’s Highest Peak

5. Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary

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Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the queen of the hills in Darjeeling District, West Bengal. It is home to several high-altitude animals such as Himalayan Salamander which is locally famous as Gora. This place is about 20 kms away from Darjeeling town and is said to be well set on a hilltop and is certainly a must-visit owing to its scenic and picturesque views. If we need to describe the major attraction Jore Pokhri then we can simply state that it has to be the twin lakes after which the place is named as Jore is translated as two and Pokhri simply means Lake in the Nepali language.

Ideal trip duration: 3 to 4 hours
Location: Dalkajhar Forest, West Bengal
Best time to visit: June to August
How to reach: 21 kms from Darjeeling and hiring a taxi would be recommended
Staying Options: Jorepokhari Tourist Lodge

Further Read: Darjeeling Vs Gangtok: Which Destination Offers Bliss At Its Best?

Wildlife tours in wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal have grabbed the attention of several wildlife lovers over the years. It allows you to interact and explore a whole new community and their physical environment which forms a major part of Indian ecotourism. Now that you know the places to explore wildlife, you can pack up for your holiday in West Bengal.

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