Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, the Best Wildlife Conservation to Visit in the Northeastern Part of West Bengal

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jalpaiguri district, close to the National Highway 31 that connects the northeast region with the rest of India. The sanctuary is placed on the eastern block of Murti River, covering an area of about 9.6 sq. km. The name Chapramari is derived from two words, “Chapra” meaning a variety of small fishes and “Mari” meaning abundant. 

The wildlife sanctuary can be found in the Dooars region of the northern part of West Bengal and is also the oldest wildlife preservation of the state. The forest region of this area is very rich with diverse variety of flora and fauna. Keeping this fact in mind, the area was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1998.

Attractions

Orchids

As the region is rich in flora, one can find diverse variety of orchids in this sanctuary like Luisa, Eria, Acampe, Bulbophyllum, Dendrobium, Oberonia, Cymbidium and many more. These different varieties of orchids can be seen blooming in this sanctuary during different seasons throughout the year.

Animals

The wildlife sanctuary is also inhabited with various species of wild inhabitants like elephant, guar, chetal, barking deer, wildboar, pangolin, sambar and few others. The sanctuary also provides a unique opportunity to its visitors to learn about the behavior, habitat and population of the animals found in this region.

Birds

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is not only known for its diverse species of fauna but is also very much popular among the birdwatchers due to the diverse species of birds found in this place. The different species of birds that one can see at this place are scarlet minivet, hill mayna, white breasted kingfisher, large grey headed fishing eagle, Indian treepie, adjutant stork, thrush, green magpie and much more. Few migratory species of birds can also be seen at this sanctuary like the Teals and Brahminy. 

Watch Towers

The sanctuary also has a watch tower in front of an open space in Chapramari. The watcher tower enables the visitors to have a clear view of the wildlife sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit

As the region experiences pleasant climate all around the year, the wildlife sanctuary can be visited throughout the year. Still, the peak tourist season of this region is between the months of October to March.

Accommodation

The sanctuary provides an inspection bungalow involving two rooms, which can hold four people at a time. For more convenient mode of accommodation, one can opt to stay at the private resorts that are dotted in and around Lataguri. Another option for accommodation while on a visit to this sanctuary is few resorts and 4 cottages found in Murti and Chapramari Wilderness Camp at Panjhora.

How to reach

By Air- The nearest airport to this sanctuary is Bagdogra Airport, located at a distance of about 100 km, which is also the major airport around the region. The airport connects flight with Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Guwahati. 

By Rail- The nearest as well as the major railway junction close to this wildlife sanctuary is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located at a distance of about 100 km. Other minor rail stations close to this sanctuary are Chalsa and Malbazar. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available from these stations to Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. 

By Road- As the sanctuary is located near to the National highway number 31, it is easily accessible through various modes of transportation from places like Siliguri (72 km) and Guwahati.  Public as well as private buses are regularly from these places to the sanctuary.