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Situated on the foothills of the green Eastern Himalayas, the gorgeous Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best sanctuaries in West Bengal. This sanctuary offers comfort to a variety of flora and fauna as well as to weary human spirits. It is one of the best places to visit in winters. It has serene riverbanks where deer and elephants come to drink.Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary provides a sanctuary in pristine nature, with its vast forests filled with the sounds of exotic birds.
Location
Photo: Dibyendu Ash / Wikimedia Commons
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, sprawls across the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, encompassing portions of the Terai region. This sanctuary, which covers an area of 159 square kilometres, is roughly 13 kilometres from Siliguri. Geographically, the area offers a superb fusion of unspoiled beauty and convenient accessibility.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Darjeeling
How To Reach
Photo: Sourik8 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, approximately 15 kilometres from Siliguri, the nearest major city to the sanctuary.
By Road: Siliguri is well-connected by road to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Gangtok. You can easily hire a taxi or take a bus from Siliguri to reach the sanctuary.
By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station connected to major cities across India. From NJP, taxis and buses are available to reach Siliguri and the sanctuary.
Places to Visit Around Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Mahananda River
Photo: Mr. Debipriya Hore / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahananda River flows through the sanctuary, providing tranquillity amidst the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas. The banks, lined with tall trees and carpeted with flowering plants of different colours, present a tranquil setting for leisurely walks. The sweet gurgling of the river follows one as one walks along the scenic paths, spotting colourful birds and butterflies.
Suggested Read: Rock Climbing In Darjeeling
2. Kurseong
Photo: Mayukh Ghose / Wikimedia Commons
Situated amidst the Darjeeling district’s hills, Kurseong evokes nostalgia for the bygone era of British hill stations. Vast tea gardens resemble emerald tea bushes that stretch endlessly, dotted with gently rolling hills to the famous Darjeeling tea. Kurseong offers expansive vistas of mountains and valleys peppered with tiny cottages and colonial buildings. Dow Hill in Kurseong is known for its eerie, misty woods and quaint tea houses that showcase the town’s warm hospitality and mouthwatering regional fare.
3. Siliguri
Photo: sourik8 / Wikimedia Commons
Siliguri, a busy gateway to the Eastern Himalayas, enthrals with its colourful markets and rich cultural heritage. The city is alive in its commotion as visitors and locals alike navigate through busy bazaars filled with handicrafts, spices, and vibrant textiles. Cultural icons like the North Bengal Science Centre and the ISKCON Temple provide glimpses into the region’s scientific and spiritual past amidst the bustle of the city.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Darjeeling
4. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sagardeepn Sen / Wikimedia Commons
The Chapramari Natural Sanctuary, is a sanctuary rich in different species. Indian bison, Asiatic elephants, and a wide variety of birds find perfect homes in thick forests of teak and sal trees. Travellers can expect up-close encounters with local wildlife on safari inside the sanctuary. You can enjoy the views of rolling hills covered in mist and winding rivers representing the animals’ native environment. With its pristine surroundings and abundant biodiversity, it is the ideal refuge for naturalists and photographers.
5. Darjeeling
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Embellished like a pearl in the Eastern Himalayan crown, Darjeeling is named after the town that embodies tea estates, Victorian architecture, and expansive views of snow-capped peaks. Its tea gardens are dispersed across precipitous hillsides, yielding some of the best teas on the planet. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s “Toy Train” rattles through this town’s charming lanes, providing a nostalgic trip through the area’s colonial history. Darjeeling’s backcountry also offers hikes to vantage places like Tiger Hill, where the dawn illuminates the magnificent Kanchenjunga range.
Suggested Read: Darjeeling Zoo
6. Kalimpong
Photo:Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Kalimpong, one of the charming hill stations near Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, is well-known for its pleasant weather, stunning vistas, and rich cultural legacy. One of the main attractions in this town is Deolo Hill, the highest point in Kalimpong, which offers sweeping views of the valleys, rivers, and mountains in the area. The Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, a well-known Buddhist monastery that was constructed in the 1970s, is another significant location.
Where To Stay
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are lodging options around Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary to suit every budget and preference. The expansive gateway city of Siliguri has everything from low-cost lodgings with rudimentary amenities to luxurious resorts that enjoy a tranquil haven. Kurseong and Mirik provide some delightful accommodations with views of rolling hills and verdant green tea gardens, perfect for those who long for a vacation in a tiny hill town.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Darjeeling
Where To Eat
Photo: Rajdeep Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The surrounding areas provide the Siliguri district with a particularly vibrant gastronomic culture. North Indian restaurants offer biryanis and kebabs, whereas local restaurants in Siliguri serve the traditional Bengali cuisine of fish curry and rice. To experience the Himalayan impact, a number of Tibetan restaurants provide warm, satisfying thukpa and steaming bowls of dumplings. From street vendors to upscale dining establishments, the traveller will experience the multifaceted nature of the area and delight in a culinary expedition that epitomises the rich culinary legacy of the area.
Best Time To Visit
Photo:Saptaa1234 / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal months to visit Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary are from October to April when the weather is pleasant and many outdoor activities can be enjoyed. The comfortable daytime highs and cool evenings during this time of year make it perfect for wildlife safaris and nature hikes inside the sanctuary. The Eastern Himalayan region’s picturesque scenery is even more stunning during the post-monsoon months.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Sammykay007 / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost of the Trip
A trip to Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary typically costs between ₹ 3000 and ₹ 6000 per day for budget travellers. This estimate includes accommodation in modest guesthouses or budget hotels, meals at local eateries, and transportation within the region. Entry fees to the sanctuary are minimal, usually ranging from ₹50 to ₹100 per person. Additional expenses may include permits for specific activities like trekking or wildlife photography, which can be obtained locally.
Tips for Travellers
- Since temperatures might drop throughout the year, particularly in the evenings, carry light woollens.
- Obtain the required permits in order to hike or explore the sanctuary’s restricted regions.
- Respect wildlife by staying a safe distance away and abiding by the rules of responsible tourism.
- Buy locally produced goods and crafts to help out the neighbourhood’s businesses.
- To get the most out of your vacation, schedule your activities and be informed about the weather.
Adventurers and nature lovers go to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary because of its unparalleled beauty and abundant biodiversity. Every minute spent in this sanctuary will undoubtedly be communion with nature, whether it’s on a wildlife safari through dense forests or along a tranquil riverbank. Choose TripXL for your next trip to Kannur for flexible holiday packages and a completely hassle-free holiday.
Cover Photo: AJAYSINGH248/ Wikimedia Commons
