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Located in the lush hills of the Eastern Himalayas, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest sanctuaries in West Bengal. This sanctuary also offers shelter to the satiated human spirit within its pristine natural surroundings and vast forests full of exotic birds. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit during winter, as visitors can indulge in encountering the local wildlife like deer and other wild animals. There are very few other sanctuaries that provide shelter to the diverse forms of flora and fauna like it does.
Location
Photo: Alexkom000 / Wikimedia Commons
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the district of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, and covers the lower region of the Eastern Himalayas that stretches across 38.6 square kilometres. Located around 11 km from the town of Darjeeling, this sanctuary is popular among locals and tourists for its emerald hills and beautiful Senchal Lake. The place is full of natural beauty and has good connectivity..
Suggested Read: Darjeeling Zoo
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best months to visit Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary are from October to April when the weather is nice and favourable for a variety of outdoor activities. The cool evening temperatures prevailing in these months make them favourable for animal viewing and nature walks in the sanctuary. The months following the monsoon are the times when the Eastern Himalayan region exudes its peak beauty. This is also the time when most of the wildlife comes out to feed in the lush woodlands, and hence, one can see a lot of wildlife during this period.
How To Reach
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
You can reach Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary through either air, road or rail:
By Air: The nearest airport to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is Bagdogra Airport, which is around 70 km from Darjeeling. One can take a cab or a bus from the airport to Darjeeling and then to the sanctuary.
By Road: Darjeeling is very well connected by road with cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, and Gangtok. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from Darjeeling to reach the sanctuary.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is New Jalpaiguri. It has excellent connectivity to major cities across India. From there, one can hire taxis or take buses to reach Darjeeling and further on to the sanctuary.
Suggested Read: Trekking In Darjeeling
Places To Visit In And Around Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Senchal Lake
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Senchal Lake is present in the serene environment of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an artificial reservoir and one of the main water supply points for the town of Darjeeling. It lies in a dense forest with high-altitude meadows, an ideal retreat for nature lovers. The region around the lake is especially famous for picnicking and various hiking routes winding through the lush foliage. Birdwatchers can enjoy seeing a variety of avian species, including migratory birds, during certain seasons. The lake’s serene and peaceful ambience makes it ideal for meditation and relaxation.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free
2. Darjeeling
Photo: Piyush Tripathi / Wikimedia Commons
Darjeeling is located in the eastern Himalayas and is popularly known as the “Queen of the Hills.” It is known for its cool climate that offers relief from the scorching heat of the plains. The town’s attractiveness includes its vast tea estates, which produce the world’s famous Darjeeling tea. One can visit tea farms, learn about processing, and even taste freshly brewed tea. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, often known as the “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage property that provides a lovely trip through the town’s stunning scenery.
Timings: Varies by location
Entry Fee: Varies by location
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3. Tiger Hill
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Tiger Hill lies at a distance of around 11 km from Darjeeling and is one of the famous viewpoints. This place provides a view of a good sunrise with the first ray of the sun touching the peaks of Kanchenjunga, the second-highest peak in the world. It provides an amazing view of Mount Everest on a clear sunny day. The view from Tiger Hill is panoramic. It shows various snow-covered peaks in the Himalayas and is hence famous amongst photographers and wildlife activists. The route to Tiger Hill passes through lush green landscapes and tea gardens, enhancing the overall experience.
Timings: Early morning (best before sunrise)
Entry Fee: Varies; nominal fee for viewpoint
4. Ghoom Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Ghoom Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling which is also called Yiga Choeling Monastery. There is a 15-foot massive statue of Maitreya Buddha, believed to be the Buddha of the future. The insides of this monastery are done very richly with beautiful thangkas, manuscripts, and other religious artefacts. The monastery provides a peaceful space for visitors who are on a visit for quiet exhortation. A panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys adds to the tranquil façade of the monastery.
Timings: 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
Where To Stay
Photo: Joydeep / Wikimedia Commons
There are accommodations available near Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary to meet every budget and preference. Darjeeling, a bustling town, offers everything from low-cost hotels with necessary amenities to deluxe resorts that provide a peaceful haven. Nearby villages such as Kurseong and Mirik have excellent accommodations with views of rolling hills and verdant tea gardens. Whether visiting the bustling metropolis of Darjeeling or the quiet hills surrounding it, all options provide superb lodging to supplement their itinerary.
Where To Eat
Photo: Chan Walrus / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Local eateries in Darjeeling include traditional Bengali dishes like fish curry and rice, while North Indian restaurants offer some biryanis and kebabs. To experience the Himalayan influence, visit Tibetan restaurants for warm, hearty thukpa (noodle soup) and steamed momos. For culinary enthusiasts, the food tour would be a showcase of the region’s traditional richness and unique flavours, from basic street vendors to high-end dining establishments.
Suggested Read: Best Food In Darjeeling
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Atudu / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost of the Trip
A trip to Senchal 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. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary ticket price is minimal, usually ranging from ₹50 to ₹100 per person. Additional expenses may include permits for specific activities like trekking or wildlife photography.
Tips for Travellers
- Travel light with some light woollens, as the temperatures can take a dip, and it can be very cold at night.
- Please obtain permits before you set out trekking or to visit restricted parts of the sanctuary.
- Admire wildlife whilst keeping a safe distance and being responsible for the ecosystem.
- Don’t hesitate to shop at local stores as this will provide you with products made locally and will support their business.
- Check with the authorities for capturing Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary photos for your memories.
Landscape beauty and rich flora and fauna draw endless adventurers and nature lovers to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary allows one to stick with nature every moment, whether that moment is a wildlife safari amidst an evergreen forest or taking a stroll along the cool shores of a lake. Plan to visit this place with Trip XL and get end-to-end packages to have a completely seamless holiday.
Cover Photo: Dibyendu Ash / Wikimedia Commons
