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Explore the wildlife of West Bengal with the list of the best wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal here. Famous for its varied geographical location with dense forest, diverse wildlife, and different species of plants and animals, West Bengal is a paradise for those interested in natural beauty. Whether you are an avian enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or an adventure lover you are ready to attend these sanctuaries. The wildlife sanctuaries of West Bengal offer shelter for not only wildlife but also for human beings who wish for solitude as well as adventurous journeys.
10 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries In West Bengal
Wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal are the gateway to the nature lover, wildlife, and some of the unseen treasures of West Bengal. Check out these ten sanctuaries!
1. Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Witness the natural bosom of Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary well known for the climax forest as well as wide fauna. Located in the district of Hooghly, it provides shelter to elephants and deer among other animals. This sanctuary can be explored on foot with several tracks to choose from and is ideal for nature and bird watching. In the same area, visitors can get to walk around and be ready to meet different kinds of plants and animals. As for the best time to travel, it is better to do it from November until February, so actually it is a beautiful opportunity to escape to nature.
Major Attractions: Elephants, deer, birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata
Location: Hooghly district
2. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh / Wikimedia Commons
Sitting at the foot of the Eastern Himalayas, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary has numerous Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Largest in the area and occupying an expansive piece of grasslands that are sliced by forests along water sources, this sanctuary is the best destination for wildlife lovers. The sanctuary also has elephants, bison, leopards, and hundreds of birds other than the preserved and protected rhinos; the sanctuary has the rare Bengal florican. Although wild jeep rides and elephant back tours make it easier to view the animals up close, jungle safaris are always exciting.
Major Attractions: Indian one-horned rhinoceros, jungle safari
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Location: Alipurduar district
3. Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Pawan Dhall / Wikimedia Commons
Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its thick growth of trees and wild animals like tigers, leopards, etc along with other varieties to stay safe. This fact makes it a perfect place to practice trekking and observation of the local wildlife. The arriving visitors can take nature walks and even tour the bird-watching sites with easy on-the-eyes scenery. Blessed with a teeming green cover and many micro-ecosystems, it is a veritable delight for nature lovers.
Major Attractions: Tigers, leopards, trekking
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Nearest Railway Station: Alipurduar Junction
Location: Alipurduar district.
4. Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Scott Carroll / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a relatively unknown area that offers total serenity and a total number of fauna and flora that is uncommon to many tourists. It is home to all kinds of birds and is fringed with mangrove woods. As a bird watcher and hikes who are in need of solitude this sanctuary will be perfect for them. In this case, we get clear peaceful water plus a variety of growths to enhance on exploration of the area thereby making it a good place to escape in the wilds.
Major Attractions: Birdwatching, mangrove ecosystems
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata
Location: North 24 Parganas district.
5. Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Anilmix.wikimedia.nepal / Wikimedia Commons
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most picturesque wildlife centres, having numerous natural and exotic beauties. This is one of the sanctuaries that has a beautiful lake, and you will be awarded with several types of bird species. People can take a canoe and radio boat services and walk along natural and scenic pathways while admiring natural and ecological resources. Understandably, JorePokhri guests of the Nepal wildlife are peaceful and gainful, perfect for those who want to be at one with nature.
Major Attractions: Bird species, lake, nature trails
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Location: Jalpaiguri district.
6. Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Katerina Bartosova / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Holiday Island Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Sundarban region is an admirable place of Universal Geographic importance for its beautiful diversification and scenic locations. This sanctuary provides opportunities for sighting and graphing for different types of wild animals, and sample vegetation inhabitants like spotted deer and migratory birds. As for nature, Tourism is also another important factor; it makes visitors experience the natural beauty rather than visiting the region. It is a perfect environment for tourists to enjoy environmental conservation as well as leisure.
Major Attractions: Spotted deer, migratory birds
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Location: South 24 Parganas district.
7. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sagardeep Sen / Wikimedia Commons
Just next to Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the state. Rich in elephant and gaur or Indian bison, the park offers a prolific variety of birds that make it a bird lover’s paradise. This sanctuary contains beautiful views of the eastern Himalayas and the ambience of the location is serene making it a getaway from the bustle and buzz of cities.
Major Attractions: Elephants, Indian bison, birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Nearest Railway Station: Chalsa
Location: Jalpaiguri district
8. Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Arky1993 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Bolpur subdivision near Shantiniketan, the Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary is alternatively called Deer Park. It affords habitat to chital and blackbucks and is a favourite tourist spot for picnicking and day’s outings. Furthermore, it is located near the Shantiniketan about which travellers have heard a lot, and thus, visiting the park, one can complement the tour by viewing works of art and museums, and rich in touch with nature.
Major Attractions: Chital, blackbucks, picnic spot
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Location: Birbhum district
9. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Saptaa1234 / Wikimedia Commons
Located between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers, people can find Bengal tigers, Himalayan black bears, leopards, or birds of migration. The sanctuary also provides several trekking trails for those who want an active break in lovely scenery. Some of them include; those who want to tour the hills and river valleys and admire wildlife in its natural setting. Thick forests, plains, and short-grass regions in the sanctuary afford different territories to a host of species.
Major Attractions: Bengal tigers, trekking trails, river valleys
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Location: Darjeeling district
10. Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Originally known as the Bethuadahari Wildlife Preservation Centre near Kolkata, it provides habitat to spotted deer, pythons, peacocks, and other autochthonous animals. Contrary to those larger sanctuaries that this list has included, it is a relatively small piece of land that offers a great opportunity to find solace from the noises and lights of the city with some beautiful trees and various forms of wildlife. A visitor can also walk along trails that are outlined, observe diverse vegetation and animal species, and take a majestic picture of the sanctuary.
Major Attractions: Spotted deer, pythons, peacocks
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Nearest Railway Station: Bethuadahari
Location: Nadia district
The wildlife of West Bengal is very rich and many wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal attract tourists who are nature lovers and adventurers. Owning grassland, deciduous, coniferous, and even wetlands these sanctuaries provide a home to diverse wildlife and that is why they are best suited for eco-tourism. After reading this article, you are aware of the wildlife sanctuaries located in West Bengal. Book a trip with TripXL to explore the world of wildlife, and nature up close!
Cover Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
