Chilapata Forest

Located near the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Chilapata Forest is a lesser-known gem of North Bengal, nestled between the Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve. This dense forest is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a captivating blend of rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and a fascinating history. Chilapata Forest is a wildlife corridor that connects Jaldapara National Park to Buxa Tiger Reserve. It is located on the park’s periphery. There are plenty of wild pigs, leopards, and elephants in Chilapata Forest. Driving from Alipurduar town to Chilapata takes about one hour. The majority of this area is dense jungle, with tracks made of mud and overgrown with plants.

Numerous animals can be found in the forest, including as elephants, leopards, and the critically endangered one-horned rhinoceros. With such a wide variety of bird species, Chilapata is also a bird watcher’s dream come true, offering visitors every opportunity to take in the wild beauty of the outdoors. About 22 species of reptiles, 180 species of birds, and 23 herbivorous and carnivorous mammal species can be found in Chilapata Wildlife Sanctuary.

However, Chilapata is rich in history in addition to its animals. The old ruins of the Nalraja Fort, tucked away deep within the forest, provide the region an enigmatic charm. Visitors can take guided tours through the forest, exploring its lush greenery and historic ruins, all while enjoying the serenity that this off-the-beaten-path destination has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a serene natural getaway, an exciting jeep safari, or a peek into Bengal’s fascinating past, Chilapata Forest has something to offer everyone.

Driving through Chilapata’s extensive jungle paths in the winter is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of its lush forests. The forest also has some uncommon trees, plants, and orchids. The rivers Torsha and Bania, which bring in fresh monsoon alluvial material, nourish this varied flora and wildlife. Surrounded by the jungle, visitors can experience the thrill of both elephant and jeep safaris. For something unique, try a Tonga ride through the scenic Mathura tea garden.

Viewing animals from the watchtowers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiasts. These towers are positioned carefully next to water sources where animals come together to drink. Little salt licks are set up throughout the summer to draw animals to these locations. A watchtower overlooking the Torsha River is one of the must-see spots. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see elephants or rhinos sleeping in the tall grass along the riverbank. The tower is frequently visited by trained elephants, referred to as “Kunki” in the area, but the dense grass also shelters elusive leopards. It’s better to stay away from getting too close to the river or grassy areas, so make sure you have a camera with a strong zoom lens for capturing these moments from a distance.

Mallangi Lodge offers elephant rides, and Kodalbasti’s Chilapata Range offers car safaris. Except from one horned rhinos and Asian elephants. The forest is home to sambar, barking deer, wild boar, hog deer, cheetal, leopard, and monkey. Most of these animals can be seen from the Mendabari watchtower during your wildlife tour.