South Khayerbari is famous for Tiger and Leopard Rescue Center

South Khayerbari is famous for Tiger and Leopard Rescue Center located around 10 kilometers from Madarihat. During the ban of using wild animals in circuses around 11 tigers were rescued and kept at Khayerbari. The tigers were rescued from Olympic circus in Hooghly district and were initially kept at Hollong and later shifted to Khayerbari Rescue Center. The center comprises of 5 units each consisting of 3 cells which are capable of accommodating 15 tigers at the most. The forest officials are of the opinion that this is a unique endeavor in the entire north east to rescue and rehabilitate tigers and leopards which were used in circuses.

Attractions in South Khayerbari

inside-leopard-safari-park-at-south-khayerbari-nature-parkTourists will also find cubs and grown up leopards which were rescued from illicit animal smugglers on the hills. They are providing rehab facility to all the animals suffering from various kinds of torture and danger. There are 18 leopards in this center. The environment of the place is serene and tourists will find it interesting to watch the animals enjoying themselves in their home. River Buri Torsha flows through the forest which can be spotted by tourists on jeep safari.

How to reach South Khayerbari Tiger and Leopard Rescue Center

South Khayerbari Tiger and Leopard Rescue Center can be reached by train, road or air service. Tourists will have to get down at Hasimara and travel to Madarihat which is 12 kilometers from the Hasimara station to arrive at South Khayerbari. You can reach the center by car through NH-31 which connects entire forests of Dooars to Kolkata metro city in West Bengal and also to Guwahati in Assam. Alternatively, if you are traveling by air, then Bagdogra is the nearest airport from where you can hire cars, taxis and even buses to arrive at Madarihat and finally reach South Khayerbari.

Accomodation in South Khayerbari

3 forest cottages are available for the tourists to stay near South Khayerbari Rescue Center. All of these cottages are set up on the bank of Buri Torsha River and food is served inside the cottage only. You must book the cottages from West Bengal Forest Development Offices before visit.

An amazing tiger and leopard safari will take you through the forest where you will be able to spot the majestic animals busy in their lives. The highlight of this safari is that you can see these animals up close. Apart from the safari, you can also visit the forests nearby like Chilapata, Buxa Tiger Reserve, and Jaldapara. Boating on the River Buri Torsha is also available inside the rescue center.

Photo Courtesy: longjourney.in, flickr/jaybee50

 

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Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary at a distance of 34 kms from Alipurduar

Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary is located on the foothill of Sintura Range of the Eastern Himalayas. It falls in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal and is basically a marshland or swamp which is famous for birds. The place is flocked by a large variety of birds and is therefore known as a bird sanctuary. It is spread across an area of 175 hector and also includes Aviary & Tortoise rescue center, python house, leopard house, crocodile rehabilitation center and deer park. The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year and is at a distance of 34 kilometers from Alipurduar; 45 kilometers from Cooch Behar and 212 kilometers from Siliguri.

How to reach Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary

Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary can be approached by road, air and rail. If you are traveling by your own vehicle then National Highway is the connector for you to reach either Alipurduar or Cooch Behar. Otherwise, government buses of Bhutan, North Bengal State Transport and private buses and taxis are available to arrive at Rasikbil. If you take the bus from Cooch Behar then you will arrive at Rasikbil within 2 hours via Toofanganj. Alternatively, disembark at Kamaskshaguri station which is only 6 kilometers from Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary. Other than this particular station, you can get off at New Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar station as well and hire cabs from there. Flight travelers will arrive at Bagdogra airport and hire cars/taxis to arrive at Rasikbil.

Accommodation in Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary

Rasikbil Nature Resort maintained by the forest development corporation of West Bengal is the best place to stay. It offers cottages and dormitory accommodation facilities. The rate is 900 INR and you must reserve the place prior to your arrival. Food is also available here and the price is included in the rent.

Attractions in Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary

birds-spotted-in-rasikbil-coochbehar-west-bengalRasikbil Bird Sanctuary offers a serene environment to the visitors. Expect for the chirping of birds which will ring like music in your ears no other sound will disturb the blissful peace. Both local and migratory birds can be viewed at Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary. Usually birds like ibis, kingfisher, owl, storks of different verities, cormorants and spoonbill can be found in and around the lake. Apart from these famous water birds like Wigeon duck, Grey Headed Lapwing, Shoveler, Pintail, Red Crested Pochard, Lesser Whistling Teal, White Eyed Pochard and Common Teal can also be spotted here. This is a bird lover’s heaven and you must be ready with your camera.

Apart from bird watching you can also visit the Cooch Behar Palace and Madan Mohan Temple and also Alipurduar and Buxa Tiger Reserve which is a short drive away.

Photo Courtesy: Flickr/Snehasis Sinha, dooarsecoviillege.blogspot.in

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Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary covers an extensive area of 216 square kms

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the Eastern Himalayan foothills in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal.  It covers an extensive area of 216 square kilometers and is a maze of grasslands, perennial streams, woods, extensive belts of tall grass and sandy river banks. The beauty of the forest lies in the fact that it is home to an amazingly wide variety of flora and fauna with some endangered species. The one horned rhinoceros in particular is the most famed one inhabiting the forest. Jaldapara was declared to be a wildlife sanctuary in 1914 to preserve the diverse flora and fauna of this land. Rivers Torsha, Malangi, Kalijhora, Sissmara and Chirakhawa have created banks along which the wildlife sustains itself.

How to reach Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by air, road and railway. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 145 kilometers away from Jaldapara. You have to reach Siliguri which is only 13 kilometers from Bagdogra by arranging a car or hiring a taxi. Alternatively, you can take the train to arrive at New Jalpaiguri Junction which is the major station in North Bengal. However, you can also arrive at Madarihat, Birpara/Hasimpara to reach the sanctuary which is 7 and 20 kilometers from the respective stations. If you are traveling by car, then it’s a drive through the NH-31 and once you reach Siliguri it is only 3 hours drive from there. Madarihat is the entry point of the sanctuary public buses of North Bengal and Bhutan ply on the Alipurduar route via Madarihat to reach the sanctuary.

Accommodation in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Accommodation facilities are a plenty in and around Jaldapara. Aranya Bhawan is the Jaldapara holiday home located in Madarihat. It is only 1.5 kilometers from the main entrance of Jaldapara and on a clear day you can see the majestic Kanchenjunga from here. It offers 1 double bed room and 2- 4 bedrooms with modern amenities. The double bedroom costs 1200 INR while the 4 bedrooms cost 1800 INR. Food at the restaurant costs 350-400 INR. The Hollong Tourist Lodge enjoys a central location with the forest which is thrilling. There are 5 double bedrooms priced at 2500 INR. This is the most preferred accommodation for adventurous tourists. The Jaldapara Tourist Lodge is situated in front of the main gate. They offer 5 double bedrooms divided into cottages and a suite priced at 2500 INR. Food is provided inside the lodge.

Attraction and activities in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is most famous for Asiatic one horned rhinos and you will spot many while you explore the forest on elephant back. Other animals found here include barking deer, tigers, elephants, sambhar, wild boars, bisons and hog deer. This place is a bird watcher’s paradise since it offers the greatest variety of birds in Bengal. Birds like Hornbill, Racket-Tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Fycatcher, Green Pigeons, Doves, Bee-eaters, Rollers, Hoopoe, Shrikes, Bengal Florican, Black partridge, Shaheen Falcon, Great Pied Hornbills, Forest Eagle Owl, Large Green billed Malkoha and White Rumped Vulture are spotted here.

Some other places of interest include Totapara, Chilapata, Khayerbari, Gorumara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve and Bhutan Ghaat.

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Sikia Jhora is a rivulet flowing through the famous Buxa Tiger Reserve

Sikia Jhora is a rivulet flowing through the famous Buxa Tiger Reserve surrounded by Damanpur Range. Sikia Jhora stream can be found in North Panialguri in Alipurduar subdivision. Taking into account the eco village tourism development initiative and the increasing number of tourists flocking the region, government had built a dam and an embankment along the stream a few years back. Sikia Jhora is one of the major tourist highlights apart from the tigers inside the Buxa reserve. Boating is allowed on the brooke and it also a famous bird watching spot. However, the rivulet swells up during rainy season and hence it is not a good idea to visit the place during monsoons.

How to reach Sikia Jhora

Sikia Jhora is well connected with the other parts of the country through air, road and rail. Several trains from metro cities arrive at New Alipurduar station or the New Jalpaiguri junction from where you can hire taxis to arrive at the spot. Kamrup and Saraighata are some of the express trains of the region. Buses also ply between Alipurduar and Sikia Jhora. Bagdogra is the nearest airport. Alternatively, if you are traveling in your own car, then Buxa is only 25 kilometers from Rajabhatkhawa which is at a short distance from Alipurduar.

Accomodation in Sikia Jhora

Both homestays and government bungalows are available for tourists at various spots in and around the Buxa Tiger Reserve. South Ridak, Raimatung, Jayanti and Kumargram are some of the places where you can stay and go on a day’s visit to Sikia Jhora.

Attractions & Activities in Sikia Jhora

This beautiful tourist destination is maintained by the eco tourism development committee constituting local villagers. They take care of the tourists visiting the region. Opposite to Sikia Jhora is the Kalkut forest which is also a popular picnic spot. Jaydevpur, Sahibbandh and Hatipota are some more picnic spots being developed close by for tourists. There is also a watchtower from where you can view the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

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