Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
| Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary জলদাপাড়া অভয়ারণ্য | |
| — wildlife sanctuary — | |
 | |
   Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary জলদাপাড়া অভয়ারণ্য জলদাপাড়া অভয়ারণ্য in West Bengal and India | |
| Country | India |
| State | West Bengal |
| District(s) | Jalpaiguri |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area | • 0 metres (0 ft) |
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protect park situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protect park situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal and on the bank of river Torsa and have an area of 141 km² and altitude of 61 m. Jaldapara, the vast grassland with patches of riverine forests was declared a sanctuary in 1941 for protection of the great variety flora and fauna, particularly the one-horned rhinoceros, an animal threatened with extinction.
The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The main attraction of the sanctuary is Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros. The sanctuary holds the maximum number of rhinos population in India after Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The other animals consists of Royal Bengal Tigers,elephants, deers, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer and hog deer, wild pig, bisons. Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers. It is one of the very few places in India, where the Bengal Florican is sighted. The other birds to be found here are the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle and shikra, besides Jungle fowl, peafowl, patridges, Bengal Florican and lesser Pied Hornbill. Python, monitor lizards, kraits, cobras, geckos and about 8 species of fresh water turtles have also found sanctuary here. Many of the animals are endangered like - the Asiatic one-horned rhino and elephants in Jaldapara sanctuary
Flora and fauna
Park activities
The park opens to visitors throughout the year except from 15 June until 14 September. During the period from October to May, and particularly March and April, new grass starts growing.
- An adventurous elephant ride in the morning will take you deep inside the grassland for the real excitement. The sights of rhino in a muddy pond, the herd of elephants or the running deer are the thrilling experiences in Jaldapara.
- Totopara: Adjacent to the sanctuary is another major attraction for those interested in ethnic tourism. Totopara is the only settlement for the Toto tribe, one of the most endangered ethnic communities in the world. Their numbers are now reduced to a mere thousand. Lots of initiatives have been taken by governmental and non-governmental agencies for the improvement of their living conditions. However, to live with them and to observe their traditional culture can still be a precious experience.
- Hidden deep inside the Chilapata Forests the ruins of a thousand years old fort of Nal King has a tremendous historical and archeological importance. The ruins consist of a broken wall and a broken gate of the fort. Built in the 5th century during the Gupta Empire the ruins still recall the memories of the Golden Age. Because the site is not maintained properly, it has now become a playground for leopards, snakes and other animals. However, digging up the ruins to extract the unheard tunes of the past might destroy the present ecological balance of the forest. It is wise to leave it to the competent authorities to decide whether we should compromise the present and the future to gather the wisdom of the past. The forest also contains a unique tree that "bleeds" like humans. The fluid that comes out is blood-like in color and density. A stand of the trees is located just few meters outside the broken gate of the old fort. According to the locals of that area these trees are 100–200 years old and are not found anywhere in the world. These trees are only a few in number and are yet to be given a botanical name.
- Car Safari in the park is also available.
- Reserve cars are available from Kings Travels,Siliguri-6 dial-098304-28401/ 093319-39486
Attractions
Gorumara National Park:
This park is located at a distance of around 62 km from the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary. This national park is a perfect place for the one who wish to have some extra taste of wildlife as this park offers amazing opportunities for bird watching.
Buxa Tiger Reserve
Buxa NPLocation West Bengal, India Nearest city Alipurduar Coordinates 26°39′0″N 89°34′48″E Area 760 km². Established 1983 Governing body Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India
The Buxa National Park (Bengali: বক্সা জাতীয় উদ্যান Bôksha Jatio Uddan) is a national park located in West Bengal, India, in the Buxa hills of the southern hilly area of Bhutan. Located inside the national park is the 760 km² Buxa Tiger Reserve. Animals found in the park include, the tiger,civet and red jungle fowl
Location
Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) lies in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the Eastern boundary touches that of the Assam State. National Highway No.31 C roughly runs along its southern boundary. It is the eastern most extension of extreme bio-diverse North-East India & represents highly endemic Indo-Malayan region. The fragile "Terai Eco-System" constitutes a part of this Reserve. The Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to North of BTR. Manas National Park lies on east of BTR. BTR, thus, serves as international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. To the south-west, the Chilapata Forests form an elephant corridor to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve encompasses as many as eight forest types.
Conservation history
Buxa Tiger Reserve created in 1983 as the 15th tiger reserve. In 1986, Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted over 314.52 km² of the Reserve forests. In the year 1991, 54.47 km² area was added to Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. A year later, in 1992, Government of West Bengal declared its intentions to constitute a National Park over 117.10 km² of the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. State Government finally declared National Park vide notification No.3403-For/11B-6/95 dt. 05.12.1997. [3]
Archaeology
The historic Buxa Fort (2,600 feet / 790 metres above m.s.l.). People have sentimental attachment with the fort on accounts of its association with the struggle for freedom. Once Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was confined inside the fort. A sacred temple – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - lies in BTR. Around 10,000 devotees of Lord Shiva congregate here on "Shiva Chouturdoshi".
Forest types
- Northern Dry Deciduous
- Eastern Bhabar and Terai Sal
- East Himalayan Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
- Sub-Himalayan Secondary Wet Mixed Forest
- Eastern Sub-Montane Semi-evergreen Forest
- Northern Tropical Evergreen Forest
- East Himalayan Subtropical Wet Hill Forest
- Moist Sal Savannah
- Low alluvium
- Savannah Woodland
Flora and Fauna
Flora
More than 300 species of trees, 250 species of shrubs, 400 species of herbs, 9 species of cane, 10 species of bamboo, 150 species of orchids, 100 species of grass and 130 species of aquatic flora including more than 70 sedges (Cyperaceae) have been identified so far. There are more than 160 species of other monocotyledons and ferns. The main species constitutes trees like Sal, Champ,Gamar, Simul, Chikrasi. [3]
Fauna
The main species include Asian Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Wild boar, Sambar .In the Reserve more than 284 species of birds [1], 73 species of mammals, 76 species of snakes, 5 species of amphibians have been identified so far. In a recent survey (2006) it has been found that Buxa Tiger Reserve has the highest number of fish species in the North Bengal region. Apart from tigers animals like Elephants, bears, civets, giant squirrel, Gaur, Chital, clouded leopard, wild Buffaloes, antelope and snakes including the Regal Python are found here. [2]About 230 species of birds and innumerable butterflies add colour to the forest. The rivers of Raidak and Jayantiwhich flow through the forest and the Narathali lake are home to migratory birds as well as endemic ones which abound the place. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders,Red-stars, Wagtails, the rare black necked crane, migratory common teal, black stork, Large Whistling Teal,Minivets, White Eyed Poachared are some of the bird species sighted here. Two new species of frog have been discovered in the park in the year 2006. [3]
Endangered species
Some of the endangered species found in BTR are Indian Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard cat, Bengal Florican,Regal Python, Chinese Pangolin, Hispid hare[4], Hog deer [2] [3] Lesser Adjutant "Leptoptilos javanicus", White-rumped Vulture "Gyps bengalensis", Slender-billed Vulture "Gyps tenuirostris", Chestnut-breasted Partridge "Arborophila mandellii", Rufous necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis "Ferruginous", Pochard "Aythya nyroca" and Great Hornbill "Buceros bicornis".[1]
Threats to the Reserve
- Most rivers enter BTR from Bhutan. They carry huge amount of bed load. They obliterate beds of BTR rivers. Flooding is frequent. Critical habitats are lost.
- Over one lakh cattle graze in the Reserve daily. Weeds, unpalatable grasses and shrubs have invaded the over grazed areas.
- Hilly, Bhabhar and riverine tracts of core suffer from fire. Generally Non Timber Forest Produce collectors and shepherds put forests on fire. [1]
- No frequent poaching cases. Tribal population in tea gardens poach small mammals during Holi festival illicitly as part of ritual hunting.
- Bodo militants from Assam occasionally enter core. Timber thieves operate in the area.
- Five forest hamlets in hilly tract viz. Adma, Chunabhati, Santrabari, Tobgaon and Tashigaon have some encroachments by way of unauthorised Orange Orchards.
Park activities
Trekking
Buxa (2,600 ft) is a two hour trek through picturesque surroundings from Santlabari, the starting point. The Buxa Duar fort here was used as a prison by the British, because of its remoteness. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned here. After independence, it served as a refugee camp for Tibetans and Bangladeshis. There is a 4 km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4,500 ft/1,400 m) or a 14 km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan from Bhutan. From Buxa, one can also take the 13 km trek to Jayanti through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal cave at Jayanti. Another entry point Rajabhatkhawa (17 km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue centre and a nature interpretation centre.
Park safari
One can have a park safari by car or jeep by taking permission from the Forest Office at Rajabhatkhawa or at Jayanti. Reserve cars are available from Kings Travels, Dial-098304-28401/ 093319-39486
Other
You can visit “Pukri Mai”, a small sacred pond situated inside the park where fishes like Magur and Singiand Turtles are kept. Festivals are held at certain time of the year by both Buddhist and Hindus and local tribals.
Lodging
There are forest rest houses of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation at Rajabhatkhawa, Nimati, Barobisha, Raidak, Raimatang, Bhutanghat, Buxaduar and Jayanti at the banks of the river Jayanthi nestled between mountains and thick forests.
Approach
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra – 195 km away
Nearest Rail Station: Alipurduar Junction / New Alipurduar – 17 km
Nearest Town/ City: Alipurduar – 17 km
By Road: NH 31 is the main highway. One can hire a car from Alipurduar.
Gorumara National Park
The park is 79.99 km² in area.Climate: The temperature ranges from 10 to 21 degrees C from November to February, 24 to 27 degrees C from March to April and 27 to 37 degrees C from May to October. Rainfall mostly occurs between mid-May to mid-October and average annual rainfall is 382 mm.Natural history
Biomes
The park falls in the Indomalaya ecozone. Inside the park, the primary biomes corresponding to the ecozone are:- Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands of the Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome
- Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests of the Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome
Flora
Typical flora include:- Sal forests with Common Teak, Rain Tree (Shirish or Albizia lebbeck), and Silk Cotton (Shimul or Bombax malabaricum) trees
- Bamboo groves, Terai grassland vegetation and tropical riverine reeds
Gorumara is home to numerous tropical orchids.
Fauna
The park has recorded fifty species of mammals, 193 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, 27 species of fishes and other macro and micro fauna.Mammals: The Park is rich in large herbivores including Indian Rhinoceros, Gaur, Asian Elephant, Sloth bear, Chital, and Sambar Deer. Small herbivores include Barking deer, Hog deer and Wild boar. There is a comparative lack of large carnivores, with the only big cat being the Leopard. The park is not home to any resident population of Bengal Tigers, Indian Wild Dogs or Indian Wolf. Tigers are, however, occasionally spotted here. It does have numerous small carnivores including various civets, mongooses and small cats. The park has a large resident population of Wild boar, but the critically endangered Pygmy Hog has been reported from the park. It also has numerous rodents, including Giant Squirrels. The rare Hispid Hare has also been reported from the park.Birds: Gorumara National Park is famous for its bird population - which includes brilliant submontane forest birds like the Scarlet Minivet, Sunbird, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo andGreat Indian Hornbill. Numerous woodpeckers and pheasants inhabit the park. Peafowls are very common. The park is on the flyway of numerous migratory birds, including the rare Brahminy Duck.Reptiles and amphibians: The park is home to a large number of snakes, venomous and non-venomous, including the Indian Python, one of the largest snakes in the world, and the King Cobra - the world's largest venomous snake.
Conservation issues
The major conservation focus of the park is to maintain a viable breeding community of Indian Rhinoceroses. However, the lack of large predators has caused significantly worrying skews in the populations of large herbivores in the park. The rhinoceros male:female ratio, usually 1:3, shot up to 1:1 - resulting in male dominance fights and deaths. The Gaur population also doubled in recent years, with risk of overgrazing.Poaching was a major issue in the park in the 1970s and 1980s, but now Gorumara is one of the parks least threatened by poaching, with well-equipped rangers and with villagers benefiting from park visitors. However, grazing from fringe villages, and man-made brush fires are major issues at the park.A recent issue at the park is the increasing number of train accidents involving elephants on railway lines near the park. Three elephants were killed in separate incidents on the same day in May 2006 in train mishaps. Indian Railways and park authorities are presently trying to address the problem. [1]
Park-specific information
Activities
The best way to watch wildlife at the park is to use powerful binoculars, with night vision facilities at night, from the numerous well-located watchtowers at the park. The watchtowers are:- Jatraprasad Watch Tower: Named after a legendary elephant
- Rhino Observation Point: Watch tower in front of the Gorumara forest bungalow
- Chandrachur Watch Tower (Old Khunia Watch Tower): Near the Murti forest bungalow
- Chukchuki Bird-watching Point: Good for birding
There are no ranger-led or otherwise four-wheel drive vehicle or elephant-back forays into the jungle. Hiking is permitted on metalled roads, but is slightly unsafe considering the population of elephants, gaur and rhinoceros present in the park. The park is closed in the Monsoon season from 16 June to 15 September. The best time to visit Gorumara is from November to March.One can also visit the adjoining forest villages to get acquainted with the lifestyle and culture of the villagers. A live show of the ethnic tribal dance can be seen every evening in Budhuram Forest Village.One can visit the Lataguri Nature Interpretation Centre for an interpretive exhibit of the local natural history.
Lodging
The park forest bungalow is an old wooden rustic cottage which has a watchtower overlooking the salt reservoir.Accommodations are also available in River Wood Forest Retreats, a 4 star resort overlooking the Gorumara national park and Murti River www.riverwoodretreat.com and at Gorumara Elephant Camp atDhupjhora. One can stay in newly constructed cottages in the Kalipur village at the fringe of Gorumara built by the State Forest Department.
Approach
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal about 80 km away
- Nearest railhead: Broad gauge: Chalsa, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal is 18 km. from the park. Important railstations: New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar
- Nearest highway: NH 31 between Siliguri and Guwahati passes over Lataguri, the entrance to the park.
- Nearest town: The town of Lataguri is 8 km from the park’s entrance.
- Nearest city: The city of Jalpaiguri is 52 km to the South of the park.
Reserve cars available for Gorumara National Park from Kings Travels, dial-098304-28401/ 093319-39486.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Chapramari Wildlife Reserve is close to the Gorumara National Park. Chapramari is about 30 km from Chalsa and Lataguri in West Bengal, India.A huge variety of flora and fauna covers the forests. Chapramari is famous for its elephant population.Gaur (commonly known as Indian Bison) is quite common around this region. Albeit few in number, the forests are also home of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Different other varieties of deer, reptiles and other animals can be easily seen around here. The place is a heaven for bird watchers.Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Location and History
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It comes under Darjeeling Wildlife division and can be reached from Siliguri in 30 minutes. Sukna, the gateway to the sanctuary, is only 13 km from Siliguri and 28 km from Bagdogra airport. The sanctuary sprawls over 159 km² of reserve forest and was started as a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1959, it got the status of a sanctuary mainly to protect the Indian bisonand Royal Bengal Tiger, which were facing the threat of extinction.
Geography and Animal Species
The forest type in Mahananda WLS varies from riverain forests like Khayer-Sisoo to dense mixed-wet forest in the higher elevation in 'Latpanchar' area ofKurseong hills. The variation in altitude and forest types helps the existence of a large number of species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The important mammalian species include Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian elephants, Indian bison, chital (spotted deer), barking deer, sambar, Rhesus monkey, many species of lesser cat like fishing cat and jungle cat, Himalayan black bear, leopard including clouded leopard, and many other smaller animals like rare mountain goat (Serow), porcupines, snakes, etc. The sanctuary also holds hundreds of feathered species. The exciting list includes some very endangered species like fairy-bluebird and Himalayan pied hornbill. Among the others swallow, swift, thrush, babbler, warbler, roller, minivet and sunbirdcan be found in abundance.
Park Activities
The sanctuary is an ideal place for wildlife lovers. Several glades, hides and watchtowers have been created near natural saltlicks and streams to invite wild animals. The railway cabin in the abandoned Gulma station inside the core area of the sanctuary has been converted into a watchtower. The tower is located besides the Gulma river and is an ideal place for wildlife viewing. There are a number of rest houses in the sanctuary, including two in Sukna and arguably the best one in Latpanchar.[2]Latpanchar: At 4000 ft above sea level, Latpanchar is the highest place in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. It is 44 km from Siliguri and can be reached by a 13-km drive from Kalijhora on the Siliguri-Gangtok national highway.
Buxa Tiger Reserve
 Buxa NP | |
| Location | West Bengal, India |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Alipurduar |
| Coordinates | 26°39′0″N 89°34′48″E |
| Area | 760 km². |
| Established | 1983 |
| Governing body | Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India |
Location
Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) lies in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the Eastern boundary touches that of the Assam State. National Highway No.31 C roughly runs along its southern boundary. It is the eastern most extension of extreme bio-diverse North-East India & represents highly endemic Indo-Malayan region. The fragile "Terai Eco-System" constitutes a part of this Reserve. The Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to North of BTR. Manas National Park lies on east of BTR. BTR, thus, serves as international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. To the south-west, the Chilapata Forests form an elephant corridor to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve encompasses as many as eight forest types.
Conservation history
Buxa Tiger Reserve created in 1983 as the 15th tiger reserve. In 1986, Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted over 314.52 km² of the Reserve forests. In the year 1991, 54.47 km² area was added to Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. A year later, in 1992, Government of West Bengal declared its intentions to constitute a National Park over 117.10 km² of the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. State Government finally declared National Park vide notification No.3403-For/11B-6/95 dt. 05.12.1997. [3]
Archaeology
The historic Buxa Fort (2,600 feet / 790 metres above m.s.l.). People have sentimental attachment with the fort on accounts of its association with the struggle for freedom. Once Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was confined inside the fort. A sacred temple – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - lies in BTR. Around 10,000 devotees of Lord Shiva congregate here on "Shiva Chouturdoshi".
Forest types
- Northern Dry Deciduous
- Eastern Bhabar and Terai Sal
- East Himalayan Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
- Sub-Himalayan Secondary Wet Mixed Forest
- Eastern Sub-Montane Semi-evergreen Forest
- Northern Tropical Evergreen Forest
- East Himalayan Subtropical Wet Hill Forest
- Moist Sal Savannah
- Low alluvium
- Savannah Woodland
Flora and Fauna
Flora
More than 300 species of trees, 250 species of shrubs, 400 species of herbs, 9 species of cane, 10 species of bamboo, 150 species of orchids, 100 species of grass and 130 species of aquatic flora including more than 70 sedges (Cyperaceae) have been identified so far. There are more than 160 species of other monocotyledons and ferns. The main species constitutes trees like Sal, Champ,Gamar, Simul, Chikrasi. [3]
Fauna
The main species include Asian Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Wild boar, Sambar .
_at_Jayanti,_Duars,_WB_W_Picture_333.jpg)
In the Reserve more than 284 species of birds [1], 73 species of mammals, 76 species of snakes, 5 species of amphibians have been identified so far. In a recent survey (2006) it has been found that Buxa Tiger Reserve has the highest number of fish species in the North Bengal region. Apart from tigers animals like Elephants, bears, civets, giant squirrel, Gaur, Chital, clouded leopard, wild Buffaloes, antelope and snakes including the Regal Python are found here. [2]
_at_23_Mile_near_Jayanti,_Duars,_West_Bengal_W_IMG_5877.jpg)
About 230 species of birds and innumerable butterflies add colour to the forest. The rivers of Raidak and Jayantiwhich flow through the forest and the Narathali lake are home to migratory birds as well as endemic ones which abound the place. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders,Red-stars, Wagtails, the rare black necked crane, migratory common teal, black stork, Large Whistling Teal,Minivets, White Eyed Poachared are some of the bird species sighted here. Two new species of frog have been discovered in the park in the year 2006. [3]
Endangered species
Some of the endangered species found in BTR are Indian Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard cat, Bengal Florican,Regal Python, Chinese Pangolin, Hispid hare[4], Hog deer [2] [3] Lesser Adjutant "Leptoptilos javanicus", White-rumped Vulture "Gyps bengalensis", Slender-billed Vulture "Gyps tenuirostris", Chestnut-breasted Partridge "Arborophila mandellii", Rufous necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis "Ferruginous", Pochard "Aythya nyroca" and Great Hornbill "Buceros bicornis".[1]
_on_Coffea_benghalensis_at_Jayanti,_Duars,_West_Bengal_W2_Picture_085.jpg)
_at_23_Mile_near_Jayanti,_Duars,_West_Bengal_W_IMG_5861.jpg)
-_pandoo_race-_Female_at_Jayanti,_Duars,_West_Bengal_W_IMG_5808.jpg)
_on_a_Kamala_(Mallotus_philipensis)_tree_W_Picture_145.jpg)
Threats to the Reserve
- Most rivers enter BTR from Bhutan. They carry huge amount of bed load. They obliterate beds of BTR rivers. Flooding is frequent. Critical habitats are lost.
- Over one lakh cattle graze in the Reserve daily. Weeds, unpalatable grasses and shrubs have invaded the over grazed areas.
- Hilly, Bhabhar and riverine tracts of core suffer from fire. Generally Non Timber Forest Produce collectors and shepherds put forests on fire. [1]
- No frequent poaching cases. Tribal population in tea gardens poach small mammals during Holi festival illicitly as part of ritual hunting.
- Bodo militants from Assam occasionally enter core. Timber thieves operate in the area.
- Five forest hamlets in hilly tract viz. Adma, Chunabhati, Santrabari, Tobgaon and Tashigaon have some encroachments by way of unauthorised Orange Orchards.
Park activities
Trekking
Buxa (2,600 ft) is a two hour trek through picturesque surroundings from Santlabari, the starting point. The Buxa Duar fort here was used as a prison by the British, because of its remoteness. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned here. After independence, it served as a refugee camp for Tibetans and Bangladeshis. There is a 4 km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4,500 ft/1,400 m) or a 14 km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan from Bhutan. From Buxa, one can also take the 13 km trek to Jayanti through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal cave at Jayanti. Another entry point Rajabhatkhawa (17 km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue centre and a nature interpretation centre.
Park safari
One can have a park safari by car or jeep by taking permission from the Forest Office at Rajabhatkhawa or at Jayanti. Reserve cars are available from Kings Travels, Dial-098304-28401/ 093319-39486
Other
You can visit “Pukri Mai”, a small sacred pond situated inside the park where fishes like Magur and Singiand Turtles are kept. Festivals are held at certain time of the year by both Buddhist and Hindus and local tribals.
Lodging
There are forest rest houses of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation at Rajabhatkhawa, Nimati, Barobisha, Raidak, Raimatang, Bhutanghat, Buxaduar and Jayanti at the banks of the river Jayanthi nestled between mountains and thick forests.
Approach
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra – 195 km away
Nearest Rail Station: Alipurduar Junction / New Alipurduar – 17 km
Nearest Town/ City: Alipurduar – 17 km
By Road: NH 31 is the main highway. One can hire a car from Alipurduar.
Nearest Rail Station: Alipurduar Junction / New Alipurduar – 17 km
Nearest Town/ City: Alipurduar – 17 km
By Road: NH 31 is the main highway. One can hire a car from Alipurduar.
Gorumara National Park
The park is 79.99 km² in area.
Climate: The temperature ranges from 10 to 21 degrees C from November to February, 24 to 27 degrees C from March to April and 27 to 37 degrees C from May to October. Rainfall mostly occurs between mid-May to mid-October and average annual rainfall is 382 mm.
Natural history
Biomes
The park falls in the Indomalaya ecozone. Inside the park, the primary biomes corresponding to the ecozone are:
- Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands of the Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome
- Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests of the Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome
Flora
Typical flora include:
- Sal forests with Common Teak, Rain Tree (Shirish or Albizia lebbeck), and Silk Cotton (Shimul or Bombax malabaricum) trees
- Bamboo groves, Terai grassland vegetation and tropical riverine reeds
Gorumara is home to numerous tropical orchids.
Fauna
The park has recorded fifty species of mammals, 193 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, 27 species of fishes and other macro and micro fauna.
Mammals: The Park is rich in large herbivores including Indian Rhinoceros, Gaur, Asian Elephant, Sloth bear, Chital, and Sambar Deer. Small herbivores include Barking deer, Hog deer and Wild boar. There is a comparative lack of large carnivores, with the only big cat being the Leopard. The park is not home to any resident population of Bengal Tigers, Indian Wild Dogs or Indian Wolf. Tigers are, however, occasionally spotted here. It does have numerous small carnivores including various civets, mongooses and small cats. The park has a large resident population of Wild boar, but the critically endangered Pygmy Hog has been reported from the park. It also has numerous rodents, including Giant Squirrels. The rare Hispid Hare has also been reported from the park.
Birds: Gorumara National Park is famous for its bird population - which includes brilliant submontane forest birds like the Scarlet Minivet, Sunbird, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo andGreat Indian Hornbill. Numerous woodpeckers and pheasants inhabit the park. Peafowls are very common. The park is on the flyway of numerous migratory birds, including the rare Brahminy Duck.
Reptiles and amphibians: The park is home to a large number of snakes, venomous and non-venomous, including the Indian Python, one of the largest snakes in the world, and the King Cobra - the world's largest venomous snake.
Conservation issues
The major conservation focus of the park is to maintain a viable breeding community of Indian Rhinoceroses. However, the lack of large predators has caused significantly worrying skews in the populations of large herbivores in the park. The rhinoceros male:female ratio, usually 1:3, shot up to 1:1 - resulting in male dominance fights and deaths. The Gaur population also doubled in recent years, with risk of overgrazing.
Poaching was a major issue in the park in the 1970s and 1980s, but now Gorumara is one of the parks least threatened by poaching, with well-equipped rangers and with villagers benefiting from park visitors. However, grazing from fringe villages, and man-made brush fires are major issues at the park.
A recent issue at the park is the increasing number of train accidents involving elephants on railway lines near the park. Three elephants were killed in separate incidents on the same day in May 2006 in train mishaps. Indian Railways and park authorities are presently trying to address the problem. [1]
Park-specific information
Activities
The best way to watch wildlife at the park is to use powerful binoculars, with night vision facilities at night, from the numerous well-located watchtowers at the park. The watchtowers are:
- Jatraprasad Watch Tower: Named after a legendary elephant
- Rhino Observation Point: Watch tower in front of the Gorumara forest bungalow
- Chandrachur Watch Tower (Old Khunia Watch Tower): Near the Murti forest bungalow
- Chukchuki Bird-watching Point: Good for birding
There are no ranger-led or otherwise four-wheel drive vehicle or elephant-back forays into the jungle. Hiking is permitted on metalled roads, but is slightly unsafe considering the population of elephants, gaur and rhinoceros present in the park. The park is closed in the Monsoon season from 16 June to 15 September. The best time to visit Gorumara is from November to March.
One can also visit the adjoining forest villages to get acquainted with the lifestyle and culture of the villagers. A live show of the ethnic tribal dance can be seen every evening in Budhuram Forest Village.
One can visit the Lataguri Nature Interpretation Centre for an interpretive exhibit of the local natural history.
Lodging
The park forest bungalow is an old wooden rustic cottage which has a watchtower overlooking the salt reservoir.
Accommodations are also available in River Wood Forest Retreats, a 4 star resort overlooking the Gorumara national park and Murti River www.riverwoodretreat.com and at Gorumara Elephant Camp atDhupjhora. One can stay in newly constructed cottages in the Kalipur village at the fringe of Gorumara built by the State Forest Department.
Approach
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal about 80 km away
- Nearest railhead: Broad gauge: Chalsa, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal is 18 km. from the park. Important railstations: New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar
- Nearest highway: NH 31 between Siliguri and Guwahati passes over Lataguri, the entrance to the park.
- Nearest town: The town of Lataguri is 8 km from the park’s entrance.
- Nearest city: The city of Jalpaiguri is 52 km to the South of the park.
Reserve cars available for Gorumara National Park from Kings Travels, dial-098304-28401/ 093319-39486.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Chapramari Wildlife Reserve is close to the Gorumara National Park. Chapramari is about 30 km from Chalsa and Lataguri in West Bengal, India.
A huge variety of flora and fauna covers the forests. Chapramari is famous for its elephant population.
Gaur (commonly known as Indian Bison) is quite common around this region. Albeit few in number, the forests are also home of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Different other varieties of deer, reptiles and other animals can be easily seen around here. The place is a heaven for bird watchers.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Location and History
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It comes under Darjeeling Wildlife division and can be reached from Siliguri in 30 minutes. Sukna, the gateway to the sanctuary, is only 13 km from Siliguri and 28 km from Bagdogra airport. The sanctuary sprawls over 159 km² of reserve forest and was started as a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1959, it got the status of a sanctuary mainly to protect the Indian bisonand Royal Bengal Tiger, which were facing the threat of extinction.
Geography and Animal Species
The forest type in Mahananda WLS varies from riverain forests like Khayer-Sisoo to dense mixed-wet forest in the higher elevation in 'Latpanchar' area ofKurseong hills. The variation in altitude and forest types helps the existence of a large number of species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The important mammalian species include Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian elephants, Indian bison, chital (spotted deer), barking deer, sambar, Rhesus monkey, many species of lesser cat like fishing cat and jungle cat, Himalayan black bear, leopard including clouded leopard, and many other smaller animals like rare mountain goat (Serow), porcupines, snakes, etc. The sanctuary also holds hundreds of feathered species. The exciting list includes some very endangered species like fairy-bluebird and Himalayan pied hornbill. Among the others swallow, swift, thrush, babbler, warbler, roller, minivet and sunbirdcan be found in abundance.
Park Activities
The sanctuary is an ideal place for wildlife lovers. Several glades, hides and watchtowers have been created near natural saltlicks and streams to invite wild animals. The railway cabin in the abandoned Gulma station inside the core area of the sanctuary has been converted into a watchtower. The tower is located besides the Gulma river and is an ideal place for wildlife viewing. There are a number of rest houses in the sanctuary, including two in Sukna and arguably the best one in Latpanchar.[2]
Latpanchar: At 4000 ft above sea level, Latpanchar is the highest place in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. It is 44 km from Siliguri and can be reached by a 13-km drive from Kalijhora on the Siliguri-Gangtok national highway.
