Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife & National Parks

West Bengal is home to diverse ecosystems ranging from mangrove forests and Himalayan highlands to dense jungles and grasslands. The state boasts several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves, offering travelers thrilling experiences like safari tours, birdwatching, and trekking.

Here are the best places to experience wildlife in West Bengal:

1. Sundarbans National Park – The Land of the Royal Bengal Tiger

 Location: South 24 Parganas
 Why Visit?

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers.
• World's largest mangrove forest, home to saltwater crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, and spotted deer.
• Unique boat safaris through winding river channels.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Boat safari at Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali & Dobanki watchtowers.
✅ Sunset over the rivers and creeks.

2. Gorumara National Park – The Grassland Paradise

 Location: Dooars, Jalpaiguri
 Why Visit?

• Home to Indian one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, and bison.
• Jeep safari through lush green landscapes.
• Great for birdwatching with species like hornbills and woodpeckers.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Jeep Safari from Jatraprasad Watchtower.
✅ Spotting rhinos and elephants at Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.

3. Jaldapara National Park – The Rhino Sanctuary

 Location: Alipurduar district, Dooars
 Why Visit?

• Best place in West Bengal to see Indian one-horned rhinoceroses.
• Also home to wild elephants, leopards, sambar deer, and hog deer.
• Offers elephant-back safaris & jeep safaris.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Elephant safari for a close encounter with rhinos.
✅ Birdwatching at Hollong for hornbills, fishing eagles, and peafowls.

4. Buxa Tiger Reserve – A Wildlife & Trekking Haven

 Location: Alipurduar district, Dooars
 Why Visit?

• One of the best places to spot elusive tigers, leopards, and clouded leopards.
• Surrounded by Buxa Fort and scenic trekking routes.
• Dense forests, river valleys, and grasslands make it an adventurer’s delight.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Jungle safari from Rajabhatkhawa Watchtower.
✅ Trekking to Buxa Fort & Jayanti Hills.

5. Neora Valley National Park – The Land of the Red Panda

 Location: Kalimpong district
 Why Visit?

• Best place in Bengal to spot the endangered Red Panda.
• Lush forests with Himalayan black bears, leopards, and barking deer.
• A paradise for birdwatchers, featuring rare species like Satyr Tragopan and Rufous-necked Hornbill.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Trekking through the misty trails of Lava & Rishop.
✅ Birdwatching & Red Panda spotting in winter.

6. Singalila National Park – A High-Altitude Wildlife Retreat

 Location: Darjeeling district
 Why Visit?

• Home to Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, and Leopards.
• The famous Singalila Ridge Trek (Sandakphu-Phalut) passes through this park.
• Offers stunning views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse & Makalu.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Trekking through rhododendron forests in spring.
✅ Staying at homestays in Tumling for an authentic Himalayan experience.

7. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

 Location: Between Siliguri & Kalimpong
 Why Visit?

• Great for spotting elephants, leopards, and Himalayan serow.
• A top spot for birdwatching with species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill & Himalayan pied kingfisher.
• Close to Sukna & Latpanchar, famous for birding & jungle walks.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Jeep safari & birdwatching in Latpanchar.
✅ Exploring the hidden forest trails near Sevok.

8. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary – The Elephant Corridor

 Location: Near Gorumara National Park, Dooars
 Why Visit?

• Best place to see herds of wild elephants.
• Also home to gaurs (Indian bison), sambar deer & leopards.
• Lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ Wildlife safari from Murti Forest Range.
✅ Visiting Chapramari Watchtower for panoramic jungle views.

9. Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary – A Hidden Gem in Shantiniketan

 Location: Birbhum district
 Why Visit?

• A small yet beautiful sanctuary near Shantiniketan, home to spotted deer, blackbucks, and jackals.
• Perfect for nature lovers looking for a peaceful retreat.

 Don’t Miss:
✅ A morning nature walk through the forest trails.

West Bengal offers a rich variety of wildlife experiences, from the tiger-infested mangroves of Sundarbans to the Himalayan forests of Singalila & Neora Valley. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, wildlife enthusiast, or birdwatcher, these destinations promise an unforgettable experience.

 Best for Tiger Safaris: Sundarbans, Buxa Tiger Reserve
 Best for Rhino Spotting: Jaldapara, Gorumara
 Best for Red Panda Watching: Neora Valley, Singalila
 Best for Birdwatching: Mahananda, Chapramari
 Best for Wildlife Treks: Singalila, Buxa