Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is the gateway to North East India, Nepal & Bhutan. It takes two and a half hours drive to reach there from Siliguri. Situated in the Nagrakata Block of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries in India.
The government of India announced it as a National Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998. It is located in the plains of Dooars.
The Murti River flows towards the west side and Jaldhaka River towards the east side of the sanctuary. It is an extension of Gorumara National Park. These two sanctuaries are divided by The Murti River.
Jongole ekdiin! #chapramari pic.twitter.com/cLJLD2jMWL
rupam islam (@rupamislam74) January 16, 2017
Wildlife of Chapramari
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with a lot of rare species of animals and birds for which tourists gather here. Animals that are found here are Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, chital, sambar, elephants, and leopards. One-horned Rhinos are the major attraction of the sanctuary.
Different types of birds that are found here are Scarlet Minivets, Indian Treepie, White Breasted Kingfisher, Adjutant Stork, Green Magpie, thrush, and mynas.
On the river banks, you can find darters, egrets, large and small cormorants etc. Brahmini Ducks and teals are the migratory birds that can be seen here. Throughout the year, different kinds of flowering orchids can be found in the sanctuary.
Safari in the Sanctuary
The forest department arranges a safari to visit the sanctuary. If you book a room in WBFDC Banani Lodge in Murti which is run by the forest department, you will get easy access to the safari. They will provide you with a jeep, including charges of entry permit and guide fee. The jeep will pick you up and drop back at the lodge. You need to bring a photocopy of your ID card. You can get tickets of the safari at the ticket counter in Murti or Lataguri.
Entry Fees and Timings of the Jungle Safari at Chapramari
Booking for the safari and watchtower is available from ticket counters in Murti and Lataguri. 6 to 7 vehicles are allowed per entry shift. Four entries or shifts are allowed per day.
Entry fee
- A vehicle from Lataguri- INR 1140 rupees
- A vehicle from Lataguri with Nepali dance program- INR 1320 rupees
- Entry fee of the vehicle-INR 100 rupees
- Fees of the guide-INR 180 rupees
- Fees of video camera-200
- Shift 1 to 3 entry fee per person- INR 70 rupees
- Shift 4 entry fees per person- INR 120 rupees
Entry Timings differ according to the season
March to September
SHIFT | TIMING |
Shift 1 | 6 am to 7:30 am |
Shift 2 | 7:30 am to 9 am |
Shift 3 | 2 pm to 3:30 pm |
Shift 4 | 4:30 pm to 6 pm |
October to February
SHIFT | TIMING |
Shift 1 | 6:30 am to 8 am |
Shift 2 | 9 am to 10:30 am |
Shift 3 | 1pm to 2:30pm |
Shift 4 | 3:30pm to 5pm |
How to Arrive at Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary from Siliguri
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located approximately 72 km away from Siliguri and takes around 2 and a half hours to drive. You can get car rental service in Siliguri offered by Jayanti Travels at a reasonable price.
Bagdogra to Chapramari Distance, Driving Route Map. Image Courtesy: Google Mapshttps://goo.gl/maps/cvP6CqTfqEC2[/caption]
You can also book Bagdogra Airport Taxi to reach Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary within 2hr:15mins approx, the distance is around (82.5km) via NH17.
Best time to visit Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to March. The weather remains very pleasant during this period. The possibility of seeing animals is high during the early mornings and late afternoons.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary covers only 9.6 sq km area. Its name has been derived from the name of a fish called 'Chapra' and 'Mari' stands for abundant. This sanctuary is nature's magnificence. The Watchtower of the forest is the best place to get a view of animals.
Nestled among the Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Ranges, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit a place in West Bengal for a weekend. If you want to experience its amazing ambiance, then you have to contact Jayanti Travels. They offer car rental from Siliguri to Chapramari at very affordable rates.