Chilapata Forests

Perfect for jungle camping, the Chilapata Forests in the Alipurduar district of Eastern Dooars offer a grand travel experience for adventure enthusiasts. The dense forests have been termed as a Wildlife Sanctuary and lie between the Buxa Tiger Reserve and the Jaldapara National Park. This land in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayan range is a significant avenue regarding the migration of the Asiatic one-horned rhinos and elephants. It is a much thronged eco-tourism destination of Bengal. Its ecological boundary covers the banks of River Bania and Torsa. Chilapata Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.

How To Reach Chilapata Forests?

The reserve is located approximately 200 kilometres away from Siliguri. It can be reached via National Highway 31. Buxa Tiger Reserve is 30 kilometres from Alipurduar town. The nearest railways station is Alipurduar junction; a train can be availed from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri. The nearest bus bay is in Siliguri. The nearest airport is Bagdogra. You can stay in Jayanti within the forest or close to it. Other places of accommodation are in the Rajabhatkhawa area, Santalabari area, and Raimatang.

What To See And Do In Chilapata Forests?

• Relish the amazing biodiversity here; you could spot an Asiatic elephant, rhino, bison, wild boar, sambar, deer, or even a leopard. Indulge in birdwatching as well.
• Visit the Nalraja Ghar, an ancient 5th-century architectural glory of the Gupta period.
• Hop onto a tanga and ride through the Mathura tea gardens.
• Ask your tour operator to arrange for a guided safari to the nearby Mendabari Watchtower and the Kodalbasti forests 2 kilometres inside the jungle.
• Visit the Kunki Watchtower to spot an Asiatic elephant or two.
• Indulge in boating in the River Bania.
• Try your hands on angling in the confluence of the rivers Bania, Buri Basra, and Kalchini.
• Take a tour to the Hasimara forest and Raimatang.
• Meet the indigenous Rabha tribe of the place.
• Travel to Cooch Behar for a culturally awakening tour.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Chilapata Forests?

The best time is March-April. Other feasible times are during January, February, October, November, and December. Do not visit during peak monsoons, lest you want to limit your tour to a few activities only. In addition, your journey through the forests could become risky.