One of the earliest wildlife sanctuaries in India is Chapramari. It is located in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district’s Nagrakata block. Its western border is bordered by the Murti River, and the Sanctuary is entirely situated on the plains of the Doors. This Sanctuary only covers an area of 9.6 square kilometers. In comparison to other Indian sanctuaries, this one is quite modest.
The Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is covered in lush vegetation, giving the local wildlife and birds a natural habitat. This refuge is a haven for wildlife with its enormous trees and lush vegetation. The British Government designated it as Reserve Forest in 1895. It was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1998.
Flora and Fauna in Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
The majority of Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is covered in Dry Mixed Forest. In this Sanctuary, you can locate some unique plants that are difficult to find elsewhere. The majority of the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is covered in timber trees like Sal, Teak, Shishu, and Shirish.
Many orchids from the genus Acampe can be found, along with Bulbophyllum, Chiloschista, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Eria, Gastrochilus, Luisia, and Oberonia. The Indian Elephant is a famous species in Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephants are present in great numbers. In addition, this sanctuary is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Indian Bison (Gaur). The Sanctuary also has a variety of other species, including pangolin, cheetal, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, and many more.
Bird watchers will like Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. More than a hundred different species of birds can be found there, including the Green Magpie, Indian Treepie, Thrush, Scarlet Minivet, Hill Mayna, White Breasted Kingfisher, Hornbill, Large Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Adjutant Stork, Peafowl, Green Pigeon, Roller, Florican, Flinch, Bee-eater, Black Partridges, and many others. You can see a variety of migratory species throughout the winter, including brahminy, teals, and others.
In the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, the meadow has an observation tower in front of it. Elephants, gaur, and birds are all present at this stunning bird-watching location.
Accommodation in Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
On the Murti River’s bank in the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is a woodland house with two rooms, each with two beds. In Panjhora’s Murti and Chapramari Camp, four W.B.F.D.C. Ltd. cottages are also under your management. Two beds are in each cottage.
There are many different kinds of foods accessible at affordable prices. In addition to this, Lataguri and Chalsa provide a wide selection of private lodges, hotels, and resorts. can search for available rooms and make an online reservation at West Bengal Forest Development Corporation resorts.
Best time to Visit Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
The greatest time to visit Chapramari Forest is from November to March because it is winter, the weather is great, and there is a good chance of seeing animals, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. The Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is closed from June 16 to September 15 due to the monsoon and the animal breeding season during this time.
Following the monsoon, the shrubs and trees would be fully grown, reducing vision and making it more difficult to see animals. Additionally, there can be sporadic rains. The animals try to stay under the cover of the lush jungle during the summer (April to May), especially during the day. They do, however, venture out to bodies of water in the early morning and at dusk. Also keep in mind that safaris might not always be fun and that the weather during the summer could be uncomfortable owing to the heat.
How to reach Chapramari
The Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 72 kilometers from Siliguri, 17 kilometers from New Mal Junction (Malbazar), 8 kilometers from Chalsa, and 26 kilometers from Lataguri. If you’re a budget traveler coming from Siliguri, you can take a bus from the main bus stop in Siliguri and get off at Chalsa or Lataguri, where you can then take a car (private taxi). Between Kolkata and New Mal Junction, there are frequent trains.
By Road :
Between Siliguri and Guwahati, National Highway No. 31 travels alongside the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary as well as over Chalsa and Lataguri. From Siliguri, buses operated by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation, the Bhutanese government, minibuses, and private buses travel to Chalsa and Lataguri. The trip takes about two hours.
By Rail :
Chalsa is the closest railway station. However, not every train has arrived at Chalsa. In this region, the three main railroad stations are New Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Siliguri. You can either take the road from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri to the park, or you can change trains in New Jalpaiguri. Road travel is preferable after Siliguri or Jalpaiguri.
By Air :
Bagdogra Airport is closest. It serves as the Indian Army’s domestic airport. All significant air carriers operate in India. 13 kilometers separate Bagdogra from Siliguri. The above-mentioned road path can be followed after locating numerous cars to arrive in Siliguri.
