CHILAPATA
Chilapata is a wildlife sanctuary located at Eastern Dooars of Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Chilapata forest mainly forms a migrating corridor between Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve. Chilapata forest is ecologically bounded by River Bania to the east and River Torsha to the west. Chilapata forest has a deep historical significance as earlier it was the hunting ground of Koch dynasty. The fresh monsoon alluvial brought by River Torsha and Bania at Chilapata supports and protects the grasslands ecosystem of this forest. Chilapata forest is spread over an area of 45 sq. km and being one of the densest forest of Dooars regions, the thick canopy of Chilapata at some places hardly allows the sunlight to enter the forest interior. Once in the past Chilapata forest was home to large Rhinoceros population, but with the ruthless killing expedition by the king of Cooch Behar during 1892 to 1904, the Rhino population in Chilapata started to decline. But apart from Rhinos, Chilapata is also home to other wildlife species like Wild Elephants, Leopards, Gaur (Indian Bison), Wild Hog and others. Chilapata Forest is known for its rich cultural heritage as several indigenous community settlements resides within its boundaries which add more diversity to its region. Noteworthy among these indigenous communities is the Rabha tribes. Chilapata Forest is also known for diverse ranges of flora and fauna inhabiting the forest cover. Among the noteworthy floras found in Chilapata forest are Sal, Segun and Cinchona along with a rare species of Ramgua Tree which has a very special character that on cutting the bark of this tree a special red colour blood like fluid comes out from it. Apart from a wide range of wild mammals and flora, Chilapata forest is also home to more than 180 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles and wide diversified variety of butterflies. Like other wildlife sanctuaries and forest, Chilapata also has safari locations these are mainly divided into three different spots name Central Cord Line (also known as CC Line), Ruins of the fort of Nal King (also known as Nalrajar Garh) and Mendabari.
Activities and attractions around Chilapata:
Chilapata being a forest and also forms a part of Jaldapara National Park, hence it offers tourists with multiple activities and attractions to experience in and around the forest.
Forest Visit: The most noteworthy activity at Chilapata is the forest visit. The thick natural vegetation and the dense wilderness inside Chilapata forest is an experience worth remembering. Apart from that tourists can also spot occasional appearance of wild animals like Gaur (Indian Bison), Leopard, Wild Elephants and Rhinos inside Chilapata Forest.
Bird Watching: Chilapata forest is an ideal gateway for bird loving enthusiast as the forest is home to more than 180 species of birds. The dense wilderness of Chilapata is a safe haven for different species birds like Fishing Eagle, Shrike, Crested Eagle, Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Partridge, Paradise Flycatcher, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Pied Hornbill and others to name but a few.
Nalrajar Garh (Fort of Nal King): Nalrajar Garh or Fort of the Nal Kings is one of the important tourist’s attractions in Chilapata. This fort of the Nal Kings is located on the east bank of River Torsha, deep inside Chilapata forest. The Nalrajar Garh or fort of the Nal Kings at Chilapata was built in the 05th century during the Gupta era. The Nalrajar Garh is also known as “Mendabari Ruins” as identified by the British.
Jaldapara National Park: Jaldapara National Park is one of popular national parks in West Bengal and is located at a distance of 22.6 km away from Chilapata. Jaldapara National Park is situated in eastern Dooars and is home to wide species of wild animals and birds. At Jaldapara National Park tourists can also opt for forest safari both by jeep and elephant.
Cooch Behar: Cooch Behar is a city lying on the banks of River Torsha and is located at a distance of 39 km away from Chilapata. Cooch Behar is mainly known as a seat of princely state of the Koch kingdom during the British period and is now recognized as a town with the remnants of the Royal Heritage (The Cooch Behar Palace).
Buxa Tiger Reserve and Fort: Buxa Tiger Reserve is located at a distance of 30 km away from Chilapata forest. Buxa Tiger Reserve is noted as the 15th Tiger Reserve in India. From Buxa Tiger Reserve at a distance of 2.5 km by trekking lies Buxa Fort.
Rajabhatkhawa: Rajabhatkhawa is regarded as the gateway to Buxa Tiger Reserve and is located at a distance of 35 km away from Chilapata. Rajabhatkhawa is situated in Kalchini CD block of Alipurduar subdivision. Rajabhatkhawa is mainly known for its natural environment and lush green forests.
Jayanti: Jayanti village is situated on the banks of River Jayanti and is located at a distance of 76.8 km away from Chilapata. Jayanti is mainly known for its picturesque view of Jayanti River bed along with the Bhutan hills at its backdrop.
Mahakal Cave: Located at a distance of 65.3 km away from Chilapata, the Mahakal Cave is located within Jayanti region and is devoted to Lord Shiva. Inside Mahakal Cave tourists will get to witness natural formations of Stalactite and Stalagmite structures which are feast for nature loving tourists.
Pokhri Hill: Pokhri Hill is also located within Jayanti region and is nestled atop of hill of Buxa Tiger Reserve. Pokhri Hill is mainly known for a lake situated here and is a prime tourist attraction from Chilapata.
Bhutia Basti: Bhutia Basti or the settlement of the local Bhutanese people is located near Jayanti and is at a distance of 74.3 km away from Chilapata. Bhutia Basti is a quaint locality with characteristics of amusing admixture of geography, ethnicity and history. Bhutia Basti is an amazing place to visit from Chilapata.
Tribal Dance: While at Chilapata one of the best recreation times in the evening is the tribal dance performed by the local inhabitants of the region. The local Rabha tribes visit the resorts and showcase their tribal dance in order to entertain the tourists.
Chilapata Forest Safari:
Forest Safari is also conducted inside Chilapata forest by the forest department of West Bengal in four different timings. These forest safaris at Chilapata forest are conducted by jeeps of Forest Department. The vehicles, permit and guide are available at the entry gate of Chilapata forest. There are three main locations of forest safari in Chilapata which are as follows.
- Central Cord Line (also known as CC Line) mainly known for a watch tower at CC Line from tourists will get panoramic view of Chilapata forest.
- Nalrajar Garh (or Fort of Nal Kings) mainly known for the ruins of a 05th century fort.
- Mendabari Forest Area is the place where Mendabari Jungle Lodge is of WBFDC is located.
How to Reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to reach Chilapata located at a distance of 149 km away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore by regular flight services. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Chilapata.
By Train: Chilapata is well connected with some of the nearby railway stations of North Bengal. The nearest rail head to Chilapata is Hasimara railway station located at distance of 13.7 km away. Other nearby railway station to Chilapata is New Alipurduar railway station located at a distance of 38 km away. Chilapata can also be reached from New Cooch Behar Junction located at a distance of 42.8 km away via NH 17 and from NJP railway station located at a distance of 155 km away.
By Road: Chilapata is well connected by National Highway 31 by motor-able road. Chilapata can also be reach from Jalpaiguri by hired vehicle located around 99.2 km away, New Alipuduar (43.8 km) and Cooch Behar (39.3 km) away.
Best time to visit Chilapata:
Though Chilapata can be visited throughout the year, but there are different seasons to relish the charm of Chilapata forest differently. Winter is the best time to visit Chilapata forest, as during this time the bird’s activity becomes much more. Summers are also good enough to enjoy the surrounding landscape and spot different wild animals and reptiles. Chilapata forest remains closed during the monsoon season (June 15th to September 15th).
CHILAPATA HOMESTAY