Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India. This sanctuary is the south east extension of Singalila National Park. The sanctuary was established as a game reserve in 1915 and was declared as wildlife sanctuary on 24 June 1976.

The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary comprises of both man-made and natural forests. It covers an area of about 38.6 km2. The elevation of the Sanctuary ranges from 1,500 to 2,600 m (4,900 to 8,500 ft). Although access to the sanctuary is restricted, one can take special permission from the ranger's office at Jore Bunglow and take a guide to go around the area. There are tourist lodges and the Rambi Forest Rest House inside the sanctuary. The sanctuary and access to the lake is closed during the monsoon time and reopens after September 15th. There is a 20 Kms stretch cycle trail passing through thick pine forest in the sanctuary. Cyclists are not allowed to carry snacks with them inside the forest. This track will be strictly closed for cars and motorbikes.

Flora:

The sanctuary is a perfect combination of both man-made and natural forests. Oak occupy the top canopy between 2000 m to 2400 m. Other prominent flora found in the area are Kapasi (Acer Campbellii), Katus (Castanopsis indica), Kawla (Smithia conferta), and Champ (Magnolia champaca). Mating bamboo and several varieties of ferns comprise the undergrowth. Rhododendrons are found above 2400 m. Sub-tropical flora is found between 1,500m to 2,000m.

Some of the trees found in the area are Katus (Castanopsis indica), Meliosma wallichii, Wild Avacado (Machilus edulis), Pipli (Symingtonia populnea), Nepalese alder (Alnus nepalensis), and Jangali aru (Prunus nepaulensis). Scattered plantations of Hemlock (Tsuga brunoniana) and plantations of Dhupi (Cryptomeria japonica) also occur. There are over 350 types of flowering plants in this area including Rhododendrons and Orchids.

Fauna:

The mammals found in the sanctuary are Himalayan black bear, leopard, barking deer, wild pig, wild dog, Himalayan jackal, jungle cat, leopard cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel, scaly ant eater, Indian civet, goral, yellow-throated marten and Himalayan serow. The birds found in the sanctuary are Satyr tragopan, yellow naped wood-pecker, Tickel's golden back wood pecker, emerald cuckoo, black-backed khaleej pheasant, red jungle fowl, hornbill, imperial pigeon, green, pigeon, thrush, babbler, and sunbird.

Senchal Lake:

Senchal lake is a part of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the main reservoir of potable water for the town of Darjeeling, India. The water body is actually a twin lake namely North Senchal lake, built in 1910 and South Senchal lake, built in 1932. The lake is located at an altitude of 8,160 ft (2,487 m) atop a hill. The hill also has one of the highest golf courses in the world. Senchal is a favourite picnic spot. A tourist lodge at Senchal provides accommodation to tourists. One can reach Senchal lake from two points, Ghoom and Jore Bunglow. Taxis and shared jeeps are available from both places to Senchal lake. 

Connectivity

The sanctuary is located at about 8 Kms from Darjeeling, 9 Kms from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, 10 Kms from Darjeeling Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Kurseong, 58 Kms from Siliguri, 60 Kms from Siliguri Junction Railway Station, and 66 Kms from Bagdogra Airport. The sanctuary is situated on the Darjeeling to Siliguri route.

Location