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

Bibhutibhusan Wildlife Sanctuary, Parmadan, West Bengal

Bibhutibhusan Wildlife Sanctuary, Parmadan, West Bengal

Bibhutibhusan Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Parmadan village in Bagda subdivision of North 24 Parganas District in the Indian state of West Bengal. This sanctuary is formerly called as Parmadan Forest. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of Ichamati River.

History

The sanctuary began in 1964 when 14 chital were released in the forests of Parmadan. The sanctuary was established in 1980 and was named as Parmadan Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary was renamed into Bibhutibhusan Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995 to honour the famous Bengali author, Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay.

The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers an area of about 92 hectares and is situated on the banks of the Ichamati River. The trees found in the sanctuary are Shishu, Shimul, Tut, Arjun, Minjiri, Shishir, Bamboo etc. The sanctuary is home to around 400 deers and 200 langurs. Some of the other animals found in the sanctuary are Rabbits, Tortoises, Mongooses etc. The birds found in the sanctuary are Indian Roller, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Tit, Plum-headed parakeet, Blue Jay, Brahminy Kite, Peacocks, Woodpeckers, etc.

Several migratory birds also visit this sanctuary during the winter season. The best time to watch the animals are during their feeding time. Presently, their feeding time is at 4:00 pm and 9:00 am. The forest can be visited throughout the year, but it is better to avoid the forest during the rainy season. There is a children's park, a small zoo, and tourist bungalow in this sanctuary. Also, the house of the famous Bengali writer Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay, after whom the sanctuary was named is located nearby. Tourists can also go for a boat ride on the Ichamati River.

Contact

Divisional Forest Officer,

Champadali Divisional Forest Office

Barasat, North 24 Parganas District

West Bengal, India

Phone: +91 33 2552 0968

Connectivity

The sanctuary is located at about 4 Kms from Naldugri, 10 Kms from Duttapulia, 15 Kms from Helencha, 25 Kms from to Bangaon, 27 Kms from Bangaon Junction Railway Station, 84 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 96 Kms from Kolkata. Regular CSTC buses are available from Esplanade (in Kolkata) to Naldugri. Naldugri is situated on bus route 92 (Bangaon-Helencha-Duttapulia Route). Local trains are available from Sealdah Railway Station (in Kolkata) to Bangaon.

Location

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Bethuadahari Town in the Nakashipara CD block in the Krishnanagar Sadar subdivision of the Nadia district of the state of West Bengal, India. The sanctuary was established in the year 1980 a portion of the central Gangetic alluvial zone. The sanctuary is famous for insemination of deers.

The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary covers an area of about 67 hectares. The sanctuary is famous for insemination of deers. The sanctuary is densely populated with sal, teak, arjun, Indian rosewood, and bamboo trees. The animals found in the sanctuary are spotted deer (chital), jackal, Bengal fox, porcupine, Asian palm civet cat, jungle cat, small civet cat, black napped hare, and common langur. There are about fifty species of birds found in this sanctuary. The birds found in the sanctuary are Rose Ring parakeet, Plum headed parakeet, Alexandrine parakeet, Red-breasted parakeet, Barn Owl, Spotted Owlet, Brown Fish Owl, Scopes owl, Indian cuckoos, barbets, and other smaller birds.

The reptiles found in the sanctuary are Spectacled Cobra, Monocled Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Common Krait, Banded Krait, Common Cat Snake, Green Vine Snake, Rainbow Mud snake, ornate flying snake, Copper headed trinket, Indian Rat Snake, Buff Striped keelback, Checkered keelback, Common wolf snake, Twine Spotted Wolf snake, Common Kukri snake, Red sand boa, Common sand boa, pythons, monitor lizards and gharials, a type of small crocodile. There are two popular nature trails within the park namely Brandis trail and Salim Ali trails. A Nature Interpretation Centre provides orientation for the tourists before embarking for a walk around the sanctuary. The Salim Ali trail leads to a pond where rare turtles are preserved. The same pond houses saltwater alligators known as gharial.

Connectivity

The sanctuary is located at about 2 Kms from Bethuadahari Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Bethuadahari Railway Station, 27 Kms from Krishnanagar, 75 Kms from Murshidabad, 124 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 143 Kms from Kolkata. The sanctuary is situated on the Kolkata to Murshidabad route (NH 12).

Location 

Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bolpur Santiniketan, West Bengal

Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bolpur Santiniketan, West Bengal

Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located near Bolpur Santiniketan in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal. This sanctuary is popularly known as Deer Park. The sanctuary was established in September 1967. The sanctuary has one of the most successful deer conservation records in the state.

The Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary covers an area of about 200 hectares and is situated on the outskirts of Bolpur. It has an average elevation of 56 metres (180 ft). The sanctuary is densely populated with Sal and Piyal trees. The animals found in this reserve are cheetals (spotted deer), blackbuck, jackal, and fox. This sanctuary is home to three large water bodies (Jheel). Various types of migratory birds & resident birds and tortoises are seen in this lake.

The national bird peacock is also found in this sanctuary. The sanctuary is provided with watchtowers and jungle paths for tourists to walk around and catch glimpses of deer and other wildlife. Birdwatching and wildlife watching is the major activities for the tourists in this sanctuary. There are few tribal villages in the eastern fringes of the sanctuary. Tourists can experience and explore the lives of the tribals.

Timings

The sanctuary remains open from 10.00 AM in the mornings till 04.00 PM in the evenings. The sanctum is closed on Wednesdays.

Connectivity

The sanctuary is located at about 1.5 Kms from Shantiniketan Visva Bharati University, 5 Kms from Bolpur Shantiniketan Railway Station, 8 Kms from Bolpur Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Sainthia, 52 Kms from Durgapur, 63 Kms from Bardhaman, 67 Kms from Durgapur Airport and 163 Kms from Kolkata. Shantiniketan is situated on the Bardhaman to Sainthia route. Regular trains are available from Howrah Junction Railway Station to Bolpur Shantiniketan Railway Station. Buses are available from Shahid Minar (Esplanade), Kolkata to Shantiniketan.

Location

Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking

Sandakphu & Phalut Trekking

The trek along the Singalila Ridge to Sandakphu and Phalut is one of the most popular trekking trails in the Eastern Himalayas. The trek covers Sandakphu (3636 m), the highest point of West Bengal and Phalut (3600 m) the northern most point of West Bengal. Both Sandakphu and Phalut provide a panoramic view of Kangchenjunga and its sister peaks along with Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse. Most of the route runs along the Indo–Nepal border crossing and re-crossing it innumerable times.

The trek route passes through the Singalila National Park. Both Sandakphu and Phalut are connected by motorable road from Maneybhanjang however a trek route also exists. There is now a 4 WD motorable road to Sandakphu. One can hire a land rover of 1950’s vintage from Maneybhanjang and Darjeeling to reach Sandakphu via Tomling and Tonglu. Concrete roads are made recently. Earlier roads were made with gravel. The trek route is different from the motorable road however they do overlap at many places.

The entire route has lodges and tea houses serving meals. The route is open to trekking, jeep tour or a combination of both. The trek to Sandakphu is easy however the Phalut section is moderate. The trails are well marked. There are tea stalls located every few kilometers till Sandakphu. The Sandakphu - Phalut route difficult is difficult during the winter due to heavy snow. One need to take a permit from the Forest Department located by the roadside just before the steep uphill route starts from Maneybhanjang. It is mandatory to take a guide and optionally porters for trek to Sandakphu and Phalut.

The Sandakphu Phalut trek can be done in all months except the rainy season. The trek can be done from September to April months. There are two best seasons to go for the Sandakphu trek. The first season, with the temperature ranges from 6° C to 12° C, is from April to May and the second season is after the monsoon starting from October to early December when the temperature ranges from 1° C to 6° C. Autumn months of September and October are the best time for bird watching. Rhododendrons & Magnolias bloom in the months of March & April the most.

The trekking routes are as follows:

Manebhanjan to Meghma:

Maneybhanjang (2150m) is a small Himalayan hamlet, is the gateway to the Singalila National Park and is also the starting point of this trek. Maneybhanjang (2150m) is a small Himalayan hamlet, is the gateway to the national park. Maneybhanjang is located at about 19 Kms from Ghoom, 19 Kms from Ghoom Railway Station, 25 Kms from Darjeeling, 29 Kms from Mirik, 37 Kms from Bijanbari, 48 Kms from Rimbik, 75 Kms from Siliguri, 83 Kms from Bagdogra Airport, 86 Kms from New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station, Maneybhanjang can be reached from New Jalpaiguri Junction and Bagdogra Airport via Mirik. It is also well connected with Darjeeling via Ghoom.

One need to start the trek from Maneybhanjang to Chitre. It is a 3 kms route and takes 1.5 hours. This route passes through beautiful pine, fir, birch, and bamboo forest. Chitre is a small mountain hamlet situated at an altitude of about 8,340 ft. It is a good place to freshen up after a tiring trek. It is also home to a small Buddhist monastery. Trekkers need to trek from Chitre to Lamay Dhura. The trek route is about 3 kms and takes about 1.5 hours.

Lamay Dhura is another tiny hamlet with few shops selling water, drinks, and food. It is situated at an altitude of about 8,792 ft. After a brief halt at Lamay Dhura, one need to trek to Meghna. It is about 3 kms and takes about 1.5 hours from Lamay Dhura. It is a large village situated at an altitude of about 12,000 ft on the Indo Nepal border. This village houses an Indian army base and a Buddhist monastery.

Meghma to Gairibas:

There are two alternative trekking routes. One route is a direct route to Tumling (9,514 ft), and the other route is via Tonglu (10,072 ft). The direct route to Tumling is about 4 kms while the other route via Tonglu is about 5 kms. Both Tumling and Tonglu provides an enchanting view of snowy Himalayan peaks, including Kanchenjunga. Tonglu is a large village located on a hilltop. It takes one hour to reach this place from Meghma. It offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks and the surrounding plains with meandering Teesta and Koshi Rivers.

There are several lodges and Tonglu can serve as the first night halt of the trek. The village lies entirely in India. Tumling is a small hamlet in Jogmai VDC in Ilam District of Nepal. It is situated on the Indo-Nepal border. It is situated at about 3 Kms from Tonglu and takes about one hour to reach from Tonglu. The trek from Tonglu to Tumling is downhill. It houses a few lodges and trekkers who bypass Tonglu make their first night halt at Tumling. Tumling actually is part of Nepal although there is no restriction for Indians or foreigners with Indian visa. 

One is able to see the Kangchenjunga Range from here and going forward for about 15 minutes visitors can notice the Mount Everest. From Tumling, one need to trek for about 6 kms (three hours) to reach Jaubari. The trek is easy and is downhill. Jaubari is ward no 07 of Jamuna Village Development Committee in Ilam District in the Province No. 1 of eastern Nepal. It is located on the Indo Nepal border and is situated at an altitude of about 9186 ft.

It has few lodges and hotels for the benefit of the trekkers. A steep descend from Jaubari takes one to Gairibas. It is about 3 Kms from Jaubari and takes around one hour. Gairibas is another village located on the Indo Nepal border at an altitude of about 8602 ft. It is a good stay option for trekkers reaching Sandakphu in two days. For those spending the night in Tonglu or Tumling Gairibas can be a good option for a lunch stop. There are a few eateries serving good food. 

Gairibas to Sandakphu:

Trekkers need to trek 2 kms from Gairibas to reach Kaiyakata. This trek takes around 1.5 hours. This trail climbs steadily through oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forest. Kaiyakata village is a nice stop for having tea and refreshments. Kalipokhri can be reached after a climb of about 2 Kms from Kaiyakata village and takes about 45 minutes. Kalipokhri is a small Himalayan village situated at an altitude of about 10453 ft.  It lies roughly halfway between the steep final stretch of the trek from Gairibas to Sandakphu.

The word, Pokhri means lake and kala means dark in Nepali, and the village is named after a local lake with dark waters or a lake whose water is dark in color. The water never freezes, and the lake is of extreme religious significance to the locals. A border check post of Nepal Army is situated opposite to the lake. This village is an ideal spot for spending the night for trekkers heading for Sandakphu in three days. Bikeybhanjan can be reached after a trek of about 2 kms from Kalipokhri and takes around 45 minutes.

This place is the final resting spot before the Sandakphu. It has a tea shop for the trekkers. The final ascent to the Sandakphu starts from Bikeybhanjan. Trekkers need to trek 4 kms to reach Sandakphu and takes about 2.5 hours.

Sandakphu is about 3636 m (11,930 ft) tall. Sandakphu is a big village with several lodges and homestays for the benefits of the trekkers. Four of the five highest peaks in the world, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu can be seen from its summit. It also affords a pristine view of the entire Kangchenjunga Range.

Trekkers bypassing the Phalut can trek to Gurdum through dense forest. It is situated at about 10 kms from Sandakphu. It has a GTA Trekker’s hut for night stay. Gurdum is situated at about 8000 ft above sea level. It is a settlement of 25 houses scattered along a terraced valley enclosed by the Singalila forest in West Bengal. It is frequented by trekkers on the Sandakphu trail. Srikhola is situated at about 6 kms from Gurdum.

Sandakphu to Phalut:

Phalut (11,800 ft) is a one-day trek via Sabarkum covering 21 kms. Sabarkum is situated at about 14 kms from Sandakphu. Sabarkum has an abandoned British era check post lies on the Sandakphu – Phalut route. The entire 21 kms trail between Sandakphu and Phalut is totally uninhabited. The entire route lies above 3500 m. This trail offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Trekkers should carry enough water and dry food to sustain the trek. This trek might take around 10 hours.

Molley is one of the least visited places situated on the Sandakphu to Phalut trail. It is not on the main route to Phalut. Molley is situated at about 3 kms to the east of Sabarkum. There is a hut in Molley, situated in the middle of the forest, perfect for the nature lover to spend a day. There is also a camp of SSB, a paramilitary force, due to its proximity to its border with Nepal. The hut is with several rooms to accommodate the larger number of tourists. The visitors can, however, try their hands-on cooking to help the caretaker, who is the only person available in the hut. Molley is also connected with Rammam by a trek route. 

This detour will make the trekkers to trek extra six kms in their journey. The final ascent to the Phalut from Sabarkum is about 7 kms trek. Phalut ((11,800 ft)) is the northernmost point of West Bengal. Phalut is located on a hilltop. Phalut has a GTA trekker’s hut and is the only option to stay. Phalut offers panoramic views of Mt. Kangchenjunga along with Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu. A short walk to the north of the trekker’s hut leads to the actual trijunction of Nepal, Sikkim, and West Bengal. A ruined British era check post still stands at the trijunction. 

Phalut to Rimbick:

Trekkers starts their descend from Phalut to Gorkhey. The trail is about 15 kms from Phalut. Gorkhey is situated at an altitude of about 7703 ft. Gorkhey is a picturesque little village surrounded by thick pine forests and a small river flowing through it known as Gorkhey Khola. This river marks the boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal. Gorkhey has a GTA trekker’s hut and a few private lodges. It is an ideal place to spend a night after a tiring trek. Samandem is another village situated adjacent to Gorkhey. It has a similar landscape like Gorkhey. It has few lodges to stay.

One has to trek 9 kms from Gorkhey to reach Rammam. Rammam is a small village situated on the banks of the Rammam river, which originates in the Singalila range and merges with the Rangeet river near Jorethang. Rammam is surrounded by lush green forests, tea gardens, and snow-capped mountains. It is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. It is an ideal stop for lunch. One has to trek 12 kms from Rammam to reach Srikhola. It is a beautiful village situated at the junction of Ramman and Srikhola River. This settlement is an excellent rest stop for trekkers returning from Sandakphu or Phalut.

It has GTA Trekker's hut and few other lodges. Trekkers with an extra day can spend a night at Srikhola. Jeeps are available from Srikhola but are not frequent. One has to trek 7 kms from Srikhola to reach Rimbick. It is the endpoint of this trek.  Rimbick (7500 ft) is a village near the India-Nepal border. It is 56 km away from Darjeeling town. Lodging facilities are available in this village. Jeeps are available to Darjeeling via Dhotrey and Maneybhanjang. 

Panoramic Views of other Himalayan Peaks:

The following mighty peaks can be viewed from Sandakphu and Phalut during this trek;

·      Baruntse (7220m)

·      Chamlang (7319m)

·      Chomo Lonzo (7818m)

·      Lhotse (8516m)

·      Makalu (8462m)

·      Mount Everest (8848m)

·      Nuptse (7861m)

·      Kanchenjunga (8586m)

·      Talung (7349m)

·      Rathong (6679m)

·      Kabru N (7353m)

·      Koktang (6147m)

·      Simvo (6812m)

·      Frey (5853m)

·      Kabru S (7318m)

·      Kabru Dome (6600m)

·      Kabru Forked (6100m)

·      Pandim (6691m)

·      Tenchenkhang (6010m)

·      Jupono (5650m)