Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary – A Must-Visit For Wildlife Enthusiasts
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, in West Bengal, India. It is spread over an area of more than 250 sq. km. and is home to some of the most exotic wildlife species including Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, wild boars, Indian bison, sambar deer, nilgai, and the rare one-horned rhinoceros. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, as it houses a wide variety of avian species such as peacocks, cormorants, kingfishers, woodpeckers, etc.
History of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1959 and was initially known as Mahananda Wildlife Reserve. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974. The sanctuary was initially managed by the Forest Department of West Bengal. In 2008, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the West Bengal Forest Department took the responsibility of managing the sanctuary.
Flora and Fauna in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is mostly covered with lowland mixed deciduous forests, which are comprised of Sal, Sissoo, Simul, Bamboo, etc. The sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of fauna, such as Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, wild boars, Indian bison, sambar deer, nilgai, and the rare one-horned rhinoceros. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, as it houses a wide variety of avian species such as peacocks, cormorants, kingfishers, woodpeckers, etc.
Best Time to Visit Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and June. The weather is pleasant and the forest is lush green during these months. It is also the best time for bird watching, as the migratory birds arrive during this period.
Wildlife Activities at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide range of activities for wildlife enthusiasts. These activities include:
- Wildlife Viewing: The sanctuary offers a great opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife species, such as Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, wild boars, Indian bison, sambar deer, nilgai, and the rare one-horned rhinoceros.
- Bird Watching: The sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers, as it houses a wide variety of avian species such as peacocks, cormorants, kingfishers, woodpeckers, etc.
- Nature Walks: The sanctuary offers guided nature walks, which provide a great opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.
- Jeep Safari: The sanctuary also offers jeep safaris, which provide a great opportunity to explore the park in an open jeep.
How to Reach Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in West Bengal, India. It is well connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is located at a distance of approximately 40 km from the sanctuary. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is located at a distance of approximately 50 km from the sanctuary.
Accommodation at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary has a few forest rest houses, providing basic accommodation facilities for visitors. Additionally, there are several hotels and resorts in the nearby towns of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, offering a range of options for accommodation. Visitors can choose from budget hotels to more comfortable and luxurious stays, ensuring a pleasant experience during their wildlife adventure at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.