Located at a distance of 13 km from Siliguri, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a composed forest area. It was originally started as a game sanctuary for children. You can enter the sanctuary through Sukna Health Centre. It covers almost 158 sq. km of the forest area. It is situated at different altitudes. Towards the southern side, it has an altitude of 500 ft which escalates up to a height of 4,300 ft as you travel north.
It is on the way to Sikkim and has some rare species of animals. A number of migrating birds can be seen here. Its name has been derived from River Mahananda. It is managed by Darjeeling Wildlife Division. This sanctuary contains several forest areas such as Latpanchor, Kalijhora, Punding, Gulma, Sukna, Sevoke, Toribari, Latlong and Seventh Mile. It is a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature far away from the hustle & bustle of daily life.
Wildlife of the Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is gifted with a lot of rare species of animals. Since the sanctuary has different altitudes, it inhabits various types of animals. Mammals, reptiles, and birds all can be seen here. The lower zone of the forest is marked for elephant migration.
Mountain Imperial-pigeon (Ducula badia); Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary #West_Bengal #India 09.05.2016 [.. range widely in SE Asia seeking ripened fruit in old-growth, broad-leaved mountain-side forests]. 📷 Dibyendu Ash. pic.twitter.com/tfM7HZgxQc
� a_london_pigeon (@a_london_pigeon) February 4, 2018
It is most famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other animals that are found here are Serwo (Mountain Goats), Himalayan Black Bear, porcupines, Spotted Deer, Golden Cats, Leopards, Barking Deer, Gaur (Indian Bison), Black Capped Languor, Wild Boars, etc.
Enjoy an elephant safari in this winter at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary pic.twitter.com/RTuYaFqj57
� Pritha Dey (@Pritha_Dey009) December 3, 2013
A huge variety of birds can be seen here. According to the latest census, 243 different kinds of birds have been spotted in this sanctuary. Some of them are kingfishers, Racket Tail Drongo, robins, hornbills, peacocks, egrets, fouls, peafowl, flycatchers, woodpeckers, Assamese Macaque and many more.
Black-crested Bulbul | Birding | Nikon | out-skirts of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, India pic.twitter.com/05VzWEVRwS
� Aseem Kothiala (@Kothiala) September 16, 2015
It also holds the record for having 330 different types of trees. Sisoo, khair, teak, simul, bamboos, orchids, ferns, lali, jarul, udal, gamar, champ, etc are among them.
Museum in the Sanctuary
Before entering the forest, you can see the well-stocked museum. There is a ticket counter below the building. A leopard which was killed in the sanctuary is preserved in a glass cabinet. It had cubs in its belly, which are also preserved right next to the mother leopard.
Heads of bison, deer, skins of tigers and birds can be seen in the museum in the exhibition center. At the end of the room, an elephant cub is preserved. It was found in the jungle in 1998 & a Royal Bengal Tiger is there right next to it.
Fees and Timings of the Sanctuary
- The open hours of the Sanctuary are � 8 am to 4 pm
- Entry fee per person- INR 50 rupees
- Guide fee- INR 150 rupees
- Vehicle fee- INR 100 rupees
- Camera fee- INR 100 rupees
- June 16 to September 15 it remains closed
How to Arrive at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located approximately 13 km away from Siliguri. It takes almost 50 minutes to drive there. You can get car rental in Siliguri offered by Jayanti Travels at a reasonable price.
From Bagdogra to Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary the distance is around 38.6 km which takes around 1 hr 23 mins, so hiring a Taxi at Bagdogra Airport to reach Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary will be a convenient option.
Best time to visit Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is November to April as the weather remains pleasant during this period.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary was declared to be a wildlife sanctuary in 1976 to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger and Gaur (Indian Bison). Both of them are facing the threat of extinction. The flora and fauna of the sanctuary make it a splendor of the Mother Nature.
If you are interested in visiting this amazing sanctuary, then you can contact Jayanti Travels for car rental service in Siliguri at affordable rates. Pay a visit here & bring back unforgettable memories.