Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

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India /West Bengal /Darjeeling /Siliguri

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary entrance is located in Sukna which is about two & half hours drive from Darjeeling and from 13 Km from Siliguri, it takes about 45 minutes to reach the gate. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Mahananda wildlife sanctuary is a reserved forest area that initially started as a game sanctuary where children took rides. Mahananda wildlife sanctuary is a very beautiful and crazy forest in north bengal. It is located on the foothills of the great Himalayas, between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. The sanctuary sprawls over 159 squire km of reserve forest sanctuary; mainly to protect the indian bison and royal bengal tiger, which were facing the threat of extinction. The altitude varies from 500ft. at the southern area near Sukna and rising up to 4,300ft towards the northern area near a place called Latpanchar. The east side of the sanctuary is bounded by the river Teesta and on the west side by the Mahanada river and hill cart road.

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

HistoryEdit

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over 159 squire km of reserve forest and was started as a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1959, it got the status of a sanctuary mainly to protect the indian bison and royal bengal tiger, which were facing the threat of extinction. across 158 sq. km of forest area. The altitude varies from 500ft. at the southern area near Sukna and rising up to 4,300ft towards the northern area near a place called Latpanchar.

Must SeeEdit

Popular

Visiting TimeEdit

N.A.

Closed OnEdit

N.A.

Best Season to VisitEdit

Best Season to Visit is November to end of April. Bungalow and forest remain closed from 15th June to 15th September.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

4 to 5 hours

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.

Video Camera Rs. : N.A.

Guide Required : Yes Edit

Approximate cost: N.A.

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected by road with Darjeeling, Siliguri and other towns of North Bengal. Sukna is the gateway to the sanctuary which is located on the Siliguri-Darjeeling highway. It is just 13 Km from the Siliguri and 30 minutes drive distance from Siliguri. Taxis are obtainable from the airport to Siliguri, additionally on Darjeeling and Gangtok, although these are expensive. Cheaper choices are available from Siliguri bus station.

Bus : Siliguri is well connected through West Bengal State Road Transport Corporation (WBSRTC) and some private travel services. Siliguri Bus Station is located across the street from the Sher-e-Punjab Hotel on Hill Cart Road (Tenzing Norgay Road).

Train : New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Railway Station are nearest railway station in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. After arrive in Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri you can share a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach the Sanctuary. If all condition is in your favor, then you may take a tour with heritage Tray-train from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri to Sukna with a very reasonable fare.

Air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport is 14 km from the center of Siliguri and has links with most major Indian cities. Taxis are available from the airport to Siliguri, as well as to Darjeeling and Gangtok, though these are expensive. Cheapest options are available from Siliguri bus station.

Others : Moving in and around Siliguri is reasonable. Cycle-rickshaws, Auto-rickshaws, buses, taxis are simply accessible in almost each region. One will walk round the market place. Cycle-rickshaws will be hired to to move around among the radius of 1-2 kilometre. The fares are pretty nominal. To travel concerning 5-10 kilometre, one will hire/share auto-rickshaws. You simply need to stop one and once you leave you pay a fixed amount.

Things to CarryEdit

Carry Camera & plenty of Water.

Safety / WarningEdit

There are no motorable roads. The vehicles can come up to the bungalow but no further. You have to walk along the forest trail.
DO NOT walk along the trail without a guide since there are elephants, especially during winter time. The forest guards act as guides.