Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

CHAPRAMARI WILD LIFE SANCTUARY

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary nestled in the Dooars plain is a small but one of the oldest Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal. The name Chapramari probably derives from “Chopra” which means a type of fish and “Mari” which means abundant. The Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nagrakata Block of Jalpaiguri District, just at the foothills of Kalimpong Sub-division and on the banks of Murti River. The Reserve Forest since 1895 was declared as a Game Sanctuary in 1939. In view of its great diversity of flora and fauna it was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998 comprising a total area of 9.6031 sq. kms

Orchids

The Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora. A number of Orchids belonging to the genus Acampe, Bulbophyllum, Chiloschista, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Eria, Gastrochilus, Luisia, Oberonia etc. are very common. They can be seen in full bloom in different months throughout the year.

Bird Watching 

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its scenic beauty such as forested landscape w2ith its rive rain ecosystem which no one can forget. This Sanctuary is a paradise for birds such as Green Magpie, Indian Treepie, Thrush, Scarlet Minivet, Hill Mayna, Whitr Breasted Kingfisher, Hornbill, Large Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Adjutant Stork etc. the most common water birds are the large and little Cormorant, Darter & Egret. Migratory birds include the Brahminy and Teals.

Where to Stay?

There is a forest inspection bungalow in the Sanctuary (2 Rooms for 4 persons). Beside this many hospitable private Resorts have come up in the recent years in and around Lataguri. Accommodations are also available in W.B.F.D.C Ltd. Resorts in Murti and Chapramari Wilderness Camp at Panjhora (4 cottages for 8 persons).

Animals you will see

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its mega-herbivores such as the Elephant and the Gaur. Along with these, Cheetal, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wildboar, Pangolin are also present in the Sanctuary. It is significant in the international context for providing shelter and protection to various species of Wildlife included in the Red data Book (R.D.B) of the IUCN and the appendices of CITES. The Sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity for study of the habitat, behavior, food, population dynamics of these animals.

Watch Towers 

There is a single observation tower just in the front of the Glade in Chapramari. The tower provides a bird’s eye view of the glade and sighting of mega-herbivores like the Elephants and the Gaurs (Bison).