The Chilapata Forest is a dense forest near Jaldapara National Park in Dooars, Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. The forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park and the Buxa Tiger Reserve and is rich in wildlife. New species continue to be found here. The forest used to be home to large Rhinoceros populations.
Apart from that, Chilapata Forest has a healthy population of wild elephants, leopards, and wild pigs as well. Chilapata is around an hour’s drive from Alipurduar town. This area is a mostly dense jungle with mud-paved tracks overgrown with vegetation. The thick forest canopy hardly allows any sunlight to enter and even at noon this place is dark like evening.
Why You Should Visit Chilapata Forests
The major attraction of Chilapata is the forest and its wildlife. Forest safari in Jeep is available inside the forest. Sighting of Indian Bison (Gaur), Elephant, Rhino, and various types of Deer is most common here. The forests are also known to be home to a variety of avifauna. Chilapata also has historical significance. The famous Nal Rajar Garh is a fort from the Nal Kings of the Gupta age. Although the fort is mostly in ruins today, it is a place worth visiting while in Chilapata.
Best Time to Visit Chilapata Forests
From September to the month of February, it is considered the best time to visit Chilapata forests.
Places To Visit In Chilapata Forests
Chilapata Forests is among the best tourist places in West Bengal. If you are traveling here, then make sure you explore these tourist places in Chilpata Forests.
1. Buxa Tiger Reserve
This place is located at a distance of around 30 km and is known for offering an amazing experience to travelers and tourists alike. Moreover, this place was declared as the 15th Tiger Reserve in the year 1983.
2. Mahakal Cave
The Mahakal Cave is one of the most amazing places to visit. The stupendous aura this place has to offer is out and out amazing for anyone to explore and discover in its little nuances. Nature-loving people would love to visit this place.
3. Pokhri Hill
It is in the Pokhri Hill range that Pokhri lake is situated. And it is one of the most amazing sightseeing destinations to visit, explore and discover.
4. Buxa Fort
The Buxa Fort is located at a distance of 5 km from Santarabari and can be reached by one and a half-hour of trekking. The Buxa Fort is one of the popular tourist destinations for the visitors in Buxa Tiger Reserve.
5. Bhuta Basti
The Bhuta Basti is one of the most amazing places to get the feel and vibe of this amazing place situated right in the middle of nature. This place is out and out amazing and a great option to visit with your loved ones.
How To Reach Chilapata Forest
The Chilapata Forest is located in the Jaldapara National Park, Dooars in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal state. Follow these steps to reach Chilapata Forests in West Bengal!
- Nearest metropolitan city - Kolkata
- Nearest airbase - Bagdogra Airport
- Nearest railhead - New Alipurduar Railway Station
By Air
Mainly there are two airports namely Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, and Bagdogra Airport. From there you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination.
- Distance from Bagdogra Airport - 151 Kms
- Distance from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport - 672 Kms
By Road
The overall connectivity via the road network is quite good. So, traveling via road would be quite convenient for you.
- Distance from Kolkata - 684 Kms
By Train
The overall connectivity via train is quite good. The nearest railhead to Chilapata Forest is New Alipurduar Railway Station.
- Distance from New Alipurduar Railway Station - 45 Kms
