Chilapata Forest
Close to Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary lies the vast Chilapata Forest. Many people's favourite tourist site in recent years has been Chilapata. With authorization from the forest department and in the company of a certified guide, you are welcome to visit. Since Chilapata is only 15 km away from Jaldapara, it is a convenient destination for day trips with sightseeing. "Nalraja Garh" or the Nal monarchs' fort is the main draw at Chilapata. Despite being in ruins now, the fort was constructed in the fifth century during the Gupta era and serves as a reminder of India's golden age despite its immense archaeological significance. Among the wildlife, one-horned rhinos, a large number of elephants, bison, deer, leopards, cheetahs, sambar, barking deer, wild boar etc. are seen here.
Chilapata forest near Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is the main corridor between the Buxa Tiger Reserve and Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary for the Elephants. It is a very dense forest and a small car drive/biking through the forest is just a wonderful experience. One can have a 24 Km drive from Sonapur Chowpathi to Gurudwara at Hasimara through the dense forest Chilapata. There are daily bus/another vehicle service too. You may come across wild animals at the forest roadside if you are lucky. One of the main attractions of Chilapata Forest is the Nal Rajar Garh or Fort of Nal Kings which was believed to have been built during the Gupta dynasty (The Golden Age of India). Though the place is poorly maintained by the archaeological department, the ruins are still found here.
Attractions and Activities
While visiting Chilapata Forest you may also go for a guided safari inside the Chilapata forest towards Mendabari watch tower and Kodal Basti forest. The jeep safari in Chilapata Forest is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Dooars. The CC line is the key place where one-horned rhinoceros are more likely to be found in the afternoon every day. One can enjoy the smooth walking of the rhinoceros standing at the CC line watch tower.
You can have a tea garden tour of the nearby Mathura Tea Estate and have a cultural experience with the Rabha Tribal Community as well. Leopards, one-horned rhinoceros, wild pigs, peacocks, elephants, monkeys more than 20 species of carnivores and herbivores, more than 175 types of birds, 22 species of reptiles, etc are found here. This place is indeed a hidden treasure of biodiversity. Lots of species have yet to be discovered in Chilapata Forest.
Chilapata Forest Safari Booking, Timing, Ticket Price
The Chilapata jungle safari lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, with four time slots available for you to choose from. In the summer (March 1 to November 30), the trips are from 5:30 am to 7:00 am, 7:30 am to 9:00 am, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, and 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. In the winter (December 1 to February 28/29), the times are 6:00 am to 7:30 am, 8:00 am to 9:30 am, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, and 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. You can pick the slot that fits your schedule best and you can book a safari online too.
Accommodation
In the vicinity of Chilapata Forest, West Bengal Forest Department Corporation Ltd (WBFDC) has built a forest rest house. It is a Forest Bungalow situated amidst a dense forest of Sal Tree. Visitors can also opt for lodging in Chilapata Jungle Camp.
Best Time to Visit Chilapata Forest
March to April is considered to be the best time to visit Chilapata Forest when you have a better chance of spotting one-horned rhinoceros during the jungle safari. However, it is advisable not to visit during the monsoon season, from June 15 to September 15, when the forest is closed. Besides that, you can visit Chilapata any time of year because Dooars always looks beautiful.
Transportation Options
By Air: The closest airport to Chilapata is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 150 km away. You'll need to rent a car to get to Chilapata once you land at the Bagdogra airport.
By Train: Located 40 kilometres from Alipurduar visitors can easily reach Chilapata Forest by boarding a train for Alipurduar Railway Station. From Alipurduar Railway Station visitors can hire a car/taxi to reach Chilapata Forest. Another major station is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is around 140 km from Chilapata. You can hire a private car to reach Chilapata from either station quite comfortably.
By Road: Chilapata is well-connected by road. Siliguri, a nearby city, is about 150 km away. A rented car can get you to Chilapata from Siliguri in about 4 hours. You can also reach here by car from Kolkata. The approximate distance from Kolkata to Chilpata Forest is 706 kilometers.
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