Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in West Bengal

Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary

• 11Places
• 1250Agents
• 217Packages

About Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful sanctuary located in Siliguri, West Bengal, India. It is spread over an area of 159 sq km and is known for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary was established in 1955 and is named after the Mahananda River that flows through it. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Location and Geographical Overview The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, near the town of Siliguri in West Bengal. It is situated at an altitude of 600-1000 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests and picturesque landscapes. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road and is a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Open and Closing Time The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is open to visitors from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. It is recommended to visit the sanctuary during the early hours of the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife spotting opportunities. Entry Fee The entry fee for the Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is ₹50 for Indian nationals and ₹200 for foreign nationals. Children below the age of 5 years can enter free of cost. There is also a separate fee for vehicles entering the sanctuary. Species-Flora/Fauna Availability The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Some of the commonly found species include Indian bison, leopards, elephants, deer, various species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles. The sanctuary is also known for its rich plant diversity, with several species of trees, shrubs, and medicinal plants thriving in the area. Activities Performed Visitors to the Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy a range of activities, including nature walks, bird watching, wildlife spotting, photography, and camping. The sanctuary also offers jeep safaris for those looking to explore the area and spot wildlife up close. Jeep Safari Charges The charges for a jeep safari at the Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary are ₹300 per person for Indian nationals and ₹800 per person for foreign nationals. The safari duration is approximately 1-2 hours, during which visitors are accompanied by experienced guides who provide information about the flora and fauna of the sanctuary. Age Criterion and Entry Fee For entry into the Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary, the age criterion is as follows: - Male: 5 years and above - Female: 5 years and above - Children: Below 5 years (entry free) The entry fee for Indian nationals is ₹50 and ₹200 for foreign nationals. Vehicle entry fees are charged separately. Senior Citizen Facilities The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary offers special facilities for senior citizens, including designated seating areas, easy access to walking trails, and assistance from park staff if required. Senior citizens can also avail of discounts on entry fees and safari charges upon showing valid identification. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit the Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is more active. The monsoon season, from July to September, is also a good time to visit as the sanctuary is lush and green during this time. Nearby Places to Visit There are several nearby places to visit when in the vicinity of the Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary, including the Kali Mandir, Coronation Bridge, Sevoke Kali Mandir, and the picturesque town of Mirik. Visitors can also explore the tea gardens and enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the serene Mirik Lake. Vehicle Parking Facility The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary has designated parking areas for visitors bringing their vehicles. There is ample parking space available, and park staff are present to assist visitors in finding a suitable parking spot. The parking fee is included in the vehicle entry fee. Rules and Regulations Visitors to the Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary are advised to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the wildlife and maintain the sanctity of the sanctuary. Some of the key rules include no littering, no feeding or disturbing the animals, no loud noises, and no smoking within the sanctuary premises. How to Reach and Other Related Information The Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected by road and can be easily reached from Siliguri by private or public transport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 20 km away from the sanctuary. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction, which is about 25 km from the sanctuary. Accommodation options are available in Siliguri for those looking to stay overnight near the sanctuary.

Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary

• 3Places
• 111Agents
• 11Packages

About Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque sanctuary located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. Spread over an area of over 25 square kilometers, this sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism. Location and Geographical Overview The Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, approximately 70 kilometers from the city of Kolkata. Situated on the banks of the Ajay River, the sanctuary is known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Opening and Closing Time The sanctuary is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week. Entry Fee There is a nominal entry fee of INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for children to visit the Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary. Species-Flora/Fauna Availability The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot animals like deer, monkeys, and various bird species during their visit. The lush greenery of the sanctuary is dominated by trees like Sal, Teak, and Mahogany. Activities Performed Visitors to the sanctuary can indulge in activities like bird watching, nature walks, and photography. The serene environment of the sanctuary makes it an ideal place to relax and unwind amidst nature. Jeep Safari Charges For those looking to explore the sanctuary in a more adventurous way, jeep safaris are available at an additional cost. The charges for a jeep safari start at INR 500 per person. Age Criterion and Entry Fee The entry fee for the Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary is INR 50 for male visitors, INR 30 for female visitors, and INR 20 for children. Senior Citizen Facilities Senior citizens above the age of 60 can avail a discounted entry fee of INR 30 to visit the sanctuary. Wheelchair facilities are also available for senior citizens who may require assistance. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit the Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months of November to February when the weather is pleasant and conducive for exploring the sanctuary. Nearby Places to Visit There are several attractions near the sanctuary that visitors can explore, including the historic temples of Bardhaman, the scenic Ajay River, and the bustling markets of the district. Vehicle Parking Facility Visitors can avail of the vehicle parking facility at the entrance of the sanctuary for a small fee. The parking area is secure and monitored by staff members for the safety of vehicles. Rules and Regulations Visitors to the Ramna Bagan Wildlife Sanctuary are required to maintain the sanctity of the sanctuary by not littering, feeding animals, or disturbing the natural habitat. Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited within the premises. How to Reach and Other Related Information The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from major cities like Kolkata and Bardhaman. Visitors can take private or public transportation like buses or taxis to reach the sanctuary. It is recommended to plan your visit in advance and check for any updates on timings or entry fees before arriving at the sanctuary.