CHILAPATA NATIONAL PARK

The Chilapata Forest is a dense forest near Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Dooars, Jalpaiguri District. It is about 20 km from Alipurduar, and just a few minutes away from Hasimara town. The forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara and the Buxa Tiger Reserve and is rich in wildlife. New species continue to be found. The forest used to be home to large Rhinoceros populations. In hunting expeditions in 1892-1904, in and around Chilapata Forest, the Maharajah of Cooch Behar recorded killing one rhino, injury of one, and sighting of over 14. Rhinos now extremely rare. Leopards are still common. It is hoped that eco-tourism will provide a new source of income for the indigenous Rabha people, who now depend on the forest mainly for firewood. The chief attraction at Chilapata is the "Nalraja Garh" or the fort of the Nal kings. The fort was built during the Gupta period in the fifth century, although the fort itself is in ruins now, it has tremendous archeological importance and reminds one of the golden age in the history of India. The site is not maintained very well and wildlife sighting at this place is not unusual.

Places to See At Chilapat National Park :

Chilapata preserves wildlife in its core. The forest of Chilapata abounds in a jumble of birds and animals. Chilapata itself is a world of colorful and beautiful birds like Fishing Eagle, Shikra, Crested Eagle, Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Partridge, Bengal Florican, Paradise Flycatcher, Racket-tailed Drongo and Pied Hornbill. The forest is never at ease due to the continuous fluttering of birds.
Chilapata is a hub of wild animals. It crawls with different species of the Asian Rhino, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Hispid Hare and Bison.
Reptiles like python, krait, cobra, water monitor and freshwater turtles enrich the wildlife of Chilapata that is the most precious treasure of North Bengal.
Chilapata boasts about not only its geographical importance but archaeological and historical importance as well. The “Nalraja Garh” or “Mendabari Fort” located near the Bania River is one of the chief lures of Chilapata. The ruins of the fort tell the history of the Nal Kings. The construction of the fort traces back to the Gupta period, the Golden Era of Indian history in the 5th century.


How to Reach :

By Air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB).

By Rail : The nearest railhead is Alipurduar in the district of Jalpaiguri, situated 25 KM from the Chilapata National Park. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station is one of major railhead for tourist to enter into the Dooars Region.

Accommodation : In Chilapata National Park, Eco Jungle Camp is the best option to stay. In the camp all cottages  are ethnic in style that respect local rural architecture and constructed with local materials. Spotless rooms with modern bath. Large dining surrounded by lush green village gardens, trees. 

Food : We serve local dishes specially and tastefully cooked for you by trained local chef. Much variety is not possible owing to the remoteness of the area; yet best possible food is provided under strict hygienic supervision. Vegetables come from the organic gardens of the village, fresh fish from the local rivers and ponds, chicken from the village farms.

Activities : Wildlife Watching, Bird Watching, National Park, Village Walk, Forest Drive, Forest Walk, Forest Cycle Ride, Tea Garden Visit, Flora and Fauna Exploration, Nalraja Garh Visit, Cochbehar Royal Palace Visit, Local Cultural Experience, Local Market Visit

Attraction : Bird Watching,Wildlife Watching,National Park Visit,Forest Drive,Flora and Fauna Exploration,Forest Cycle Ride, Local Cultural Experience,Folk Music,Village Walk,Local Market,Nalraja Garh,Cochbehar Royal Palace