Top 5 National Parks in West Bengal

If we have to name two national parks of West Bengal, Sundarbans National Park would surely be one of them. After all, Sundarbans is a globally famous West Bengal national park name for being a tiger reserve as well as a biosphere reserve. Here you can see the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, which is the main attraction for all visitors. What makes a visit to this place an adventure is the fact that you have to travel through the park on a boat. Imagine sailing over the river Ganges while gazing at the wild forests and spotting animals here and there on both sides of the river. It’s an ecstatic feeling!

During your boat safari, you might spot crocodiles and a few other endangered aquatic species. Throughout your safari, you will have a guide to help you spot wild animals and also, to narrate thrilling stories about them. To explore the wildlife more, you can also choose to stay overnight at one of the jungle resorts inside the park. By the way, to reach Sundarban, you can take a train to Canning station after a flight to Kolkata. From there, you have to take a motor launch to reach Sundarbans through waterways.

For enjoying elephant safaris in West Bengal, you must visit this national park situated on the Torsa river bank. You can fly to Bagdogra airport in Siliguri from where buses and cabs are available to take you to this national park. Since this park houses the largest number of one-horned rhinoceros in the state, it’s a top ranker on the West Bengal national park list. So, when you are here, look for some of these one-horned creatures and capture candid pictures of them enjoying their ecosystem.

Hold on! We have not talked about elephant safari yet. We highly recommend you opt for an elephant safari here. You will be charged Rs. 500 for it. Just remember that the safari slots are between 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. So, plan your visit accordingly. The elephant safari is mainly conducted through the elephant corridor that connects Jaldapara National Park with Buxa Tiger Reserve. You can also choose a jeep safari to explore the park within a short span. While on the safari, you can see an extensive variety of flora and fauna that will be a treat to your eyes. Look up to spot the rare species of birds, Bengal Florican. And when you are here, don’t worry about accommodation as there are tourist lodges within the park.

The list of national park in West Bengal is incomplete without Gorumara National Park that’s renowned for its wild beauty and rugged terrains. Located in Dooars, this national park will lure you with its scenic beauty and wildlife. To reach here, you have to take a flight to Bagdogra airport and then a cab. The first thing you should look out for in the park is the Rhino Observation Point which is its speciality. While trekking through the park, you can also spot several wild animals like Asiatic Elephant, sloth bear, chittal and leopard. For your knowledge, this place houses 50 mammalian species and 194 bird species. That’s a lot to explore! And you can explore it all at an entry fee of Rs. 40.

While strolling through the forest is always an option, we suggest you opt for a jeep safari or an elephant safari. By the way, the elephant safari is only available for those who book rooms in the Gorumara accommodation provided by the forest department. You can choose any of the four safaris conducted between 6 am to 6 pm. An important reminder! The park remains closed from 15th June to 15th September because of the rain.

One of the best tiger reserves in India, Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated along the India-Bhutan border. If you want to escape from the chaotic city life and seek some tranquillity, this forest reserve is definitely the right place to be. The dense greenery, the surrounding hills and extensive flora and fauna, all collaborate to create a serene ambience. Apart from tigers, you can spot many migratory birds like gargani teal, common teal and white-eyed pochard, which are a rarity elsewhere. Another major attraction here is the wide variety of orchids. Your eyes will be captivated at the first glance of it. A quick tip! Keep time in your hands when you visit this place as there are 8 different forests to explore here.

You can reach this mystical location amid nature by taking a cab from Bagdogra airport. You will be charged Rs. 50 for entry into the park and if you opt for a jungle safari, additional charges will be applicable. Speaking of jungle safari, you can go for a jeep safari between 6 am to 6 pm, the cost for which is Rs. 1,200. Many go for the Chunia watchtower safari which includes crossing the beautiful Jayanti river to reach the watchtower from where various animals can be seen. But, we highly vouch for the ride to Pokhri Hill. You can sit by the Pokhri Lake and enjoy watching birds, flowers and the gorgeous Jayanti river from the top. It’s a soul-healing experience!

An underrated West Bengal all national park, Neora Valley National Reserve is worth your visit. A flight to Bagdogra airport followed by a car ride will bring you to this place in Kalimpong. If you are an adventure junkie, you will surely fall in love with the place. The park features hilly terrains through which you can trek to explore the forests and rivers here. And throughout your trek, you will get multiple chances to spot some wild animals and birds here and there. Keep your camera shutter ready to click pictures of those rarely seen creatures. And when you are here, don’t miss the chance to see the unique red pandas that are the most sought-after creatures in this park.

If you get tired after a long trek, you can always choose to stay in one of the bamboo huts inside this national reserve. You can enjoy watching birds from here while sipping a cup of tea or so. You can enter the park and enjoy its wilderness at Rs. 120, but the accommodation fee is additional. Also remember, the park remains closed for the monsoon months, i.e., from June to September. Summer is good for a visit. But, if you ask us, we would suggest you visit in the winter months to see the magnificent snow-laden mountains from the park.

Now that you have this travel guide to West Bengal national parks, you can keep it handy whenever you visit the state. It will allow you to explore the abodes of wilderness and rejuvenate yourself with a joyous experience.