Chilapata Forest

Although Chilapata is a renowned and dense forest, still it is yet to get any honour for National Park or Reserve Forest. Chilapata forest comes under Jalpaiguri district in eastern Dooars and closes to Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary. Enriched with flora and fauna Chilapata forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve. The ecological boundary of Chilapata spreads along the banks of Bania river in the east and river Torsha in the west. Both rivers bring fresh monsoon alluvial to support and protect the grassland ecosystem of the forest. Chilapata in Dooars is a dense forest and offers the genuine flavour of wild-life in the wilderness. Going through the forest is really thrilling to feel like cutting a green wall. Once famous for its terror of bandits, the forest has become one of the major visiting places for the visitors travelling in Dooars. Chilapata forest features the wonders of wildlife in the real colour of nature. Chilapata is a hub of wild animals. It used to have a large number of one-horned rhinos. But the ruthless killing by the King of Coochbehar during the last leg of the 19th century brought to dwindling of the population of rhinos. Apart from one-horned rhinos, a large number of elephants, bison, deer, leopard, lesser cats, cheetal, sambar, barking deer, wild boar etc. are available in the forest. Reptiles like python, krait, cobra, water monitor and freshwater turtles enrich the wildlife of Chilapata forest make it one of the most precious treasures in Dooars. Chilapata is also one of the favourite destinations for bird watchers in Dooars. The forest boasts about its colourful and beautiful birds like a fishing eagle, shikara, crested eagle, jungle fowl, peaceful partridge, Bengal florican, paradise flycatchers, racket tailed drongo, pied hornbill etc. Chilapata also is known for its butterfly species of diversity. *Best time to visit* : Many of North Bengal areas remains in beautiful atmospheric condition from the month of September to the month of February. Therefore, this time is the most suitable to visit Chilapata.

Chilapata Forest is a dense and beautiful forest, which is a part of the Jaldapara Sanctuary.The Bania River flows through the forest. The nearst town is Hashimara, where we stayed at the Malangi Lodge. You can reserve the safari online through the WBFDA site by providing details of members. We paid Rs.480/- for 4 persons. Details of ID card of all members is required to be filled in and online payment made. We had booked the 4-5.30 pm afternoon safari and needed to report at the Chilapata Range Office by 10am. We paid Rs.1500/- as Vehicle Hire Charges, Rs.350/- as Guide Fees, Rs.200/- for Rava Dance and Rs.400/- for Entry Fee at that office. We were a group of 4. Original ID cards as provided at the time of online booking are checked there. The gypsy was exclusive for our party. The forest is said to have been named after Bir Chilarai, the commander-in-chief of King Nara Narayan's army. Remains of parapet walls of what was the Nal King's fort are visible but in a dilapidated condition. The guide will also show you the tree which bleeds -the Ram Guna tree. The forest is dense and the drive is lovely. All of a sudden, we came across a bison standing majestically, right in our path. We stopped at some distance, and then spied another one in the trees. It is advisable to maintain a distance from the animals and avoid making any kind of noise. We came across another bison close to the track during our return trip. Overall, a very satisfying safari.

I have enjoyed visiting Chilapata Forest, a dense forest near Jaldapara National Park in Dooars, West Bengal. Chilapata Forest is rich in wildlife and forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara and Buxa Tiger Reserve. I am lucky to have seen so many animals, such as elephants, peacocks, deer, bison, and rhinos. Some of them are rare and endangered, like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal florican. Chilapata Forest also has historical and cultural significance, as it contains the ruins of the Nalraja Garh, a fort built by the Nal kings in the 5th century. You can also take a guided safari to the Mendabari watch tower and KodalBasti forest. Chilapata Forest is a hidden treasure of biodiversity and a great destination for nature lovers.