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West Bengal

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

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Major Airports :

Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), Bagdogra

Nearest Railway Station :

Siliguri Junction Railway Station (SGUJ)

Major Airports :

Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), Bagdogra

A famous elephant migration zone

Cradled between the majestic Mahananda and Teesta Rivers, a captivating realm of diverse flora, glistening streams, verdant valleys, and myriad wildlife beckons you to immerse in its beauty.

This is the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, a lush wildlife haven in Siliguri, especially known for being an elephant migration zone. Every year, around 150 elephants pass through this sanctuary to journey across West Bengal, Nepal, and Assam during the winter and rainy seasons.

While exploring, you will find several open areas or glades in the sanctuary where artificial saltlicks are created. The animals come here in the morning and evening to lick the salt and fulfil their mineral requirements.

You will also come across strategically placed watchtowers at breath-taking locations throughout the sanctuary. From these vantage points, you can marvel at the sanctuary's beautiful landscape, indulge in birdwatching, or observe wildlife in its natural habitat. So, let's climb up some watchtowers and witness the sheer beauty of this sanctuary!

View from the watchtowers

The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for biodiversity, owing to its wide range of altitudes, from 500 feet high at Sukna to towering heights exceeding 4300 feet at Latpanchar.

For avid wildlife enthusiasts, the watchtower in Laltong, nestled along the banks of the Teesta River near the Laltong village, offers an unparalleled vantage point for witnessing the majestic elephant migrations.

Meanwhile, the abandoned Gulma Station, nestled within the sanctuary's core area, has been ingeniously transformed from a railway cabin into a watchtower, providing an ideal perch for observing deer, Indian bison(gaur), and many other fascinating creatures. You'll also encounter other magnificent creatures, such as sambar, rhesus monkeys, mountain goats (serow), Himalayan black bears and the royal Bengal tigers. Each contributes its unique charm and allure to the sanctuary's enchanting ambience.

The sanctuary boasts a diverse botanical treasure trove comprising 330 plant species, including sal, shisu, teak, bamboo, jarul, and fern, which add depth and vibrancy to its ecological landscape.

In addition to its terrestrial wonders, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 300 avian species. Recognised as an "Important Bird Area", it is home to a dazzling array of birdlife, including the rufous-necked hornbills, peacocks, flycatchers, and the racket-tailed drongos. Whether exploring its verdant trails or scanning the skies, visitors are treated to avian delights, enhancing the sanctuary's allure and appeal.

But beyond the majestic denizens of these places lies a legend that will heighten your interest to another level, for it is believed that the sanctuary is home to the legendary Himalayan Yetis. Will you ever find one? The only way to find out is to come here.


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Opening hours

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

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Elevate your adventure

Siliguri has a lot more to offer beyond just the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. There are other fascinating attractions to explore in the region, such as the stunning Coronation Bridge, an architectural marvel built to commemorate the coronation of King George V. To get a deeper insight into the heritage of Siliguri, you can visit the Trishakti Heritage Complex located near the city. You can learn about the brave Trishakti Corps warriors and their remarkable stories here. You can also visit Sepoy Dhura, a picturesque village surrounded by lush tea plantations, and observe the fascinating process of tea plucking up close. Another exciting place to see is the Sevoke Kali Mandir, the oldest temple in the city.

The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary invites you on an incredible journey where diverse flora and fauna flourish together. So don't miss this fantastic destination and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience!