Ever thought of exploring a forest that sits at the crossroads of two mighty rivers and stretches from the Himalayan foothills to the plains? Well, that’s exactly what Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary offers. Just a half-hour drive from Siliguri, this underrated gem is home to gushing waterfalls, lush forests of sal, and elusive species like the Himalayan Black Bear.
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About Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the southern part of the Darjeeling district, West Bengal, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary stretches across the verdant corridor framed by the Mahananda and Teesta rivers. When it was established in 1955, it was a park meant for recreational activities. Later, the park was transformed into a sanctuary to preserve its population of the Indian Bison and the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Interestingly, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over a varying terrain, with the altitude being 500 ft in the south near the Sukna region and rising to 4,300 ft in the north near Latpanchar. With a sprawling area of 159 km, to enter the sanctuary, you’ll need to reach the main gateway near the Latpanchar bungalow. Booking car rentals in Siliguri ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Things to Do at Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
If you thought the sanctuary was just a destination to spot wildlife, you’re in for a surprise— it’s a complete experience in the lap of nature. And with smooth travel options available through a reliable airport taxi app, getting there is just as exciting as the adventure that awaits.
Here’s a closer look at the activities that you can indulge in after reaching this mesmerising spot:
Trekking At Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
With trails such as the route to Deorali or that from Sukna to Latpanchar, trekkers can enjoy a blend of scenic beauty and adventure. You’re likely to witness orchids, sal trees, and ferns while walking, with langurs or deer occasionally crossing the path.
Bird Watching At Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Latpanchar is celebrated as a haven for rare avian species, including the Rufous-necked Hornbill, the Fairy Bluebird, and the Himalayan Pied Hornbill. Other birds found in abundance include the swift, swallow, babbler, thrush, roller, warbler, sunbird, and minivet.
Waterfalls in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
The Golaghat Waterfall is the sanctuary’s most frequented gem, offering a refreshing retreat and a cooling pause after arduous treks. Its pristine and quiet surroundings are ideal for taking rest, clicking some pictures, or simply listening to the soothing sound of the falling water amidst rustling leaves and chirping birds.
Watching Wildlife At Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Whether you’re walking, taking a cosy ride on a jeep, or choosing a cab service in Siliguri, you can spot leopards, Himalayan black bears, a rare mountain goat called Serow, or barking deer in this expansive sanctuary. Note that the best time to visit for spotting wildlife is the period between November and April.
Watchtowers of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
As a haven for wildlife lovers, the sanctuary also has a number of watchtowers near streams and natural saltlicks to attract wild animals. There’s the watchtower in Laltong, along the Teesta river, which offers an excellent vantage point for spotting elephant migrations. Adding to its charm, the once-abandoned Gulma station within the sanctuary’s core has been reborn—transformed from an old railway cabin into a functional watchtower.
How to Reach the Sanctuary?
To ensure a smooth journey to the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, here are the transportation options that you can choose from:
By Air
The nearest airport to the sanctuary is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), 20 km away. To reach the sanctuary directly from the airport, you’ll just need to book a cab through an easy-to-use airport taxi app, with the journey spanning around 40 minutes.
By Train
If you’re planning to travel by train, Siliguri Junction is the nearest railway station, about 10 km away. On reaching the station, book car rentals in Siliguri to reach the destination smoothly in under 30 minutes.
By Road
If you’re travelling by road, you can reach the sanctuary from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Darjeeling, which are at a distance of 18 km and 55 km, respectively. The sanctuary is just a 45-minute drive from NJP, whereas the journey from Darjeeling takes about two and a half hours.
Entry Fees & Options for Safaris
After you’ve reached the sanctuary by booking a cab through a cab service in Siliguri, you’ll need to pay a modest entry fee of Rs 120 per person for Indian citizens. The entry fee for international tourists is set at ₹500 per individual.
When it comes to jeep safaris, these can be booked at the forest office near the entrance at Sukna. The Safars generally last for 1.5-2 hours, with their cost varying based on the vehicle type, number of people, and whether you choose a private or State Government operator.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary – Wrapping Up
All in all, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is much more than another travel destination—it gives you the chance to experience nature in its purest form. Whether you’re just sitting beside a sparkling waterfall or spotting elephants or barking deer from your cosy jeep, every moment is sure to bring you closer to nature.
So, if you’re planning to explore this green gem, it’s best to start by booking a hassle-free journey from Siliguri to Mahananda through Savaari Car Rentals. The wilderness is calling!
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Sandy & Vyjay are a husband and wife duo who are travel content creators. They are co-founders of this travel website and are one of the leading travel content creators in India.
Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.
