Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in West Bengal

Tucked snugly between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers and just a hop, skip, and a short SUV ride away from Siliguri, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is nature’s version of a multi-screen blockbuster — action, mystery, and drama, all playing out in Dolby surround (read: chirping, trumpeting, and rustling leaves).

Spread across a whopping 159 square kilometers, this forest is not just green — it’s 50 shades of wild! It's where the Himalayas flirt with the Terai plains, resulting in a unique ecological lovechild that’s teeming with both lowland and high-altitude species.

What's the Buzz (Besides the Mosquitoes)? Elephantine Encounters: Yep, wild elephants here aren’t just passing through — they throw proper forest parties. Keep a safe distance unless you want to be an unwilling guest. Leopard Lounge: Though tigers used to be spotted back in the day, the leopard now reigns supreme. Think of them as the stealthy, silent film stars of Mahananda. Feathers and Fame: Over 300 bird species including the Rufous-necked hornbills, Himalayan pied kingfishers, and Crested serpent eagles call this home. Ornithologists, cancel your Goa plans — this is "birdie heaven". Eco-Diversity Deluxe: From sal forests in the lowlands to oak and rhododendron in the upper reaches, this sanctuary has more layers than your mom’s winter wardrobe.

Did You Know? The sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1959, primarily to protect the Indian bison (gaur), a.k.a. the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the bovine world. It sits within the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, which is basically like the Oscars of ecological importance. You can explore the sanctuary from the Latpanchar region — also known for hosting the endangered Himalayan Salamander (fancy, right?).

Review Round-Up Mahananda isn’t a place — it’s a feeling. It’s the jungle whispering secrets, the canopy playing peek-a-boo with the sunlight, and nature giving you an unfiltered TED Talk on biodiversity. Just pack binoculars, a raincoat, and your sense of adventure. Oh, and maybe avoid the jungle trails during monsoon — unless you're filming Survivor:...

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a genuine hidden gem in West Bengal's Darjeeling district. It has a wide expanse of almost 158-160 square kilometers or so of reserve forest area. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is very close to Siliguri and has good access to each entrance point which are both in Sukna and 13 kilometers apart. Highlights: Location: The sanctuary is located between Teesta & Mahananda river, sitting between the foothills of the Himalayas. Altitude: It reaches up to 4000 feet above the mean sea level at Latpanchar in Kurseong hill. Flora: Mahananda has numerous species of trees such as Shal, Teak, Bamboo, orchids of various kinds, and medicinal plants. Fauna: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary has habitat for ample wildlife: Mammals - Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Bison (Gaur), Asian elephants, leopards, sambar deers, barking deers, wild boars, and Himalayan black bear Birds: Over 250-300 species of birds including the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill, pheasants, woodpeckers, and migratory birds. Visitor Information: The best time to visit is between November to April, it remains closed in the middle of June. Entry to park hours is 6 am to 5 pm Guests can visit the sanctuary by way of many activities available such as jeep safaris, jungle treks, birds watching, and visiting one of five watchtowers; Latlong, Gulma, and Toribari. Significance: Conservation: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is significant for conservation of Royal Bengal Tigers & Indian Bison that are on the verge of extinction. Bird Area: Recently, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary has now become declared as an "Important Bird Area" since birds contribute to conservation and...

....Gumba'gaon---

A mountain village arranged like a picture. The height of Gumba'gaon is roughly four thousand feet. But the cold is more than that. Because it is a large and spreading valley. The box houses are arranged in the grooves of the hill. A dense forest has come down from the hill. Mahananda Sanctuary. As soon as you enter the village, you will be greeted by a cold breeze. A hill stream flows through the gap between the big rocky boulders. The beautiful name of this Jhora is Riang Khola. The beauty of colorful flowers around every house in the village will fascinate you. A beautiful ancient church crowns the top of the green hill. Free movement of achin birds in the forests of Gumba'gaon. This beautiful cottage is built for living in a Lepcha-dominated village. The hospitality of the cottage people and the organic food will be remembered for a long time. Gumba'gaon is a wonderful destination for a short vacation. Gumba'gaon's best gift of a wonderful collage of generous, bountiful nature is the sincere hospitality of the...