Wildlife · Alipurduar
Chilapata Forest
The corridor forest with a lost fort
Alipurduar, West Bengal, India October to April
Location
Alipurduar, West Bengal, India
Known for
Forests & Sanctuaries · Wildlife
Best time
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
Nearest airport
Bagdogra (IXB)
About Chilapata Forest
Chilapata is a thick block of forest between Jaldapara and Buxa that forms one of the most important elephant corridors in eastern India. Its canopy is high and closed, so light inside is green and low even at midday.
Hidden within it is Nalraja Garh, a ruined fort attributed to the Nal kings of the Gupta period, now half-swallowed by roots.
Why visit
- Critical elephant corridor with frequent sightings
- The overgrown ruins of Nalraja Garh
- Jungle camps and nature resorts on the fringe
- Bison, leopard and rich birdlife
Things to do & experiences
Jeep safari through the corridor
Nalraja Garh ruins walk
Torsa riverside visit
Night stay at a forest camp
How to reach
By air
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport, 2–4 hours by road depending on the destination.
By train
Hasimara and Alipurduar Junction.
By road
Via Alipurduar or Hasimara, off NH-17.
Best time to visit
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
