Khutimari

Khutimari forest is located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. It is situated at a distance of 70 km from the town of Jalpaiguri. The prime attraction of this place is its immense natural beauty and stunning wildlife. The forest of Khutimari houses a range of wild animals including elephant, leopard, gaur, barking deer, hog deer, spotted deer and wild boar. Various species of birds also live in this jungle.

Getting There

Khutimari is situated at a distance of 70 km from the town of Jalpaiguri. Cars are available from Jalpaiguri to reach Khutimari.

Staying There

There are two forest bungalows at Khutimari.

South Khayerbari Nature Park

South Khayerbari Nature Park is a tiger rescue centre situated 15 km from Jaldapara. The park has been developed with the objective of treatment and rehabilitation of leopards and tigers. The leopards and tigers have been kept in a natural environment in this park. Battery operated cars are used to conduct safari tours in this nature park. River Buri Torsa is flowing through the South Khayerbari Nature Park. Boating can be done in the waters of the river.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Hasimara. Hasimara is well connected to Kolkata which in turn enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. Madarihat is 12 km from Hasimara station. South Khayerbari Nature Park is 15 km from Madarihat.

Staying There

There are three cottages of the forest department on the bank of Buri Torsa river.

Hatibari

Hatibari is an amazing tourist destination located on the borders of the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The place is surrounded by small hills and lush greenery. River Subarnarekha flows through the place. The chirping of birds in the forests of Sal, Piyal, Teak and Eucalyptus trees make the environment of Hatibari mesmerizing. You can spend your time watching the fishing boats in the waters of Subarnarekha river. Gopiballabhji's Temple is a must see attraction from Hatibari. You may also visit the nearby Jhilli Dam, Kendugari and Rameshwar Temple.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Jhargram. Jhargram enjoys good rail connectivity with Kolkata which in turn is well connected to the rest of the country. Hatibari is 62 km from Jhargram. Buses are available from Jhargram Bus Stand to reach Hatibari.

Staying There

Hatibari Forest Bungalow. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 400.
For booking contact: DFO, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram Division. Tel: (03221) 255010.

Madhav National Park

Madhav National Park is situated in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The forest had once been the summer capital and hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Gwalior. The national park covers an area of 354 sq km and remains open throughout the year. The jungle is not very dense and provides ample opportunities of sighting wildlife. The Madhav National Park is home to leopard, wild dog, wild pig, wolf, jackal, hyena, spotted deer, Nilgai and Chinkara. There is an artificial lake named Chandpata inside the park. During winter months hundreds of migratory birds including pelican, spoon bill, pochard, paradise flycatcher and sunbird visit this lake. A great attraction for tourists at Madhav National Park is the Sakhya Sagar Sailing Club from where one can get a stunning view of the whole lake.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Shivpuri. Gwalior and Jhansi are the major railway stations near Madhav National Park which are well connected to the rest of the country. Regular bus services are available from Gwalior and Jhansi to Shivpuri.

Staying There

MPTDC Tourist Village. Tariff - Rs. 2600-4000. Tel: (07492) 223760.

Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary

Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary (also known as Kasthashali Bird Sanctuary) is located in Burdwan district of West Bengal. The place is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers. The prime attraction of Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary is the beautiful oxbow lake created by the meandering River Ganga. There is boating facility in the lake. Hundreds of bird species such as Lesser Whistling-duck, Red-crested Pochard, Kingfisher, Osprey, Little Cormorant, Great Egret and Spoon Bill are sighted in this lake. The place also attracts a number of migratory birds during the winter months.

Getting There

The nearest railway station is Purbasthali which is well connected to Kolkata. Kolkata enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. The bird sanctuary is 3 km from Purbasthali station. Van rickshaws are plying from the station to the sanctuary.

Staying There

Tourist Guesthouse. Tariff - Rs. 500. Tel: 8001554531.