Chapramari FRH

Imagine staying in an old Forest Bungalow built within a dense forest. You have the whole jungle to yourself when you stand in the Bungalow’s balcony watching over the waterhole and salt lick where Bisons, Elephants, Rhinos, Monkeys, Peacocks and a whole lot of unknown birds come to quench their thirst. But, this is not all! From the Chapramari Forest Rest House (FRH), you can have a panoramic view of one of the oldest jungles of the Dooars region with the mighty mountain at its backdrop. A night in the Chapramari FRH with the mysterious sounds and squeaks of the jungle dwellers would give you the real thrill of spending a night in one of the oldest jungles of India. BOOKING DETAILS OF CHAPRAMARI

Places to see in Chapramari FRH: You must spend the whole day watching the animals visiting the waterhole for their drink and the birds hopping from one branch of the tree to another. You are in the middle of the jungle and do not miss the thrill of it. There is a watch-tower adjacent to the Chapramari FRH where visitors come during the mornings and evenings. The watchtower and the Rest House offers the same view of the salt lick and the waterhole.

Bisons at Chapramari

Nearby attractions of Chapramari FRH: There are plenty of tourist attractions around and near Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary like the Khunia watch-tower which is located within short distance of this sanctuary. Other places to see are the Gorumara National Park and Jaldapara National Forest. The Murti River and Jhalong can also be visited as nearby attractions. The new destination of Panjhora located a few kilometers away on the banks of the Murti River on the fringes of Chapramari Forest has become a new attraction. The entire Dooars region can be visited from this Chapramari Forest Bungalow.

Wild elephants at Chapramari forest

Things to do in Chapramari FRH: If you love nature, then this is your place. As soon as you enter the forest, you will see a wide variety of trees like aamloki, rudrapalash, rubber trees, rupasi and others. Bird watching can be a really exciting activity here with plenty of birds frolicking in the trees. You can sit idle on the balcony of the Chapramari FRH with a cup of tea enjoying the forest and the distant hills spotting wildlife around the waterhole and salt lick. In the evenings, you can watch the tribal dance and when the night falls and the Chapramari forest is bathed in moonlight, you can see the Elephant herd munching away the forest foliage beside your bungalow.

Waterhole at Chapramari

How to reach Chapramari FRH: The Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located some 72 km from Siliguri, 26 km from Lataguri, 70 km from Jalpaiguri and 8 km from Chalsa. National Highway 31 that passes by the sanctuary as it connects Nagrakata and Siliguri. You can easily reach the sanctuary by hiring cars either from the New Mall Junction or the rail station at New Jalpaiguri. If you are going by road, then you have to turn from the Khunia More on NH31that takes you to Jaldapara.

Best time to visit Chapramari FRH: You can visit the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary during any time of the year. However, the Forest stays closed to visitors during the monsoons.

Chapramari forest rest house

Lodging and dining facilities at Chapramari FRH: The Chapramari Forest Rest House is the only accommodation available inside Chapramari Forest. The bungalow has balconies facing the two salt licks and waterhole. Accommodation here is well furnished and well equipped with attached toilet, lights and fans and other facilities as well. There is a well proportioned dining hall also. Just remember, for staying in the Chapramari FRH, you have to carry your own ration, which will be prepared by the caretaker of the bungalow as per your request.

Photographs by Anindya Bhanja Chowdhury, Shomnath Dutta, Debal Ray

BOOKING DETAILS OF CHAPRAMARI