
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary near Siliguri
The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary stretches over 159 sq. km of reserve forest in the Darjeeling Wildlife division. It was established in 1955 as a game sanctuary for children. Later it became a sanctuary primarily to protect its population of Royal Bengal Tiger and the Indian bison both of which have been categorized as endangered species.
Flora and Fauna in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary near Siliguri
Rufous necked hornbill in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
The varied altitude also accounts for a diverse animal species especially the mammals. Some of them include Indian elephants, Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian bison, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, Rhesus monkey etc. Other animals which are seen here are the lesser cat species including jungle cat, fishing cat, Himalayan black bear, leopards and clouded leopards, Smaller animals like porcupines, rare mountain goat and snakes are also found in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is also notable for its extraordinary bird species. There are about 243 avian species found here including the Himalayan pied hornbill, peacock, peafowl, fouls, king fisher, drongo, robin, fly catchers, woodpeckers and others . It is also a haven for the migratory birds which arrive here from the Central Asia.
Jeep safaris are the best way to view the exotic flora and fauna of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary with well laid forest roads covering 50 km inside the forest stretch. Watch towers near the Gulma railway station or in Laltong on the river Teesta are another option for both watching wildlife and bird watching.
Best Time to Visit the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary near Siliguri
The best time to visit the sanctuary is October to April since the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary remains closed during monsoons from mid June to mid September.
How to reach Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary near Siliguri
It will take about 13 km from Siliguri along Hill Cart Road to reach Sukna which is the entrance to the place. There is also a toy train station in Sukna. If you are coming from Darjeeling it will take about two and a half hours along the Hill Cart Road.Accommodation near Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

Latpanchar Forest Bungalow near Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
There are also two forest lodges in the Sukna region of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and can be used with permission from the forest department.