Chilapata Forest
The Chilapata Forest is a dense forest near Jaldapara National Park in Dooars, Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. It is about 20 km from Alipurduar, and just a few minutes away from Hasimara town. Until recently, the area was known for dacoity (banditry), but it is now safe for tourists.
The forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park and the Buxa Tiger Reserve,[1] and is rich in wildlife. New species continue to be found.[2] The forest used to be home to large Rhinoceros populations. In hunting expeditions in 1892-1904, in and around Chilapata Forest, the Maharajah of Cooch Behar recorded killing one rhino, injury of one, and sighting of over 14.[3] Rhinos now are extremely rare. Leopards are still common.[4]
It is hoped that eco-tourism will provide a new source of income for the indigenous Rabha people, who now depend on the forest mainly for firewood.
West Bengal State Forest Development Agency (WBSFDA) runs an eco-tourism resort at Kodalbasti, providing basic accommodation.
ne of the main attractions is the ruined “Nalraja Garh”, or fort of the Nal kings, built in the Gupta period in the fifth century C.E., the Golden Age of India. Although poorly maintained, the site has considerable archaeological interest. Other activities include Tonga rides through Mathura tea garden, boating on the Bania river and angling on the confluence of the Kalchini, Bania and Buri Basra.
The Chilapata tourism circuit includes guided safaris to the Mendabari watch tower and KodalBasti forests. Day visits to Buxa Tiger Reserve, Jaldapara WLS and Khayerbari Leopard Rescue Centre are also possible.Numerous forest trails and walks are also a major attraction here. One can also enjoy a tea tour in the nearby Mathura tea estate and can as well have an excellent and authentic cultural experience by visiting the Rabha tribal community in their villages. Coachbehar heritage town is an hour-long drive, and an important part of the Chilapata experience.
Hidden deep inside the Chilapata forests, there exist ruins of a fort, believed to be built during the Gupta era in the 5th century.The remnants are a handful of stone and brick blocks with distinctive carvings.The ruins also consist of a broken wall and a broken gate of the Nalrajar Garh (fort of the king Nala), where, it is believed, the soldiers of the Maharajahs of Coochbehar stayed and the river transport system used to be carried out following the course of river Bania to protect the kingdom from Bhutanese invasion.
The Rabha tribal community who inhabits the villages in Chilapata is well known for their bamboo crafts and weaving. To demonstrate the rich tradition and also to encourage the visitors to get a hands on experience and collect a local souvenir, the Jungle Camp has initiated a hand loom weaving centre in its premises. The centre and the small business is independently run by a local self-help group from the nearby Rabha village and the profit goes directly to the community.
Communication
The two nearest Stations to Chilapata are New Alipurduar Junction (26 km) and Hasimara Junction (16 km). There are several trains from Kolkata to New Alipurduar Junction. Your best option could be Teesta -Torsa Express ( Reaches at 7:15 a.m.) from Sealdah or Kamrup Express (Reaches at 9:15 a.m.) from Howrah. As for Hasimara, there are only two trains from Kolkata. Out of these two Kanchankanya Express (Reaches at 10:46 a.m.) from Sealdah is a better option.
From the station, a car ride will take you to the jungle camp. Chilapata is open to tourists from October to May.
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