Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular paradises for bird lovers and observers in West Bengal, also known as the Kulik Bird Sanctuary. In this post, I will show you complete information about Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary.
Here, you will know about,
- Overview of the Sanctuary
- History of it
- Best time to visit
- And, much more information
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
About Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary
Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Kulik Bird Sanctuary, is located near Raiganj in the Uttar Dinajpur district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is no less than a Paradise for Bird Watcher.
Spreading over an area of 1.30 sq km, Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary is home to about 164 species of birds, and about 70,000 to 80,000 migratory birds visit the sanctuary each year. Moreover, it is the second-largest Bird Sanctuary in Asia. According to the MEE Report, Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaldapara National Park have been declared the top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of India.
History of Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1970, For the West Bengal Government’s social forestry program, this area was created artificially. The division planted tree species such as Kadam, Jarul, Sisu, Eucalyptus, and many more tropical dry deciduous trees. After that, some days, this sanctuary is beginning to attract native and migratory birds especially, in the winter season. And, finally, in 1985, it is officially recognized as Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary, the U-shaped sanctuary is connected to Kulik by an extensive network of artificial canals.
Fauna of Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary
With an area of around 286.23 acres, Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary is full of many Colorful Birds. The commonly found native birds of the sanctuary are woodpeckers, kingfishers, kites, flycatchers, dragons, owls, ducks and cuckoos, and many more. And, In the winter season, many migratory birds are coming from Coastal and South Asian Country in every year such as pond herons, Indian shag, open-bill storks, egrets, little cormorants, and many more birds. In addition to the Birds, this Raigank Bird Sanctuary is a full collection of Wildlife and Many Plants, which make the Sanctuary very fascinating.
Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price, Timings
Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary: The Entry fee for Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary is Rs. 40.
Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary Timing:
Day | Timing |
---|---|
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Heronry Birds at the Sanctuary
These are some Heronry Birds at the Raigank Wildlife Sanctuary;
- Knight Heron
- Asian Openbill Stork
- Little Cormorant
- Heron of the pond
- A little egret
Basically, From July to December Month os the period time of the Formation of Heronari. Usually, in Mid-June, Asian openbill storks usually begin nesting. although migration depends on rainfall. When the rains start early, the Asian Openbill arrives early. And, on the other hand, the remaining 4 species begin nesting in mid-May.
Best Time To Visit Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary
Most of the Migratory birds arrive in July Month and leave from mid-December to the end of January. So, The Best time to visit the Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to January Month.
Tourism of the Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary
The number of tourists visiting the sanctuary is increasing. To enhance the beauty of the area, the district administration has created Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. This Administration of the Sanctuary raised funds from the Border Area Development Project, MP Local Area Development Fund, Tenth Fund, North Bengal Development Council, and MLA Local Area Development Fund.
In the winter season, from December to February month, a huge number of Nature lovers and Tourists visit Bihar and other districts of West Bengal. But, sadly to say, some come for picnicking in this area, and they not only disturb the Birds but also the Local Environment of the Sanctuary. To solve the problem, The Raiganj Social Forestry Department has set up a picnic spot at Bhattadighi near here, with water facilities, a small park, and a foot track. In addition, the Authority also created a Nature Interpretation Center in 2011 inside the Sanctuary.
It is great if you are interested in Asian Openbill, Indian Cormorants, and Egrets. You might also see hairy crested Drongo. The visitors treat it like a park. But that’s got to do more with the local culture than the bird sanctuary administration.
How To Reach The Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary
You can reach the Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary in 3 ways
- Road
- Train
- Air
- By Road: North Dinajpur is around 425 km from Kolkata, 76 km from Malda, and 181 km from Siliguri. This District is connected by the road of Different Different Places. If you are from Kolkata, you need to take Travel Bus from Dharmatala to reach there. In addition, you can also travel in your private car.
- By Train: Balurghat Station is the nearest railway station to the Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary which is on the Eklakhi-Balurghat branch line. This Station serves Balurghat town and surrounding areas of Balurghat. After reaching the station, take local to reach the exact location.
- By Air: The nearest international airport is Bagdogra Airport is the Nearest Airport of this wildlife sanctuary, After reaching the Airport, you need to take the local car to reach North Dinajpur District which takes around two hours.
Location in Google Map:
Accommodation
Dinantey Tourism Property (formerly known as Raigunj Tourist Lodge):
- Post Office: Madhupur
- District: Uttar Dinajpur
- Phone: (+91) 97330 08791
- Email: tourismcentrekolkata@gmail.com
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Kulik Bird Sanctuary which is home to 164 species of birds, located near Raiganj in the Uttar Dinajpur district. I hope you find complete information about Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary in this article.
Now, I’d like to know you:
Are you a nature lover?
How many bird sanctuaries have you visited in West Bengal?
Let me know in the comment Right now.
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Somraj Mondal is an Extensive experience in SEO and Travel, Lifestyle, and Bird Enthusiast expert of Indianchacha. A professional Blogger who loves to explore new places, and new cultures.
I go there 15 October, Sunday, this year. They took 120 for one ticket from me. But the ticket fee is written here that is 40 rupees. When I asked them why they take more money..?.. They said that the ticket fee is increased. I am very confused.
01/01/2024 Monday ki open thakbe kindly janaben?