Drive into the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary from Sukna
The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 159 sq km of forest between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. It began as a game sanctuary in 1955 and became a wildlife sanctuary in 1959, mainly to protect the gaur and the tiger. Today it is best known for elephants, gaur, barking deer and a long bird list, including hornbills.
Entry is usually from Sukna, where the forest office sells permits for the sanctuary and for the Latpanchar side higher up. Drives follow forest roads through sal and riverine forest, with watchtowers in places. Mornings and late afternoons are best. Wildlife is shy, and many visits see only birds and tracks, so go for the forest itself.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Can I see tigers in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary?
Very unlikely. Tigers were one reason the sanctuary was set up, but sightings are extremely rare today. Elephants, gaur, barking deer, peafowl and many birds are more realistic, though still not guaranteed. Treat the visit as a forest drive and birding trip rather than a safari, and visit the Dooars parks if large mammals are your main goal.
Is Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary open in the monsoon?
Forest areas in north Bengal usually close to tourists from mid-June to mid-September for the monsoon and the animal breeding season. Some roads through the sanctuary stay open because they are public highways, but drives inside are stopped. Dates are set by the forest department each year. Check current status before you travel.
How do I get a permit for Mahananda?
Permits are normally issued at the forest office at Sukna, the main gateway, about 13 km from Siliguri. Bring photo ID. Fees for entry, vehicle and a guide are paid there and are indicative. Your Siliguri driver or hotel can help, and a short call to the forest office the day before saves a wasted trip. Check current status before you travel.
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