Chilapata

Elephant corridor and a lost fort in the sal

Chilapata is a dense forest near Hasimara that links Jaldapara and Buxa for elephants. A jeep safari here leads to the brick ruins of Nal Raja Garh. One night, or a half day from Jaldapara, is enough.

Photo: Koustav · CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chilapata is a stretch of thick sal and mixed forest in Alipurduar district, a few minutes from Hasimara and about 40 km from Alipurduar town. It forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park to the west and Buxa Tiger Reserve to the east, and herds move through it through the year. Leopards are fairly common, and the forest is rich in birds.

Compared with Jaldapara, Chilapata is darker and closer. There is little open grassland, so animals are harder to see, but the forest feels wilder and there are far fewer vehicles. The main safari route leads to Nal Raja Garh, the ruins of an old brick fort deep in the trees.

The forest edge villages of Kodalbasti and Mendabari are home to Rabha and other communities, and eco-tourism here was set up partly to bring them an income. Stay in the forest corporation lodge at Mendabari, in a village eco-cottage at Kodalbasti, or visit on a half day from Madarihat or Hasimara.

Highlights

What Chilapata does best

Nal Raja GarhBrick walls and gateways of an old fort, overgrown by forest, reached by jeep safari.
Elephant corridorOne of the main routes for elephant herds moving between Jaldapara and Buxa.
KodalbastiA Rabha forest village with simple eco-tourism cottages and guides.
Mendabari forest lodgeA quiet forest corporation lodge with only a few rooms.

Experiences

Four hours to plan around

wildlife · 2–2.5 hours Jeep safari to Nal Raja Garh Chilapata, Dooars

village · 1.5–2 hours Village walk in Kodalbasti Chilapata, Dooars

nature · Overnight A night at the Mendabari forest lodge Chilapata, Dooars

wildlife · 2–3 hours Morning birding on the Chilapata edge Chilapata, Dooars

Getting there

How to reach Chilapata

Shared bus

Take a bus from Siliguri to Hasimara (about ₹180–260, 4.5 hours), then a local car or auto to Kodalbasti or Mendabari.

Private car

Chilapata is about 30 km and one hour from Madarihat via Hasimara, and about 150 km and 4 hours from Siliguri.

Train

Hasimara station on the Dooars line is the nearest railhead, about 10 km away.

Where to stay

Rooms we book

Chilapata has very few rooms. The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation's Mendabari Jungle Lodge, at about ₹2,500 a room, and the nearby Malangi Lodge near Hasimara are the main government options. Kodalbasti has simple village eco-cottages run with the local community, from about ₹1,500–2,500 a room with meals. Hasimara and Madarihat have more hotels.

Lodge · Chilapata Mendabari Jungle Lodge, WBFDC

A small forest corporation lodge inside the Chilapata and Mendabari forest near Jaldapara. Simple rooms, real forest at the door and very few people.

Lodge · Jaldapara Jaldapara Tourist Lodge (WBTDC)

The West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation lodge at Madarihat, right by the entry to Jaldapara National Park. Plain, spacious and well placed for early safaris.

From our planners

Five things to know

Combine Chilapata with Jaldapara; it is only an hour from Madarihat.
Take a morning safari for birds and better light under the trees.
Wear long sleeves and use repellent; the forest is humid and has insects.
Do not drive the forest road after dark; elephant herds cross it.
Safaris stop from 16 June to 15 September. Check current status before you travel.

The local story

Whose fort is Nal Raja Garh

Deep in Chilapata forest, a jeep track ends at walls of narrow old bricks, half buried in roots and leaf litter. There are the remains of gateways, a long rampart and mounds that may hide more buildings. Local people call it Nal Raja Garh, the fort of King Nal.

Read the whole story →

Questions travellers ask

Questions about Chilapata

What is Nal Raja Garh?

Nal Raja Garh is a ruined brick fort inside Chilapata forest. Local tradition links it to a king called Nal and an early date, while Wikipedia says it was built by the Kingdom of Bhutan. No excavation we know of has settled the question. You see walls, gateways and mounds in thick forest, reached on the Chilapata jeep safari.

How is Chilapata different from Jaldapara?

Jaldapara is mostly open grassland, so rhinos and gaur are easy to see. Chilapata is dense forest, with fewer open views and fewer vehicles. Animal sightings are harder, but the forest feels wilder, and the Nal Raja Garh ruins add history. Most people do Jaldapara for wildlife and Chilapata for atmosphere.

How do I book the Chilapata safari?

Chilapata safaris are run under the forest department, with jeeps and guides arranged from the Kodalbasti side of the forest. Your lodge in Mendabari, Madarihat or Hasimara can usually arrange one. In peak season book a day ahead. Rules and fees change; check current status before you travel.

Can I see elephants in Chilapata?

Often, though not on every trip. Chilapata is a key corridor for herds moving between Jaldapara and Buxa, and you may see fresh dung and broken branches on the track. Your guide will keep a safe distance. Leopards, gaur, deer and many birds also live here.

How far is Chilapata from Madarihat?

About 30 km, roughly an hour by car via Hasimara. A half-day trip from a Madarihat base is easy: take the dawn Jaldapara safari, drive to Chilapata for a late-morning or afternoon safari, and return by dusk.

Where can I stay in Chilapata?

The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation runs Mendabari Jungle Lodge in the forest, and there are simple village eco-cottages at Kodalbasti run with the local Rabha community. Hasimara and Madarihat, 10–30 km away, have more hotels. Rooms in the forest are few, so book early.

Is Chilapata safe?

Yes, with sensible care. Do not walk in the forest without a guide, do not drive the forest road after dark and keep children close in villages near the forest. Elephants are the main risk. Lodges and guides are used to visitors and will tell you what to avoid.

When is the best time to visit Chilapata?

November to April, when tracks are dry and the forest is open enough for sightings. Mornings in December and January are foggy and cold. Safaris stop from 16 June to 15 September. October is green but still wet in places.

Who lives around Chilapata?

Rabha families live in forest villages such as Kodalbasti, along with Mech, Rajbanshi, Adivasi and Nepali-speaking neighbours. Many work with the forest department or in eco-tourism. When you visit a village, go with a local guide, ask before taking photos and buy from village shops or cooperatives.