Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Protected wilderness area in northern West Bengal, India.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary spans 960 hectares of mixed grasslands and forests in northern West Bengal. The landscape provides habitats for elephants, leopards, and many bird species throughout the area.
The area became a national reserve forest in 1895 under the Indian Forest Act and later gained wildlife sanctuary status in 1998. These transitions reflect how the region's approach to nature protection changed across generations.
The name comes from local fishing traditions, combining 'Chapra', a small fish species, with 'Mari', meaning water abundance. Visitors can observe how water and forest remain connected in shaping the landscape and the rhythm of the region.
The best time to visit is outside the monsoon season from mid-July to mid-September when heavy rains limit access. Malbazar Rail Station sits about 15 kilometers away and serves as the main entry point for visitors.
A railway line runs directly through the sanctuary, creating distinct management challenges for wildlife. Elephant movements and their protection are particularly affected by this infrastructure.
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