Chilapata is a forest of Dooars adjacent to Jaldapara National Park in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. The forest of Chilapata is a continuation of the Jaldapara forests and is separated by the river Torsha which flows through the West of the Chilapata forest and East of Jaldapara National Park.
Chilapata forests were relatively less visited by tourists until recently. During the last few years, the forests of Chilapata have gained tourism prominence as many small and medium-sized resorts have come up near it.
Attractions
The major attraction of Chilapata is the forest and its wildlife. Forest safari in Jeep is available inside the forest. Sighting of Indian Bison (Gaur), Elephant, Rhino, and various types of Deer is most common here. The forests are also known to be home to a variety of avifauna.
Chilapata also has historical significance. The famous Nal Rajar Garh is a fort from the Nal Kings of the Gupta age. Although the fort is mostly in ruins today, it is a place worth visiting while in Chilapata.
Places Nearby
Jaldapara is the nearest tourist destination. Madarihat, the entry point for Jaldapara National Park is just 15 km away. The largest forest of Dooars, Buxa Tiger Reserve, is also close by at a distance of 30 km. Chilapata is located between the two forests of Jaldapara and Buxa giving it the unique advantage of tourists being able to visit both forests from here.
Apart from forest visits, tourists can easily visit the Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing from here (22 km). Alipurduar, the district headquarter, is just 40 km and the historic town of Coochbehar is 50 km.
The vicinity of all major destinations of Eastern Bhutan gives Chilapata the unique advantage of being centrally located. Tourists may easily visit all the tourist destinations of the area based here.
