Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal. It is just 3 km away from Shantiniketan.

About the sanctuary
The sanctuary was established in the year 1977. It is also popularly referred to as Deer Park as it houses different deer species. It is quite renowned for its distinctive red soil and lush green vegetation cover.

Flora
Piyal and Sal trees.

Fauna
Spotted deer, blackbuck, foxes, jackals, etc.

Avian Fauna
Peacocks, cuckoo, parrot, babbler, hawk, sunbird, koel and Indian roller.

Getting There
The closest railhead is the Rajgram Rail Station. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is the nearest airport to Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is well connected with regular taxi and bus services from Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

Tourist Information
One can find proper accommodation at the WBTDC Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge with prior booking. Other accommodation options can be found in the nearby towns of Shantiniketan, Tarapith, Sriniketan, Bakreswar, etc. which are also popular tourist destinations. Other nearby popular tourist spots are Kankali Pith and the art gallery of Rabindranath Tagore in Bolpur.

The jungle paths and watch towers inside the sanctuary area are ideal places for animal and bird sightings. A great lake is situated adjacent to the sanctuary where different types of colourful and rare species of birds can be sighted.

A minimum of two-three days are needed to enjoy the rich bio-diversity of the region. It is always better to wear olive green or dark green clothes that blend seamlessly with the forest environment during the excursions. Do not litter, make loud noise, hunt, feed or chase the wild animals inside the sanctuary.

Additional Information
Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Amar Kutir Road, Bolpur, West Bengal
Average temperature: 40 °C (summer) & 10 °C (winter);
Elevation: about 56 metres
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm; Best time to visit: November to March
Closed: all Wednesdays

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