BETHUADAHARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is basically a man-made forest which was established in 1980. It is located about 28km away from Krishnanagar in the state of West Bengal.
Flora
Indian rosewood, arjun, teak, sal, arjun, khair, sisoo, bamboo and saccharine grasses.
Fauna
Important species: rock python and deer (about 295 deer as per the 1998 census report).
Other species: Spotted Deer, Bengal Fox, Porcupine, Monitor Lizard, Common Langur, gharial, turtles, etc.
Avian Fauna
Indian cuckoos, parakeets, hawk cuckoo, barbets and other small birds.
Getting there
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International airport at Kolkata, about 155km away, is the closest airport. The nearest railhead is at Krishnanagar, about 28km away. The visitors can board Bhagirathi Express, Lalgola-Sealdah Passenger Express or Berhampore Passenger Express from Sealdah station to reach Krishnanagar. From Krishnanagar, Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is about one hour drive by road.
The Bethuadahari sanctuary is located on National Highway 34 and so can be easily reached by roadways from Kolkata, Berhampore, Malda, Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Mayapur and Purulia.
Tourist Information
West Bengal Tourist Lodge situated inside the sanctuary can be availed for staying against prior booking with the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, stationed at Kolkata. The reservation starts three months early against full payment. Numerous private budget accommodation options are also available on the opposite side of the sanctuary’s entrance gate.
The best place to spot gharials and rare turtles is at the pond which is situated right inside the forest. Wildlife photography, bird and animal spotting, boating in the pond and guided nature walk are popular tourist activities here. Nature Interpretation Centre of the sanctuary is worth visiting.
Additional Information
Location: Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, Nakashipara, Nadia district, West Bengal
Area: approximately 67 hectares
Best time to visit: throughout the year
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