Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the Southern part of Darjeeling District, in between the Teesta and Mahananda river. It was established as a game park in 1955, later it became a sanctuary primarily to protect its population of Royal Bengal Tiger and the Indian bison. It is spread over a varied terrain where the altitude is around 500ft. in the south near Sukna and rises to 4,300 ft in its northern limit near Latpanchar. The varied altitude and vegetation makes it ideal place for the diverse wildlife.

Some of the prominent animal species found in the sanctuary includes Indian elephants, Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian bison, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, Rhesus monkey etc. Other lesser seen species include cat species including jungle cat, fishing cat, Himalayan black bear, leopards and clouded leopards. The region is reputed to possess the richest variety of birds as well. Endangered species of avifauna like the fairy bluebird and Himalayan pied hornbill also live in its hilly forests. Jeep safaris are the best way to view the exotic flora and fauna of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch towers near the Gulma railway station or in Laltong on the river Teesta are other option for both watching wildlife and bird watching.