Established in the year 1915, the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India. Covering an area of 38.6 sq.km, this beautiful wildlife destination is in the Darjeeling district of the Indian state of West Bengal. The elevation of the wildlife sanctuary ranges from 1,500 to 2,600 meters above sea level. The wildlife sanctuary is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and one of the most sought for wildlife destinations in India.
Flora and fauna:
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and wide variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is blended with natural and manmade forests which covered by mainly Oak trees. Apart from Oak, there are Pines, Rhododendron, Magnolia, bamboos and various types of ferns in the forest. The wildlife sanctuary is home to some rare species of mammals like Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Indian Leopard, Himalayan Flying Squirrel and Wild Boar etc.
Birding at Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Senchal wildlife sanctuary is a hotspot for the birdwatchers. As per the e-Birds database, there are 156 bird species recorded from the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary so far. Some of bird species of the sanctuary are Hill Partridge, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, White-throated Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Hoary-throated Barwing, Great Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Spotted Laughingthrush, Gray-sided Laughingthrush, Red-billed Leiothrix, Rufous Sibia etc. The Satyr’s Tragopan, a rare species of bird was also spotted in the wildlife sanctuary in 2022.
Cycling in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is also a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts, who can rent bicycles from the nearby town of Darjeeling and explore the scenic trails at their leisure. But one must obtain prior permission from the concerned authority for cycling in the wildlife sanctuary. Usually, the cycling trails are closed during monsoon season.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) or Toy Train service:
Another attraction of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which runs from New Jalpaiguri to Ghum covering a distance 88 km. This 2 ft. wide narrow gauge railway track was built between 1879 to 1881. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1999. This slow moving train runs from an altitude of 330 ft (New Jalpaiguri) to 7,200 ft above sea level (Ghum) amidst stunning landscapes.
Best time to visit:
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is open for the visitors round the year except the monsoon season. Winter season is the best time to visit the sanctuary for enjoying the scenic misty landscape. However, the bird watchers from various parts of the world love to visit the sanctuary during August and September. During this period the Parrotbills become active and hence, birders visit the sanctuary to have a glimpse of these beautiful bird species.
Getting there:
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 10 km away from the town of Darjeeling and can be easily reached by car or taxi. The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport, which is located about 64 km from Darjeeling. There are several buses and private taxis available from the airport to Darjeeling. The nearest major Railway station is the New Jalpaiguri station which is well connected by train with all the major stations of India. New Jalpaiguri is 69 km away from the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conclusion:
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Eastern Himalayas. Its untouched beauty, rich biodiversity, and trekking trails make it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This place is a paradise for the bird lovers and birdwatchers. So, if you are planning a trip to Darjeeling, make sure to include the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in your itinerary.