Top 7 National Parks Around Kolkata City For Wildlife Safaris

India.com

29-05-2025

As India's cultural capital Kolkata provides access to eastern India's most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries together with its well-known heritage and literary background. Nature enthusiasts together with wildlife lovers discover an exciting discovery opportunity throughout these parks because they present both diverse ecosystem exploration and rare species observation along with thrilling safari experiences. Read the following detailed information about the top national parks surrounding Kolkata that provide excellent conditions for wildlife safaris.
1. Sundarbans National Park
Situated about 100 kilometers to the south of Kolkata resides Sundarbans National Park which dominates worldwide as one of the biggest mangrove forests while earning its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cross-border West Bengal and Bangladesh region contains this park which offers Royal Bengal Tiger sightings that draw many people to the area for their tiger safaris. Other fauna at this park include spotted deer, wild boars, crocodiles and different species of birds. The abundance of creeks and rivers shapes a maze in the park so tourists can enjoy boat safaris through the heavy mangrove forest and catch glimpses of wildlife.
2. Buxa Tiger Reserve
Wildlife enthusiasts should add Buxa Tiger Reserve to their mandatory travel destinations because this location is found 350 kilometers outside Kolkata within West Bengal's Alipurduar district. The Western part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot extends across 760 square kilometers. Apart from its tiger population Buxa Tiger Reserve shelters elephants along with leopards and barking deer while birds and reptiles also reside there. Visitors can observe the regional plants and animals through jeep safaris together with guided trekking programs.
3. Gorumara National Park
Coursing near Kolkata at a 120-kilometer distance stands the Gorumara National Park which attracts visitors because of its Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park remains compact in size yet visually appealing because it resides inside the Eastern Himalayas near the Jalpaiguri district. Rhinos exist alongside elephants as well as guard (Indian bison) and leopards and the park possesses more than 200 bird species. The park's inhabitants can be observed during jeep rides as well as elephant safaris along with adoring the natural beauty of its grasslands and forests.
4. Jaldapara National Park
The one-horned rhinoceros sanctuary of Jaldapara National Park exists in the lower parts of the Eastern Himalayas near Gorumara. Jaldapara National Park rests about 130 kilometers from Kolkata while its 217 square kilometer territory harbors elephants accompanied by deer together with pythons and hornbills. Agents operating at Safari provide two booking options between elephant rides and jeep tours that let visitors explore dense forests and riverine areas for spotting local wildlife.
5. The Neora Valley National Park
The untouched Neora Valley National Park sits at a distance of roughly 350 kilometers outside Kolkata and reveals pure wilderness alongside astonishing panoramas to its visitors. Each year this protected territory within Darjeeling district draws visitors because it maintains a rare endangered species of red pandas within its Eastern Himalayan ecozone. Clouded leopards together with Himalayan black bears share their habitat with a wide range of bird species at this location. A challenge-filled hike through the wild terrain enables visitors to discover untouched natural beauty together with various species of wildlife.
6. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Next to the Teesta River streams Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a hidden attraction between 150 kilometers and Kolkata. The small reserve houses multiple species including elephant, gaur, sambar deer together with tigers. People who want to explore the parks of the region should consider stopping at this location because it lies close to Gorumara and Jaldapara. Wildlife enthusiasts can book Jeep safari tours to explore both the attractive scenic beauty and abundant native wildlife of this sanctuary.
7. Maharani Forest
Residents of the South 24 Parganas district can find convenient wildlife immersion at Maharani Forest which sits near Kolkata. The forest reserve features limited yet interesting wildlife sightings including monkeys and deer and migratory birds with its smaller size relative to these other parks. People seeking a short day in nature but staying close to the city should consider the site for their outdoor family recreation.
Conclusion
National parks around Kolkata enable people to both explore nature and observe extraordinary wildlife species of India. Visiting Sunderbans for its tiger safari adventure or watching the rhinos at Gorumara will lead you to life-changing experiences within these two parks. Your visit to protected areas merges adventure activities with essential contributions to the survival of valuable natural biodiversity. To discover breathtaking wildlife in the vicinity of Kolkata you should book a trip and carry your viewing optics.