Chapramari forests are essentially a continuation of Gorumara National Park where the forests are divided by Murti River` is one of the oldest Sanctuary in India. Shades of forestry nestled in the Dooars plain is a one of the oldest Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal It situated in the Nagrakata block of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal. The Murti River flows by the western boundary of it and the Sanctuary is totally located on the plain land of the Dooars. The name Chapramari is probably derived from "Chopra" which refers to a type of fish and "Mari" which means abundant. Filled with dense greenery which provides a natural home to the animals and birds living here just 9.6 square kilometers area is bounded in this Sanctuary a very small Sanctuary in India as compared to others. With very tall trees and thick bower of greenery, this sanctuary is a wildlife heaven. In 1895, it was declared as Reserve Forest by the British Government. In 1998, it was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary. The Reserve Forest since 1895 was declared as a Game Sanctuary in 1939.The area with its diversified flora and fauna was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998 comprising a total area of 9.6031 sq. kms.
Climate of Chapramari Forest
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the lower Gangetic Plain hence the land is almost flat and easy. In summer, from May to October average temperature ranges from 27øC to 37øC and in winter from November to February average temperature ranges from 10øC to 21øC but in March and April it comes up from 24øC to 27øC. It belongs in the heavy rainfall zone. And monsoon comes in between May to October and average rainfall nearly 362 cm.
Flora and Fauna of Chapramari Forest
With fascinating diversity of flora and fauna and the vast texture of massive trees sheltering varieties of orchids is a cynosure for eyes. Mostly covered with wooden tree like Sal, Teak, Shishu, Shirish, etc, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is enamoured mostly with Dry Mixed Forest where one can view some rare plants in this Sanctuary that are hard to find somewhere else. A wide variety of Orchids belonging to the genus Acampe, Bulbophyllum, Chiloschista, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Eria, Gastrochilus, Luisia and Oberonia are very common.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary records its name in history for the wide availability of Indian Elephant. Besides, there resides Royal Bengal Tiger and Indian Bison (Gaur) common animal in this Sanctuary. Cheetal, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wildboar, Pangolin and an array of species are also available in the Sanctuary.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is a sure shot paradise for bird watchers. There are more than 100 species of birds which include Green Magpie, Indian Treepie, Thrush, Scarlet Minivet, Hill Mayna, Whitr Breasted Kingfisher, Hornbill, Large Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Adjutant Stork, Peafowl, and Green pigeon, Roller, Florican, Flinch, Bee-eater, Black Partridges and many more. In winter you can find out various migratory birds like Brahminy, Teals, etc.
An observation tower which is located in the front of the Glade in the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary thrives to be a beautiful bird watching point as well as for animals like elephant and Gaur.