{"id":2198,"date":"2023-03-22T20:14:21","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T20:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=2198"},"modified":"2024-10-27T10:47:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-27T10:47:26","slug":"chatakpur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=2198","title":{"rendered":"Chatakpur: An eco-friendly village nestled within Senchal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chatakpur &\u00a0Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h1>\n

We left Sitong in the morning after breakfast and reached the Senchal Sanctuary Checkpoint via Mungpoo and 3rd Mile, where we collected the sanctuary entry pass and were then allowed to enter the sanctuary. We started a new journey through the forest. In the silence of the forest, we could hear nothing but the chirping of birds and the sound of our car on the bumpy road. The forest road was wet as the forest had a light snow cover that was melting in the sunlight. Thus, we reached Chatakpur, an unknown village in the Himalayas and a treasure of North Bengal.<\/p>\n

\"Chatakpur\"<\/p>\n

An eco-friendly, tranquil, offbeat destination nestled within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong>. This village is about 180 years old, and different ethnic groups live together there. Chatakpur is located next to the famous Tiger Hill at almost the same height. This forest village is surrounded by the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga range in the north and the river gorge Relly Khola in the south.
\nSo, the mesmerizing sunrise view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga range that can be seen from here is almost like that of Tiger Hill. The pine-forested village is home to about 19 families and has a total population of less than 100 people. In 2017, India’s first mountain bike park opened in Chatakpur, just 20 km from Darjeeling city.<\/p>\n

Where is Chatakpur Located?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Altitude & Location<\/strong>: At around 7887 ft above the sea level. This Eco village is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal,India.<\/p>\n

Chatakpur is divided into two parts. One is Lower Chatakpur, and the other is Upper Chatakpur. The view of Kanchenjunga can be seen from the upper part, while the lower part is surrounded by dense pine forest, and the entry gate of Chatakpur is located in the lower part.<\/p>\n

\"Chatakpur\"
My travel time: December, 2019<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, having been established in 1915. The sanctuary is spread over an area of about 38.88 square kilometers and lies at an altitude of about 4900 feet to 8500 feet. 40% of this Sanctuary is natural and the rest is man-made. The Senchal WLS is an old forest rich in flora and fauna.
\nThis sanctuary is the source of water supply for the city of Darjeeling. Senchal Lake is the main reservoir for this supply. The reservoir is actually a twin lake, and one is the North Senchal Lake, which was created in 1910 and the other is the South Senchal Lake, which was created in 1932.<\/p>\n

\"Senchal<\/p>\n

Floral Diversity<\/strong>
\nThere are more than 350 types of species of trees and plantation.\u00a0Pine, Birch, Oak, various species of Rhododendron, Michelia, Orchid, Kapasi, Katus, Champ, Hemlock, different types of Ferns, Bamboo, Pipli, and so on.<\/p>\n

Faunal Diversity<\/strong>
\nIt is home to a variety of high-altitude animals, and the sanctuary is a habitat for a variety of birds.<\/p>\n

Mammals<\/strong>: Asiatic black bear, Himalayan Crestless Porcupine, Common Leopard, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Asamese Macaque, Himalayan Flying Squirrel, Indian Civet, and so on.<\/p>\n

Birds<\/strong>: Yellow-throated woodpeckers, Imperial Pigeons, The Asian Emerald Cuckoos, Black-Backed Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Hornbill, Babblers, Sunbirds, etc.<\/p>\n

Forests and Homestays are closed from June 15 to September 15 every year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Entry fees for Senchal WLS<\/strong>: The below entry fees might change, so it’s better to know the latest fees before traveling.<\/p>\n