Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of West Bengal region of West Bengal. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in West Bengal.

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in West Bengal.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 380.00 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Gangetic alluvial delta plains, Sundarbans mangrove estuarine forests, North Bengal Dooars Terai forest, and Darjeeling Himalayan hills.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Palas (Butea monosperma), Bamboo..

Fauna

The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:

• Primary Mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur (Indian Bison), Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chousingha (Four-horned Antelope), Wild Boar, Golden Jackal.
• Predators & Carnivores: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Wild Dog (Dhole), Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal.
• Herbivores & Ungulates: Gaur (Bison), Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, Chousingha, Barking Deer.
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Python, King Cobra, Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Flapshell Turtle.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

• Resident Woodland Birds: Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Grey Hornbill, Peafowl.
• Raptors & Owls: Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
• Migratory Species: Bar-headed Goose, Pintail, Garganey, Black-bellied Tern, Flamingos.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Hooghly River (Ganges), Teesta River, Jaldhaka River, Damodar River.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Sundarbans Mangroves, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Victoria Memorial Kolkata, Dooars.

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport Kolkata (CCU) / Bagdogra (IXB) – 30 to 80 km
• Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Junction (HWH) / Sealdah (SDAH) / New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – 15 to 45 km
• Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in West Bengal.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season for visiting Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of West Bengal.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in West Bengal.

Visitor Tips

Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.

Did You Know?

• Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
• Preserves key wildlife species including Royal Bengal Tiger and native avifauna.
• Covers an exact area of 380.00 sq km along the Hooghly River (Ganges) watershed.