Kulik, North Bengal – A Bird sanctuary, heaven for the bird watchers

Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary, well-known as Kulik Bird Sanctuary is undoubtedly a heaven to the bird watchers. This sanctuary has a huge variety of birds and is nestled near Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal. The sanctuary is an abode to almost 164 species of birds and every year around 70,000 to 80,000 migratory birds visit the sanctuary. It extends over an area of 1.30 sq km and is often claimed as the second largest bird sanctuary across Asia. The Kulik Bird sanctuary has the shape of the English alphabet “U” and is connected with the River Kulik by a number of artificial canals.

Places to see at Kulik Bird Sanctuary: It is amazing to see a wide variety of colourful birds in this sanctuary. The local birds include flycatchers, kites, owl, woodpeckers, kingfishers, drongoes and many more. There are also, a number of migratory birds that fly here every year from the coastal areas and South Asian countries. The major migratory species include egrets, open-bill storks, black crowned night heron, pond heron, Indian Shag, little cormorants and most importantly Asian Openbill.

Apart from birds, the place is a unique collection of flora and the wildlife of the sanctuary. The Kulik Bird sanctuary was first opened with some species of flora, which include Jarul, kadam, Sisoo and eucalyptus. Now, you will find some other trees like Simul, Siris, Khair, Akashmoni, Minigiri, Khadam, Lali and Sal. The beautiful and extensive swamp land on the river bank of Kulik is an added attraction of the tourists.

Nearby attractions of Kulik Bird Sanctuary: One of the major destinations near the Kulik Bird sanctuary is the Sap Nikla forest also adorned with a beautiful lake. This Mixed Deciduous natural forest offers a feast of the eyes for the tourists. You can also make a trip to the Temple of Goddess Bhairabi at Bindole, Temple of Goddess Kali of Baira, Mosque of Burhana Fakirs, Museum at Karnajora, Banabithi Resort at Barui, Park at Karnajora and Farm-House at Samaspur. The historical town of Gour famous for its mosques and temples is around 50 kms from Kulik on NH 34. Malda is 65 kms from Kulik. You can take day trips from Kulik to these destinations.

Things to do at Kulik Bird Sanctuary: Spend some leisure time at the bird sanctuary, and explore the entire region through a well-laid brick pathway. Bird watching is the major activity at Kulik Bird Sanctuary.

Best time to visit Kulik Bird Sanctuary: The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between October and March, which are late summer and early winters. The migratory birds starts visiting the sanctuary from the end of May and they start leaving the place from the middle of December.

How to go ?

Kulik Bird Sanctuary is located in Raiganj, which is well connected by NH34. You can drive to Raiganj from Kolkata, located at a distance of 425 km. You can also hire cars from Siliguri, which is 181 km from Raiganj.  Raiganj railway station is also well connected by trains from Sealdah.

Where to stay ?

The WBTDC managed Raiganj Tourist Lodge adjacent to Kulik Bird Sanctuary is the most popular and well-equipped accommodation in Kulik. You can take long walks along the bird sanctuary from your lodge or even keep watching the birds from your lodge’s roof. You can arrange booking for WBTDC managed Raiganj Tourist Lodge at Kulik directly from Kolkata. Dining facilities are excellent here, which mainly comprises ethnic Bengali cuisine.

Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal
2, Brabourne Road, Kolkata – 700 001
Phone : 033-2225 4723, 4724

West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
www.westbengaltourism.gov.in
3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East), Kolkata – 700 001
Phone : (033)22436440, 22488271

There are also few hotels are available near market place. For more details you may contact 03523-252647, 253139.

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.