Leopards and Royal Bengal tigers are one of the most attractive creatures created in the kingdom of the wild. In my stopover at Jaldapara at Dooars in West Bengal it was an enthralling and exclusive experience to have visited the South Khairbari Tiger Rescue Centre and Leopard Rehabilitation Center.
What is The South Khairbari Tiger Rescue Centre and Leopard Rehabilitation Center?
An exclusive endeavour that is unmatched in the entire north-east region - This is a rehabilitation center for tigers and leopards nestled in South Khairbari forest. A construction that serves as a shelter to Tigers and Leopards, mainly physically unwell or injured. Tigers and mainly leopards are brought over from all parts of the jungles of North Bengal and they are treated here for various wounds and illness prior to being released back into the Wild.
How to reach The South Khairbari Tiger Rescue Centre and Leopard Rehabilitation Center?
Located around 12 kilometers deep inside the South Khairbari forest – this can be easily reached by hired tourist cars and jeeps from the Jaldapara Tourist Lodge – Madarihat , run by West Bengal Tourism Department. Although the forest road is muddy – but definitely a motorable one, and encountering wild elephants along the way is quite common on this route – not for the weak hearted – but passionately recommended for adventure lovers!
As we arrived at the South Khairbari Tiger Rescue Centre and Leopard Rehabilitation Centre, we met the local Care Taker who guided us to a couple of Battery Operated vehicles which offer the provision of riding into the Leopard enclosure to tourists and visitors.
A ride in the small but noise and pollution free vehicles right into the Leopard Enclosures provides one with incredible Thrill of being amidst the extremely vicious wild animals. An approximate rate is Rs. 150/- for the full van rickshaw which will take you around for about an hour – but do check on the current rates prior to going.
The feeling of being inside the Kingdom of the Wild can be felt when one takes a ride like this.
The authorities normally do not allow tourists within the Tiger and leopard enclosures, but one can experience the majestic views of the Great Royal Bengal Tiger from just outside their Enclosures….
“Are these animals injured …? ” asked one of us with a caring voice
“ Not all of them …” replied the Care Taker , “Some are bought here on occasion of transportation to other National Wildlife Parks and elsewhere … ” he said
“What are they fed? ” I asked
“Well, Each Tiger is fed with about 8 Kilos of Meat and beef daily!!!…he replied with a sense of satisfaction in his voice.
“Who feeds them…? Do you go inside the cages and do it yourself? ” asked one of us.
“Yes … I do it daily!!! I also have a couple of assistant who help me out with the cleaning”, he proudly replied
Ok… That’s one job which I can safely stay away from!!!
The grand view of these Majestic animals at such close proximity is just something not to be missed on a trip to the forests of North Bengal !!!
