Chintamani Kar Wildlife Sanctuary
Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary is a small island of green located within the urban sprawl of Kolkata, in the state of West Bengal (in South 24 Parganas District) in India. Only 17 kms from the center of this densely populated city, the sanctuary is home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. As a sanctuary, its area is very small, but its location, as well the diversity and density of it's natural wealth, gives it an unique status.
It is an Orchard Plantation and constitutes only 17 acres (69,000 m2) and is rich in smaller birds, specially Paradise Flycatcher, Oriole etc. It is basically a bird sanctuary.
Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary area still has 17 acres of fruit orchards with densely vegetated undergrowth, a further 10 acres are now encroached by human habitation. The area has groves of old Mango Mangifera indica trees interspersed with other fruit-bearing trees.
It was gazetted as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1980 but only recently in 2005 it was officially declared as Chitamani Kar Wildlife Sanctuary after it was acquired by the Forest Department.
Chintamani Kar Wildlife Sanctuary is shaped like an elongated rectangle. It's length lies in a north south direction along the eastern bank of the Adiganga Drainage Scheme Canal. From the bustling concrete jungle to a soothing green world, the first encounter with the sanctuary can be a pleasant surprise. It is hard to comprehend that within minutes from the crowded city there still remains an area as lovely as this one. The area is full of old growth of mature tall trees festooned with luxuriant growth of epiphytes like orchids and ferns, competing for space with the climbers which fight their way up. The most abundant are the tall and stately mango trees (Magnifera indica) reminding one of the fine orchard that it once was. The canopy forms an uninterrupted mass of green blotting out the sky
Under this dense cover thrives a rich and vibrant ecosystem. The ground is covered with humus, the substance left after death and decay of organisms. Humus plays an important role in the ecosystem: it retains soil moisture ,helps in the growth of plants and is home for a multitude of other organisms. A careful look below the leave litter reveals the richness of life in this hidden world. Snails, spiders, millipedes, insects and earthworms are the few among the many forms of life that abound. They provide vital food base for bigger predators like the toad (Bufo spp) and the skinks (Mabuya spp). The vegetation cover in the ground comprises of different herbs, shrubs, climbers and saplings. Patches of shrubs form impenetrable thickets, providing a safe and undisturbed refuge for wildlife.
The luxuriant array of plants and trees support a wide variety of changing bidlife in different seasons. Over the years, more than 115 species of birds have been recorded from this small area. Stalking among the fallen leaves and turning them over in search of prey are birds like the Orange-headed Thrush, Jungle Babbler, Redvented Bulbuls or the Greater Coucal. Large-tailed Nightjars spend the day sitting well camouflaged among the fallen bamboo leaves. With the advent of spring the atmosphere resounds with the calls and sounds of the breeding birds. The incessant calls of the Common Hawk-cuckoo and the Bluethroated Barbet and the melodious notes of the Magpie Robin, the Orange-headed Thrush and the White-throated Fantail can be commonly heard. Bird activity is at its peak during this period. Species such as Black-naped Monarch , Asian Paradise-Flycatcher and Greater Flameback also breed in the area. As the winter sets in, the bird population of the area is augmented by an invasion of migratory species like Common Hoopoe, Ashy Drongo, Red-throated Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher , Brown Shrike , Common Chiffchaff , Scaly Thrush etc. Rarer winter visitors like Black-winged Cuckooshrike , Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher and Black Redstart have also been recorded from the area. The sanctuary offers rewarding glimpses to birdwatchers every winter.
Recently one of the rarest species of birds, the Large -billed Reed Warbler was rediscovered on 7th of April, 2007 from a location near this sanctuary. This is the only recent observation of this bird in India. A live specimen was trapped in March 2006 in Thailand. The previous record of this bird in India dates back to 1867, in the Sutlej Valley in Punjab. This incident reemphasizes the importance of this area as an important refuge for rare avifauna.
The dense undergrowth also shelters mammals like the Indian Hare, the Jungle Cat and Palm Civet. Small patches of bamboo groves offer shelter to Jackals who often dig out shleter benaeth the bamboo. Five species of bats have also been recorded from the sanctuary.
As the conversion of land to more human intensive uses in and around Kolkata continues at a rapid rate, proper conservation and maintenance of this sanctuary becomes increasingly worthwhile. This small sanctuary provides the city dwellers a rare opportunity to observe nature from close quarters. Apart from being an island of peace and tranquility it is a place where any visitor, especially students can study the intricate linkage that nature has developed to provide a conducive habitat for such a great diversity of lifeforms.
Chitamani Kar Wildlife Sanctuary is near famous Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission. You can also visit the gallery of artist Chintamoni Kar - adjacent to the sanctuary, named ‘Bhaskar Bhavan’. Must visit Bipattarini Chandibari - at Rajpur, 2KM from narendrapur.
HOW TO GO
To go to Narendrapur there are many ways. You need to go via Ruby Hospital through EM Bye Pass or via Garia-Kamalgazi. It will be easier and smoother. But main route to Narendrapur is via Garia Busstand.From Garia crossing you can get plenty of Auto and Buses to Narendrapur.
1. Taxi:From Howrah Station taxi fare would be Rs. 320/-
From Dumdum Airport taxi fare would be Rs. 350/-
From Sealdah Station taxi fare would be Rs. 275/-
2. Bus:Bus route 80/80A/80D from Esplanade
21B from Babughat
Minibus 113 from BBD Bag
From Howrah station also there are bus but I can not find out the route no.
3. Train:From Sealdah Station go to Garia Station by train.
From Garia Station to Garia by Bus or auto. From Garia many bus and Auto goes to Narendrapur.
