Adventure · Chilapata
A forest night at Mendabari
The forest corporation's Mendabari Jungle Lodge sits inside the Chilapata forest belt, with only a few rooms and no traffic. Spend the evening on the veranda listening to the forest and wake to birds and, sometimes, elephants nearby.
Mendabari is a forest village with a long name in the history books, since the British called Nalraja Garh the Mendabari ruins. The forest corporation's lodge here is small, simple and quiet, with rooms at one main grade, and meals cooked to order for guests.
After dusk, sit outside with a torch switched off and listen: barking deer, nightjars, owls, crickets and, sometimes, an elephant breaking branches somewhere near. Staff will tell you to stay in the compound, and you should. At dawn, walk the compound edge for birds before breakfast.
Book on the corporation's website, order meals in advance and bring what you need, since there are no shops nearby. Check current status before you travel after the monsoon.
Cost: About ₹2,500 a room + meals (indicative)
Questions people ask
Good to know
How do I book Mendabari Jungle Lodge?
Through the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation's website, where it is listed among the Alipurduar properties at about ₹2,500 a room in the current tariff. It has only a few rooms, so book well ahead for winter weekends and holidays.
Is Mendabari safe for families?
Yes, if you follow lodge rules. Wild elephants and rhinos move in the surrounding forest, so stay inside the compound after dark and do not walk on forest roads at dusk. Children will enjoy the night sounds; keep them close outside.
What food is available at Mendabari?
Simple meals cooked by the lodge staff for guests: rice, dal, vegetables, eggs or chicken. Order in advance. There are no restaurants nearby; Hasimara and Madarihat are the nearest places with eateries and shops.
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