forest bungalow · Chilapata
Mendabari Jungle Lodge (WBFDC)
A small forest corporation lodge in the Dakshin Barajhar forest at Mendabari, in the Chilapata belt between Jaldapara and Buxa. The British called the Nalraja Garh ruins nearby the Mendabari ruins, and the lodge is your closest bed to them.
Mendabari is a forest village on the Chilapata side of Jaldapara, close to the Hasimara–Kodalbasti road. The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation's lodge here has only a few rooms, so it is quiet and fills fast in winter. Rhinos and elephants use this forest, and staff will tell you plainly to stay inside the compound after dark.
It works well for a night between Jaldapara and Buxa, with a Chilapata jeep safari and the walk around the Nalraja Garh ruins. Food is simple and should be ordered in advance. Book through the corporation's website, and check current status before you travel, because the October 2025 floods hit this river belt hard.
Why we suggest it
- Inside the Chilapata forest belt
- Close to the Nalraja Garh ruins
- Small and quiet, at a government tariff
We list rates as indicative ranges. We do not take commission from this property for being listed here. Check current status before you travel.
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Mendabari from Hasimara station?
Roughly 10–15 km, about half an hour by car through forest. Hasimara is on the Dooars railway line between Siliguri and Alipurduar, and trains from NJP or Siliguri Junction take about four to five hours. Arrange a car through the lodge or at Hasimara; there is no regular public transport into Mendabari.
Can we visit Nalraja Garh from Mendabari?
Yes. The ruins are inside the Chilapata forest and visits are made on the forest department's jeep safari, not on foot alone. A six-seat jeep with entry and guide costs roughly ₹2,500–3,500 (indicative 2025–26). Check current status before you travel, since routes can close after flood damage.
Is there a market or ATM near Mendabari?
No. Hasimara and Madarihat have shops, eateries and ATMs. Carry enough cash for the safari, meals and tips before you drive into the forest, since card payments and UPI work only where the signal holds, which is not everywhere in Chilapata.
Trips that sleep here
On a ticket
Value
Dooars6 nights · Mixed
Chilapata, Buxa Fort and Jayanti in a week
Chilapata · Buxa · Jayanti · Jaldapara National Park
₹21,000per personabout ₹3,000 a day
Value
Dooars5 nights · Mixed
Gorumara, Jaldapara and Chilapata in 5 nights
Lataguri · Jaldapara National Park · Chilapata
₹19,500per personabout ₹3,250 a day
Comfort
Dooars7 nights · Reserved car
The Dooars end to end in a week, by car
Jhalong · Samsing · Lataguri · Jaldapara National Park
₹42,000per personabout ₹5,250 a day
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