Bengal Safari, Siliguri: North Bengal Wild Animals Park Guide
Bengal Safari, officially known as North Bengal Wild Animals Park, is a large wildlife park in Salugara near Siliguri, West Bengal. Spread across about 297 hectares of forested landscape, the park offers visitors an opportunity to experience wildlife through safari drives as well as zoo exhibits and other activities. It is home to several species associated with the forests of North Bengal, including Bengal tigers, leopards, Himalayan black bears, deer and other wildlife.
The park has dedicated safari zones for different groups of animals, with options ranging from a basic zoo visit to the Combo Safari and Grand Safari. Visitors can also explore various animal sections, nature and interpretation facilities, adventure activities and other attractions within the park. With its location close to Siliguri, Bengal Safari is an accessible wildlife destination for visitors travelling through North Bengal.
Quick Facts About Bengal Safari
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | North Bengal Wild Animals Park |
| Popular name | Bengal Safari |
| Location | Salugara, Siliguri, West Bengal |
| District | Jalpaiguri |
| Area | About 297 hectares |
| Established | 2014 |
| Main attraction | Wildlife safari |
| Major safari zones | Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear and Herbivore |
| Closed On | Every Monday |
| Nearest city | Siliguri |
| Nearest railway station | New Jalpaiguri (NJP) |
| Nearest airport | Bagdogra Airport |
| Managed by | West Bengal Zoo Authority |
History of Bengal Safari
Bengal Safari was developed as a major wildlife park in the Siliguri region to provide visitors with a closer experience of the wildlife and forest environment of North Bengal. The park is located in the Salugara area, on land that was earlier associated with the Baikunthapur Forest Division.
The foundation stone of the park was laid on 17 July 2014. The first phase of Bengal Safari was subsequently developed with safari enclosures and visitor facilities, and the Mixed Herbivore Safari was opened in 2016. The Tiger Safari was inaugurated in 2017, marking another major stage in the development of the park.
Over the following years, Bengal Safari expanded its wildlife collection and safari facilities. Dedicated areas for Himalayan black bears and leopards were added, along with animal exhibits, interpretation facilities, walking trails and recreational activities. The park has since developed into a combination of safari experiences and zoological facilities within its large forested landscape.
The park continues to develop its facilities and wildlife attractions. Recent official reports also document the development of additional projects, including a Lion Safari, which was under construction in the park’s 2024–25 annual report and operational in 2026.
Wildlife at Bengal Safari
Bengal Safari is home to a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles, with its major wildlife attractions centred around dedicated safari zones. The park provides visitors with opportunities to observe species in relatively large, forested enclosures rather than viewing all animals only from conventional zoo exhibits.
Tigers
The Bengal tiger is one of the main attractions at the park. Bengal Safari has a dedicated Tiger Safari, where visitors can observe tigers from safari vehicles within a designated enclosure.
Leopards
The park also has a dedicated Leopard Safari. Leopards are kept within a forested enclosure designed to provide a natural-looking environment while allowing visitors to observe them from safari vehicles.
Himalayan Black Bears
The Himalayan black bear is another major attraction at Bengal Safari. The park has a dedicated Himalayan Black Bear Safari, providing visitors with an opportunity to observe these large forest-dwelling mammals in a spacious enclosure.
Herbivores
The Mixed Herbivore Safari contains several herbivorous species found in the region and elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent. Wildlife associated with this safari includes spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, hog deer, swamp deer, wild boar and the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, among other species.
Other Wildlife
Beyond the main safari zones, Bengal Safari has several dedicated animal sections and trails covering a wider range of wildlife. These include lesser cats, primates, canids, crocodilians and reptiles. The park also has an Aviary Trail, along with a Constrictor House and Lizard House, allowing visitors to see species that are not part of the main vehicle safaris.
Because animals move freely within their respective enclosures and their behaviour changes throughout the day, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed during a safari. The experience is based on observing animals in their designated habitats rather than following a fixed route where every species is assured to be visible.
Safari Options at Bengal Safari
Bengal Safari offers several ways to explore the park, ranging from zoo entry without a safari to longer safari experiences covering multiple wildlife zones. The main options are Zoo Entry Only, Combo Safari, Grand Safari and Joy Ride. Prices and availability can change, so visitors should check the official booking information before visiting.
Zoo Entry Only
The Zoo Entry Only option allows visitors to enter Bengal Safari and explore the park’s zoo and other visitor attractions without taking one of the main safari drives.
Current listed price: ₹50 per person
This option can be suitable for visitors who want to explore the animal sections, trails and other facilities at the park without booking a safari.
Combo Safari
The Combo Safari combines two safari experiences:
- Herbivore Safari
- Tiger Safari
The safari takes approximately 30 minutes and provides an opportunity to see both herbivores and tigers during the same visit.
Current listed price: ₹250 per person, including entry.
Grand Safari
The Grand Safari is the most comprehensive regular safari option at Bengal Safari. It covers four safari zones:
- Herbivore Safari
- Tiger Safari
- Himalayan Black Bear Safari
- Leopard Safari
The experience takes approximately one hour, allowing visitors to explore a larger portion of the park and see a wider range of wildlife.
Current listed price: ₹450 per person, including entry.
Joy Ride
The Joy Ride provides a shorter safari experience focused on the Herbivore Safari.
The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and offers visitors another way to explore the herbivore enclosure.
Current listed price: ₹850 per person, including entry.
Bengal Safari Safari Options at a Glance
| Safari Option | Includes | Duration | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoo Entry Only | Zoo and visitor attractions | — | ₹50 |
| Combo Safari | Herbivore + Tiger Safari | 30 minutes | ₹250 |
| Grand Safari | Herbivore + Tiger + Black Bear + Leopard Safari | 1 hour | ₹450 |
| Joy Ride | Herbivore Safari | 30 minutes | ₹850 |
*Prices are based on the currently listed official rates and should be checked before booking, as the park can revise its fees and operating arrangements.
Bengal Safari Timings
Bengal Safari is generally open during the daytime, with safari experiences operating at scheduled time slots. Visitors should select their preferred safari and time slot while booking their tickets.
The park is normally closed on Mondays, although the weekly closure can change when the park authority announces a special opening or closure.
Safari timings may also vary depending on the season, operational requirements, holidays and other circumstances. Visitors should therefore check the official booking page for the latest available slots before planning their visit.
For safari bookings, visitors are required to report at least 30 minutes before their selected safari time.
Other Activities at Bengal Safari
Bengal Safari offers several activities beyond its main wildlife safaris. These include adventure activities, recreational rides and visitor attractions spread across the park.
Adventure Activities
Visitors can take part in activities such as:
- Zip Line Combo
- Long Zip Line
- Short Zip Line
- Burma Bridge
- Wall Climbing
- Big Foot
These activities are available separately from the main safari packages and may have their own age, height or other participation requirements.
Other Rides
The park also offers recreational rides for visitors, including:
- Golf Cart
- Toy Train
Availability and operating arrangements may vary, so visitors should check the current ticketing information before choosing these activities.
Other Attractions
Bengal Safari also has several animal exhibits, trails and visitor facilities that can be explored during a zoo visit. These include:
- Aviary Trail
- Lesser Cats Trail
- Gharial Pond
- Crocodile Pond
- Primate Section
- Canid Section
- Constrictor House
- Lizard House
- Nature Interpretation Centre
- Medicinal Plant Garden
- Bonsai Garden
- Children’s Playing Zone
- Food Court
- Souvenir Shop
Together, these attractions make Bengal Safari more than a vehicle-based safari experience, giving visitors additional opportunities to explore wildlife, learn about the park and spend time within its forested landscape.
How to Reach Bengal Safari
Bengal Safari, officially known as North Bengal Wild Animals Park, is located at Salugara on Sevoke Road, near Siliguri in West Bengal. Its location makes it easily accessible by road from Siliguri and other major destinations in North Bengal.
By Road
The park is about 8 km from Siliguri and can be reached by taxi, private vehicle or other local transport. The drive follows Sevoke Road, one of the main routes connecting Siliguri with destinations such as Kalimpong, Gangtok and other parts of the eastern Himalayas.
From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station, located approximately 12 km from Bengal Safari. Taxis and other local transport are available from the station to the park.
From Bagdogra Airport
Bagdogra Airport is approximately 30 km from Bengal Safari. Visitors arriving by air can hire a taxi or private vehicle from the airport to reach the park.
From Darjeeling and Gangtok
Bengal Safari can also be incorporated into journeys to or from Darjeeling and Gangtok, with Siliguri serving as the main transport hub for the region.
Because travel times depend on traffic and road conditions, particularly during the monsoon and peak travel periods, it is better to plan the journey using the current road conditions rather than relying on a fixed travel time.
How to Book Bengal Safari Tickets
Bengal Safari tickets can be booked online through the park’s official booking system. Visitors can select the date, choose an available safari or entry option and reserve a suitable time slot.
Online Booking
- Visit the official Bengal Safari website.
- Open the ticket booking section.
- Select your preferred date.
- Choose the required option, such as Zoo Entry Only, Combo Safari, Grand Safari or Joy Ride.
- Select an available time slot.
- Enter the required visitor details.
- Complete the online payment.
- Save the booking confirmation and carry it when visiting the park.
Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled safari. A valid photo ID may also be required during entry.
Important Booking Rules
Bengal Safari’s current terms state that tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be modified or cancelled after booking. Visitors should therefore check the selected date, safari option and time slot carefully before completing payment.
Safari availability and ticket prices can change, so it is advisable to check the official Bengal Safari booking page for the latest information before making a reservation.
Visitor Tips for Bengal Safari
A little planning can make a visit to Bengal Safari more comfortable and help you make the most of the available safari and other activities.
- Book your safari in advance: Popular safari slots may fill up, particularly during weekends, holidays and peak travel periods.
- Arrive early: Safari visitors should report at least 30 minutes before their scheduled slot.
- Carry valid ID: Keep the identification document used for booking or required by the park available during your visit.
- Choose your safari carefully: The Grand Safari covers more wildlife zones, while the Combo Safari provides a shorter experience covering herbivores and tigers.
- Allow enough time: If you plan to explore the zoo sections, trails and other activities in addition to a safari, allow several hours for the visit.
- Follow wildlife rules: Do not feed, tease or attempt to attract the attention of animals.
- Keep noise low: Quiet observation provides a better experience for both visitors and wildlife.
- Follow photography rules: Take photographs only where permitted and follow instructions from park staff.
- Dress comfortably: Lightweight, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are useful, particularly if you plan to explore the park beyond the safari.
- Check before travelling: Confirm the latest ticket prices, safari slots, operating hours and closure notices on the official website before your visit.
- Don’t expect guaranteed sightings: Wildlife behaviour is unpredictable, and seeing a particular animal cannot be guaranteed during a safari.
Field Observations
Bengal Safari, or North Bengal Wild Animals Park, offers a different way to experience wildlife near Siliguri, combining large safari zones with zoo exhibits, wildlife trails and recreational activities. Visitors can choose between different safari options depending on the wildlife zones they want to explore, while the park’s other attractions provide additional ways to spend time within its forested landscape.
With Bengal tigers, leopards, Himalayan black bears, rhinoceroses, deer and other wildlife, Bengal Safari has become an important wildlife destination in North Bengal. Whether visiting for a safari or exploring the wider park, checking the latest ticket prices, timings and operating notices before the visit will help ensure a smoother experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
