Shikaripara Wildlife Sanctuary, Dumka

About Shikaripara Wildlife Sanctuary, Dumka

Shikaripara Wildlife Sanctuary sits at the confluence of three significant wildlife corridors — the Jharkhand forest network to the west, the West Bengal Dalma–Ayodhya hills complex to the south, and the Rajmahal hills corridor to the north. This connectivity makes Shikaripara one of the most important corridor forests in eastern India for elephant movement, and elephant herds pass through the sanctuary regularly on their seasonal migrations. The forest is predominantly sal with extensive bamboo in the stream valleys — the characteristic composition of the Santhal Parganas forest zone. The terrain is undulating, with numerous streams crossing the forest interior that retain water through the dry season and provide critical water sources for wildlife. The combination of forest, stream, and bamboo creates the habitat diversity that supports both the large mammal community and the rich bird assemblage. The elephant presence at Shikaripara is the defining wildlife characteristic. Herds of 10–30 individuals move through the sanctuary, and the Forest Department maintains tracking of these movements. While visitors cannot pursue elephants and should maintain safe distance at all times, the sanctuary eco-trail system allows morning and evening walks where fresh elephant sign — broken bamboo, footprints, dung — is regularly encountered and occasionally, with patience and the right positioning, herds are sighted from safe distance. A forest rest house at the sanctuary provides basic accommodation for overnight visitors, allowing the dawn and dusk walks that maximise wildlife observation. The Shikaripara Forest Division coordinates all visits and provides guide and accommodation booking.