Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Five Forests of Bengal to Visit During Monsoons
Bengal has several beautiful forests that come alive during the monsoons.
While major forests like the Dooars are closed during breeding seasons, other forests like Ajodhya Hills, Gar Panchkot, Joypur Forest, Salboni Forest, and the Sundarbans mangrove forest are open year-round.
These forests offer lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and various activities like trekking, bird watching, and camping.
They are located at different distances from Kolkata, ranging from 100 to 330 km, and offer accommodation options from government resorts to luxury hotels.
Visiting these forests can be a great way to escape the city and enjoy nature.
Bengal offers several forests to visit during the monsoons, with some closed during breeding seasons.
Ajodhya Hills & Forest features waterfalls, trekking trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
Gar Panchkot is known for its historic ruins, dense forests, and scenic beauty.
Joypur Forest offers a canopy of sal, mahua, and kusum trees, with red soil and wildlife.
Salboni Forest is a dense, tranquil forest with towering trees and wildlife like elephants and deer.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest is the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest, home to Royal Bengal tigers.
- Who
- Tourists and nature enthusiasts
- What
- Five forests in Bengal to visit during the monsoons
- When
- During the monsoon season, with some forests closed from June 15 to September 15
- Where
- Bengal, India
- Why
- To experience the beauty of rain-washed forests and escape urban life
Tourism Benefits
Environmental Concerns
Economic Impact
Tourism Benefits
Tourism generates significant revenue for local economies, supporting jobs and businesses.
Environmental Concerns
Increased tourism can lead to environmental degradation and disturbance of wildlife habitats.
Accessibility
Tourism Benefits
Forests should be accessible to tourists year-round to boost tourism.
Environmental Concerns
Some forests should be closed during breeding seasons to protect wildlife.
- Ajodhya Hills & Forest
- Tropical forest with waterfalls, trekking trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Gar Panchkot
- Historic site with dense Sal woods, ruined temples, and scenic beauty.
- Joypur Forest
- Forest with sal, mahua, and kusum trees, known for its red soil and wildlife.
- Salboni Forest
- Dense forest with towering Saal, Sagun, and Piyal trees, home to wild elephants and deer.
- Mangrove Forest, Sundarbans
- World's largest contiguous mangrove forest, home to Royal Bengal tigers.
- Distance from Kolkata
- Varies from 100 to 330 km depending on the forest.
- Accommodation Costs
- Ranges from Rs 1000 to Rs 9500 per night.
- Travel Time
- Varies from 3 to 7 hours depending on the destination.