About Kankrajhor Forest
Kankrajhor Forest is a dense sal-dominated forest located in Kankrajhor village in the Belpahari block of Jhargram district, West Bengal, near the West Bengal-Jharkhand border. Part of the Jungle Mahal region, it is known for its undisturbed woodland, elephant corridor, and rich biodiversity. The forest offers a tranquil natural setting with tribal villages on its fringes and is valued for eco-tourism, nature walks and wildlife observation.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a dense, quiet forest of sal and mixed deciduous trees with unpaved trails, open clearings and small streams. The area is an elephant corridor with opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching and photography. There are no major built structures inside the forest except forest department watch areas and a forest rest house on the fringe. Surroundings include Santhal tribal hamlets, paddy fields and undulating laterite terrain. Exploration is on foot with local guides.
Key highlights
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Dense sal forest of the Jungle Mahal region near West Bengal-Jharkhand border
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Important elephant corridor with occasional elephant sightings
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Rich biodiversity with diverse birds and small wildlife
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Tranquil nature trails ideal for trekking and photography
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Proximity to Santhal tribal villages showcasing local culture
History of Kankrajhor Forest
Kankrajhor Forest is part of the historic Jungle Mahal region, traditionally covered by extensive sal forests and inhabited by tribal communities. The forest has been managed as a reserved forest area under the West Bengal Forest Department and forms part of the forested belt connecting West Bengal and Jharkhand.
Culture & Context
The forest fringe is inhabited by Santhal and other tribal communities whose traditional lifestyle, festivals and handicrafts are closely linked to the forest. The area reflects the cultural landscape of Jungle Mahal with village settlements, local haats and nature-dependent livelihoods.
Route
| By air |
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