The forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park and the Buxa Tiger Reserve,[1] and is rich in wildlife.

In hunting expeditions in 1892-1904, in and around Chilapata Forest, the Maharajah of Cooch Behar recorded killing one rhino, injuring another, and sighting of over 14.

[4] It is hoped that eco-tourism will provide a new source of income for the indigenous Rabha people, who now depend on the forest mainly for firewood.

[5] West Bengal State Forest Development Agency (WBSFDA) runs an eco-tourism resort at Kodalbasti, providing basic accommodation.

One of the main attractions is the ruined "Nalraja Garh", built by the Kingdom of Bhutan.