Situated behind the bus terminal of Phuentsholing along the bank of river Amo Chuu is the Amo Chuu Crocodile breeding center. Amo Chhu Crocodile breeding centre is located at a walking distance of 10 minutes from the bus stand. It was built in 1976 with only dozens of crocodiles. At the present time, Amo Chuu crocodile breeding centre apart from preserving the endangered species has been helping in the rising tourism of Phuentsholing. At the breeding center, tourists can observe two species of crocodile gharials and muggers which are listed on the list of critically endangered species by the International Union of Conservative Nature.
The quaint breeding centre has derived its name from the river stream Amo Chuu. With only a half-acre area Amo Chuu crocodile breeding center has caught the attention of many tourists since it’s not a daily occurrence to observe the large aquatic reptile in its semi-natural habitat. At the Amo Chuu Crocodile Breeding Centre, crocodiles are bred in captivity and nurtured till they can fend for themselves in their natural habitat. Once the crocodile reaches an uncertain age they are released into the wildlife sanctuary of Bhutan. It is astounding to see the large stealthy and dangerous predators lying ideally basking in the sun, sometimes they even resemble tree logs covered with green moss. To the untrained eyes, all the crocodiles seem similar but few with the knowledge can distinguish between a gharial and a mugger.
Tourists can distinguish between these two distant cousins by paying close attention since the gharial has a narrow nose while the mugger or marsh crocodile is noted for having the widest snout in its family. The Amo Chuu area is relatively small, which occasionally gives it the appearance of being overcrowded. However, plans have been made to move the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre to a larger location, where improved facilities can be provided for the crocodiles. The future of the crocodile certainly appears to be promising.
To observe an oversized lizard while only being separated by a single fence can be an everlasting memory. If you love nature and wilderness Amo Chuu Crocodile breeding Centre is a must-visit destination while traveling to Phuentsholing, where tourists can see the vicious predator lazily basking in the sun.
By Air- Amo Chu Crocodile Centre is located in Phuentsholing. You can board a flight to Paro International Airport or India’s Bagdogra Airport. From here, you can easily reach this crocodile breeding centre.
By Train- Railway infrastructure not yet present in Bhutan. However, you can take a train to its nearest railway station Hasimara Railway Station. However, the major and the busiest nearby railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP).
By Road- Amo Chuu Crocodile Breeding Centre can be visited quite comfortably by road. From Indian town of Jaigaon, you can enter Bhutan’s Phuentsholing and can easily reach the Crocodile Breeding Centre. From Jaigaon, Phuentsholing is just about 4.5 kilometers driving distance away.
Visitors can visit the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Center from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors are recommended to schedule their visit between the hours of 10 am and 12 pm if they wish to see the crocodile being fed (the general feeding time of the crocodile of center). In order to enter this Crocodile Breeding Centre, you need to pay BNT 100 for Adults. Entry is free for the children under the age of 10 years.
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