General Informations About Jaldapara National Park

A Brief about Jaldapara

Jaldapara National Park (formerly Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary) is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in northern West Bengal and on the banks of River Torsa. The Park is situated at an altitude of 61 m and is spread across 216.51 km2 (83.59 sq mi) of vast grassland with patches of riverine forests. Toto tribes and Mech Tribes (Bodos) used to stay in this area before 1800. At that time this place was known as "Totopara". It was declared a sanctuary in 1941 for protection of its of Wildlife, particularly one-horned Rhinoceros. Today, it has the largest population of the Indian One horned Rhinoceros in the Country. It belongs into the heavy rainfall zone, so the forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The Jaldapara Sanctuary covers 216 sq km, is a mosaic of woods, grasslands, perennial streams, sandy river banks and extensive belts of tall grass. It contains a great diversity of flora and fauna of mixed deciduous forest, grasslands and river banks. The park is home to Indian one horned rhinoceros, Elephants, Indian Bison, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, Chital, Sambar, Barking deer, Wild pigs, Tigers, Leopards, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Indian civet, Giant squirrel, Indian pangolin, Hispid hare, Indian porcupine etc.

Jaldapara At a Glance

Climate & Best time to Visit of Jaldapara

Warm and humid all the year long. Summer temperatures ranges from 22-35 degrees Centigrade while winter temperature ranges from 6-19 degrees Centigrade. But the average temperature ranges may varies between 10°C to 30°C. Monsoon starts as early as mid May & continues upto late September. This region experiences heavy to very heavy rainfall during June-August. The best season to visit Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is the winter and the onset of summer season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for visiting wildlife and enjoying an elephant safari in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. The best months to visit are September, October, November, December, March, and May.

Jeep Safari :

The Jeep safari inside the sanctuary is another major attraction. There are multiple Jeep safari being organized both in the morning and in the evening. The number of watchtowers where the Jeep safari takes tourists has increased during recent year. Tourists must travel in the forest department approved Jeep accompanied by a tourist guide.

Elephant Safari :

A thrilling elephant safari is organized in the early morning from Hollong forest bungalow to offer the exquisite beauty of the vast grassland of Jaldapara. The elephant ride is the best possible way to explore the sanctuary with the rare sight of Indian rhinos and Asiatic elephants.

How to Reach

By Air:

The nearest airport is Bagdogra, 15 Km West of Siliguri. Coochbehar Air Port (70Km) is coming up shortly.

By Rail:

Broad Gauge trains stop at New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar New Coochbehar ,Falakta & Hasimara, Madarihat.

By Bus:

Entry to the JALDAPARA NATIONAL PARK is via Madarihat Located on the NH-31, 120km East of Siliguri 70 Km North of Coochbehar and 50Km West of Alipurduar.

Other Important Informations

Distances of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary from Major Cities

Flora & Fauna

The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The place teems with plants and beautiful flowers, especially after the monsoons. Some of the prominent tree species found in the park include tall Sal and Shishu trees. Other variety of ferns, shrubs and tall grass can also be seen. Jaldapara is a home to almost 240 species of birds, 20 species of mammals and various species of reptiles and fishes. The main attraction of the sanctuary is Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros. The other animals consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, deers, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer and hog deer, wild pig, bisons.

Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers. It is one of the very few places in India, where the Bengal Florican is sighted. The other birds to be found here are the Crested serpent Eagle, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Pigeons, Barbets, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Large Green billed Malkoha, White Rumped Vulture, Pied Harrier, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Bee-eaters, Rollers, Hoopoe, Shrikes, Larks, Hill Mynas, Bulbuls, Finches, Red jungle fowl, Black partridge etc.