Jaldapara

Jaldapara wild life sanctuary

Jaldapara, the land of Asiatic one-horned rhino, is a pride of Dooars in North Bengal foothills and a 'must to visit' place for nature lovers. Jaldapara, an enriched bio-diversity with varied flora and fauna, is a prime destination particularly for wild-lifers. The forest mainly comprises of savanna and riverine type, and is an ideal place for rhino, bison, elephant, deer and innumerable smaller mammals.

The vast grasslands of Jaldapara provides a great opportunity for sighting wild animals. The adventurous elephant ride early in the morning and exciting car safari allows the tourists to enter deep inside the forest. Sitting on the back of an elephant one can have a prized view of rhino resting in a muddy pool or a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the open grasslands.

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The forest department has constructed several watchtowers inside the forest for wild life viewing. Step out with a binocular and spend the whole day looking at the most exquisite animals and birds in the serene landscape. The small streams cutting across the vast grasslands with beckoning Bhutan Himalayas in the horizon and the tranquilizing breeze give a real peace of mind for the travelers looking for a break from a routine world.

Accessibility: Jaldapara can be reached by car from Siliguri- the gateway of Eastern India. It takes a 3hrs journey, which traverse a distance of 140kms through Dooars plains dotted with tea gardens and forests along the lower Himalayan foothills.

Accommodation in Jaldapara: Madarihat is the nearest township adjacent to Jaldapara sanctuary. There is a well-furnished tourist lodge just on the entrance of the sanctuary.

The best accommodation is however in Hollong inside the sanctuary. The forest department has a 8-room bungalow, which is the best place to enjoy the wilderness of the sanctuary. Situated beside a natural pool the bungalow provides a great view of the surrounding forests. The wild animals coming at the pool for water can be viewed from the bungalow room. The elephant ride of Jaldapara is organized form the bungalow premises in every morning.

The accommodation is also available at Bardabri known as Malangi Wilderness Resort near Hasimara, just 12 kms from Madarihat. The resort is located on the adjacent to the sanctuary and has well decorated rooms.

naturebeyond provides booking in all these resorts and bungalows and organizes customize packages with elephant ride/car safari in Jaldapara.

Important information:
Because of inadequate accommodation to cater the increasing rush of tourist in Jaldapara an early confirmation is required to avail the room particularly during April-May and Oct-Nov period.

The sanctuary remains closed from June 15 to September 15. No tourist activity inside the sanctuary is allowed during this period.

Total Area: 216.51 Sq km
District Head quarter: Jalpaiguri
Best time to visit: November to March