West Bengal

West Bengal Wildlife

Jaldapara

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal is about 124 km from Siliguri. This sanctuary was constituted in the year 1941 for the protection of Wild Life, particularly one-horned rhinos, an animal threatened with extinction.

River Toorsa runs through the Sanctuary. The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The wild life, in addition to one-horned rhinos, consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deers, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer and hog deer, wild pig, bisons and a number of birds, peafowls. Elephant ride is arranged for viewing of wild life preferably at dawn.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Dooars, is the habitat of the rare one-horned rhinoceros, the mighty bison, the spotted deer, the barking deer, huge tuskers, fearsome wild boars and a variety of birds and animals. Elephant safaris can be enjoyed at the Sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit
Between September and March, specially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds.

How to Reach :
The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Garumara Wildlife Sanctuary can be accessed from Siliguri as the entry point.

By Air : Bagdogra is the nearest Airport from where one can go by above routes, (Siliguri to Bagdogra 13 km.) private vehicles are available at Madarihat for going to Hollong Forest Lodge/Jaldapara Tourist Lodge. North Bengal Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini buses, and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.

By Rail : Nearest Railway Station : Madarihat which is only 7 kms from the Sanctuary and all the passenger trains stop here. Jaldapara Tourist Lodge is in a walkable distance from this Railway Station. All the Mail and Express trains stop at Birpara/Hasimara Railway Station both are 20 kms. away from the sanctuary.

By Road : Jaldapara is connected by road with Darjeeling and Siliguri. North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.