Jaldapara

Location of Jaldapara

The Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary is situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas and on the bank of river Torsa in West Bengal. The vast grassland with patches of riverine forests, was declared a sanctuary in 1943 for protection of the great variety flora and fauna. Principle among them is the Asiatic one horned Rhino. The Jaldapara sanctuary is a mixture of a mosaic of woods, grassland, swamps and streams. The Sanctuary covers an area of 216.51 sq km. Drained by rivers Torsa, Malangi, Hollong, Chirakhawa, Kalijhora, Sissamara, Bhaluka and Buri Torsa, the Sanctuary provides extensive grassland which is last refuge to a wide variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds.

Wild Life in Jaldapara

The main attraction in Jaldapara apart form its exquisite natural beauty, is the Asiatic one horned rhino which can be seen from the Elephant back, while driving on roads or froma a watchtower. The Jaldapara sanctuary holds the maximum number of rhino population in India after Kajiranga National Park in Assam. One can come accross Elephants wandering in the woodland and frequenting the open grasslands, rivers and glades. Massive Tuskers and Makhnas, Indian Bison, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, magnificent pied Hornbill, colourful Green Pigeon, Indian Peafowl and other feathered beauties will greet your eyes at the windowsill of the hollong lodge. Herds of Gaur (Indian Bison) are easily sighted during early morning and late evening. Deer are well represented here with four species, the Chital, the Hog deer, the Sambar and the Barking deer. Sambar, the largest of Asiatic deer, is usually seen in a small family group in the woodland and along streams. Unlike Chital, Hog deer are basically solitary in nature and Barking deer is a small deer notable for its loud alarm call like the bark of a dog. Wild pigs can be seen in small parties around river banks and open grounds engaged in digging out tubers and bulbs. Tigers and leopards are the main predators in this reserve, though seen rarely by the tourist. Lesser cats of the reserve are jungle cat, leopard cat and fishing cat. Other important animals in the sanctuary are the common otter, the small and large Indian civet, Giant squirrel, Indian pangolin, Hispid hare, Indian porcupine and Indian Rock Python.

To Do

An adventurous elephant ride in the morning will take you deep inside the grassland for the real excitement. The sights of rhino in a muddy pond, the herd of elephants or the running deer are the thrilling experiences in Jaldapara. Jeep safari inside the forest is also organised on a regular basis. Please note the elephant rides are booked on the spot and can not be reserved in advance.

Places Around

Totopara, adjacent to the Jaldapara sanctuary is a major attraction for those interested in ethnic tourism. Toto Para is the only settlement for the Totos, one of the most endangered ethnic communities in the world. Their numbers are now reduced to mere a thousand. Lot of initiatives has been taken by the governmental and non-governmental agencies for the uplifting their living condition. However, to live with them and to observe their traditional cultures can still be a precious experience. Hidden deep inside the Chilapata Forests the ruins of a thousand yeas old fort of Nal King has a tremendous historical and archeological importance. Built in the 5th century during the Gupta Empire the ruins still recall the memories of the Golden Age. Because the site is not maintained properly, it has now become the play ground for leopards, snakes and other animals. Other destinations of Dooars can also be visited from Jaldapara on a day trip.

Where to Stay

Accomodation for the tourists visiting Jaldapara is arranged in the Madarihat tourist bungalow or Holong tourist lodge. The Holong lodge is inside the forest and is preferred over Madarihat Bungalow which is on the forest fringe. Since the number of rooms in Holong is very limited, availability is a big question mark unless you are booking months in advance. naturebeyond provides booking in this lodges for its guests on a regular basis. Please Note : 1. During the rainy season the sanctuary remains closed to tourists. The duration is normally between June 15 to September 15 2. Outsiders can visit the forest only during visiting hours from 9 AM till 4 PM.