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Nestled at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar District, West Bengal, India, Jaldapara National Park, also known as Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, is a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.Located along the picturesque Torsa River, the park boasts a diverse landscape spread across 216.51 square kilometers. Its enchanting scenery encompasses vast grasslands intertwined with patches of riverine forests, creating a visually stunning environment at an altitude of 61 meters above sea level.
The rich history of Jaldapara dates back to the early 1800s when the region was inhabited by the Toto and Mech tribes. Known as “Totopara,” the area later gained significance as a wildlife sanctuary in 1941, with the primary goal of safeguarding its abundant flora and fauna. In May 2014, it was designated as a national park, specifically focusing on the conservation of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
Jaldapara’s flora and fauna contribute to its allure, featuring expansive savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The park is renowned for hosting the second-largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in India, following Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
Alongside the iconic rhinos, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Indian leopards, elephants, sambar deer, barking deer, chital, hog deer, and gaur. An extensive floristic investigation documented an impressive 294 species of trees belonging to 189 genera and 63 families within the park, highlighting its rich botanical diversity.
Adjacent to Jaldapara, the Chilapata Forests serve as an essential elephant corridor connecting the sanctuary to the Buxa Tiger Reserve, further enhancing the region’s ecological significance. Visitors to Jaldapara can immerse themselves in the wilderness through thrilling elephant safaris or jeep rides. These experiences offer a chance to witness the majestic rhinos, spot elusive leopards, and bask in the serene beauty of this pristine habitat.
Jaldapara National Park is in the town named, Uttar Madarihat which is in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal.
The park's primary draw is the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, boasting India's second-largest population of this species after Assam's Kaziranga National Park.
You can experience thrilling jungle safaris and elephant rides within the park to get up close to the wildlife.
The nearest airport to Jaldapara National Park is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 150 kilometers away. Its around 120km from Siliguri town.
Entry Fees per head – INR 100
Entry Fees for Foreigners – INR200
Vehicle Entry fee - INR 300
Apart from rhinos, the park is home to elephants, deer, bison, and various bird species.
The park remains closed during monsoon months. Jaldapara National Park remains open between September 15 to June 15 and the best time to visit is between October to March.
Yes, Jaldapara National Park offers unique elephant-back safaris for a different perspective on wildlife observation.
The elephant safari at Jaldapara National Park costs approximately INR 800 per person for Indians and INR 1000 for foreign nationals.
1st Shift: November to March (6:00 AM to 7:30 AM)
April to October (5:30 AM to 7:00 AM)
2nd Shift: November to March (7:30 AM to 9:00 AM)
April to October (7:00 AM to 8:30 AM)
3rd Shift: November to March (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM)
April to October (3:30 PM to 5:00 PM)
INR 450 per person.
1st Shift: 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM
2nd Shift: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
3rd Shift: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Day Safari: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
You can book your rides on www.wbsfda.org
The best time to visit Jaldapara National Park is during the dry season, which is from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the visibility is good, making it easier to spot wildlife.
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