About Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Jaldapara
Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri
district in north Bengal, very close to the Bhutan border. The sanctuary,
established in 1941, is home to an estimated 60 to 80 mighty Indian one
horned Rhinoceros, which can be distinguished from its African counterpart,
known for its two horns.
Besides the fauna, the jungle presents an amazing sight with dense trees
that rise up to the skies and allow very little sunlight to penetrate
through. All this gives an eerie feeling to the place and a sense of
excitement and uncertainty to the visitors.
The park remains open from September 15 to June 15 and closes down during
the monsoons. The best time to visit the park, however, are the months from
October to April when the weather remains excellent and animals can also be
spotted quite easily.
Wildlife Attractions in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
The park is home to a myriad variety of flora and fauna. 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.
The place is a birdwatchers paradise with over 350 species of birds
recorded to have been seen. Some of the prominent avifaunal species of the
region includes the fishing eagle, crested eagle, shikra, jungle fowl,
partridge, peafowl, Bengal florican, pied hornbill, racket-tailed drongo and
paradise flycatcher.
Besides the star residents of the park, the one horned Rhino, other mammals
found in the area are the royal Bengal tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar,
barking deer, hog deer, wild pig, bison and hispid hare. The creepy crawlie
reptiles such as python, cobra, krait,
Safaris
The
one hour Elephant safari is the best way to explore the sanctuary. The
safari, which begins early in the morning should be booked early in the
morning, as during high times, its availability can not be guaranteed.
Timings for elephant safari are 6-8 AM (6:30 inn winters). The forest
department does not offer jeep safaris but these are available for hire from
the tourist lodges. It is essential to take along a forest guard. Jeeps are
allowed inside the park from 6-8AM & 3-5PM.
Other Attractions
Gorumara National Park
The national park, situated just 62 km from Jaldapara can act as a
convenient stopover, particularly if you want some extra dose of wildlife to
whet your appetite. The park offers excellent bird watching opportunities as
well as a chance to spot the Rhino.
Totopara
It is a small village situated just 30 km from the sanctuary. Located on
the Bhutan border, the place is the only habitat for the Totos, an
aboriginal tribe.
How to Get There
By Air : Bagdogra is the nearest airport. Indian
Airlines flies to Bagdora from Delhi (8:00, Tue, Thu, Sat), (10:25, Mon,
Fri) and from Kolkata (14:30, Tue, Sat).
By Rail : New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railhead. Some
of the convenient daily rail connections to the place are from Delhi : North
East Exp. (6:40), Brahmaputra Mail (20:55), Mahananda Exp. (6:35) &
Avadh Assam Exp. (8:25), from Mumbai : Guwahati Exp. (7:45, Wed, Fri, Sat),
from Bangalore : Guwahati Exp. (23:45, Wed, Thu, Fri) and from Chennai :
Guwahati Exp. (6:30, Thu, Fri, Sat).
By Road : To reach by road from Siliguri, take the NH31
to Dalgaon via Coronation bridge, Dam Dim, Mal Bazaar and Chalsa. From
there, take the NH31C to Madarihat via Birpara.
Distances from Major Cities
New Jalpaiguri : 133 km (E)/3 hrs.
Siliguri : 75 km
Bagdogra : 135 km/3 hrs.
Travel Tips/Important Information
- Park charges include Elephant safari : Rs. 140/head, Jeep Safari :
Rs. 450, Vehicle : Rs. 50-200, Guide : Rs. 100/vehicle, Entry fee : Rs.
25 (Indians) & Rs. 100 (foreigners), Camera : Rs. 25 (still) &
Rs. 250 (video)
- While in the area, a recommended trip is to the Phaksowa Tea Estate.
- The assistant wildlife warden's office at Madarihat arranges permits
and bookings for elephant and jeep safaris.
- Watchtowers built along the water bodies provide the best wildlife
viewing opportunities.
- Sanctuary timings are 9AM to 3 PM
Jungle
Resorts in Jaldapara
| Hollong
Lodge |
Jaldapara
Tourist Lodge |
Situated
in the heart of the forest, the Hollong Lodge provides excellent
opportunities for wildlife spotting.
|
Jaldapara
Tourist Lodge is situated at Madarihat, a short distance from the park.
|
