Jaldapara National Park

Situated in the beautiful environs of the eastern Himalayan foothills where the Torsha River meanders amidst tall elephant grasses, the Jaldapara National Park gradually comes into view. This national park in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri was originally established as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1941 to protect its population of the one-horned rhinoceros. It became a national park in May 2012. The fantastic location of the Jaldapara National Park placed at a height of 61 m interspersed by riverine forests and vast grasslands as well as its wide variety of flora and fauna has made it a prime tourist attraction in Jalpaiguri district.

It is in close proximity to the famous Gorumara National Park and the Chilapata forests which forms an elephant corridor between the Buxa Tiger Reserve and Jaldapara. There are also watchtowers which allow you to spot your favourite wildlife species from a close range. Elephant safari is the preferred mode of travel inside the forest.

Swamped by tall elephant grasses, Jaldapara National Park is the home of a multitude plant and animal species. The flora of the national park is mostly savannah. It is commonly known for its population of the Asiatic one-horned rhino, which is the largest in India after the Kaziranga National Park situated in Assam. Some of the other animals include elephants, tiger, sambhar, deer, barking deer, hog deer, spotted deer, bisons and wild pigs. Among reptiles, monitor lizards, geckos, krates, fresh water turtles and even the famous cobra and python snake have made this national park their habitat.
 
Jaldapara is also a must visit for all bird watchers. The rare Bengal florican can be sighted here, besides several other bird species like crested eagle, jungle fowl, Pallas’ fishing eagle, shikra, peafowl, pied hornbill and partridges.

The best time to visit Jaldapara in Jalpaiguri district is between October to May with the forests staying closed for tourists during the monsoon.

Madarihat is the nearest entry point for visitors to Jaldapara National Park. The place is well connected with Siliguri placed on the NH 31 on the Siliguri-Hasimara route. It can be accessed from SIliguri in 3 hours by car. It is situated 50 km to the west of Alipurduar. There are North Bengal State Transport Corporation buses (NBSTC), besides Bhutan Government buses ad minibuses from Siliguri till Alipurduar through Madarihat.

The tourist can also hire private cars from Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. The closest railway station to Jaldapara is Madarihat station which is at a distance of 7km. However major express trains stop at Birpara or Hasimara railway stations, which are 20 km from the sanctuary.
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport from Jaldapara at a distance of 145 km.

As a prominent tourist attraction in Jalpaiguri, the Jaldapara National Park has some wonderful places where you can rest after an arduous wildlife tour. Coming with a range of facilities, these hotels and accommodations are also placed within close proximity to the Jaldapara National Park and the lucky few can even get a glimpse of bisons and elephant herds while you stay. Some of the prominent places to rest in Jaldapara are:

• Hollong Tourist Lodge - This luxurious lodge is the property of WBTDC and has 7 double bedded rooms for tourists. Situated within the forest, its entry gate is on the highway in Madarihat and is an ideal place if you want to watch wildlife from the comfort of your guesthouse. There are ample food options from tea or coffee, breakfast, evening snacks, dinner an optional lunch if you choose to eat within the lodge premises.
  
  
• Jaldapara Tourist Lodge- Another venture of WBTDC, this lodge is more spacious than the Hollong Tourist Lodge and has dormitories as an additional attraction. Besides A.C. and non-A.C deluxe and double bedded rooms, there is a multicuisine restaurant providing delicious dishes.
  
  
• Holiday Home, Jaldapara- This is another wonderful accommodation situated 2.5 km from the main entry point of Jaldapara. There is 1 double bedded and 2 four bedded which  rooms come with facilities like colour T.V., attached bath, and generator facility. There is also an attached restaurant.