Jaldapara National Park
One of the most famous tourist destination in Dooars is Jaldapara National Park (formerly Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary), situated in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India, nearby the Indo-Bhutan international border. It belongs in the heavy rainfall zone, so the forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses, which is spread across 216.5 km2 area with an altitude of 61m. River Torsha runs through the National Park. Some other rivers, Malangi, Hollong, Chirakhawa, Kalijhora, Sissamara, Bhaluka and Buri Torsa are also flowing through the Forests area. Jaldapara forests were constituted as Wildlife Sanctuary in the year of 1941 for the protection of Wildlife, particularly one-horned Rhinoceros and it was declared as Jaldapara National Park in May 2012. Jaldapara National Park has the second largest population of the Indian one-horned Rhinoceros in the World after Kaziranga National Park, Assam. As of the recent census, Jaldapara National Park has an intake of 160 numbers of one-horned Rhinoceros.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Area | 216.51 km2 |
| Altitude | 61 m above sea level |
| Location | Alipurduar District in West Bengal |
| Nearest Town | Madarihat |
| Nearest City | Alipurduar, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri |
| Distance | 145 kms from Siliguri |
| Best Season | October to May, Specially March and April. |
| Off Season | 16th June to 15th September (national park closed) |
Indian one-horned Rhinoceros is the main attraction in the Jaldapara National Park. Other than One-horn Rhinos, this forest is also the home to a wide variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. The Asiatic Elephants, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Chital, Deer, Swamp Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Pig, Indian Bison (Gaur), Jungle cat, Fishing cat, Indian civet, Giant squirrel, different varieties of Leopard, Indian pangolin, Hispid hare, Indian porcupine, etc. are common mammals in the Jaldapara National Park. Pythons, monitor lizards, kraits, cobras, geckos, and about eight species of freshwater turtles can also be found here.
Jaldapara National Park is also home to several Indian residential and migratory birds like, Bengal Florican, Peafowl (Peacock), Racket-Tailed Drongo, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Eagle, Fishing Eagle, Little Cormorant, Indian Shag, Darter, Egrets, Shikra, Finn's weaver, Jungle Fowl, Partridge, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Pied Wagtail, Spur Winged Lapwing, lesser pied Hornbill, Moorhen, White Breasted Waterhen and many more. So, Jaldapara is renewal as a paradise for the bird watchers. More than 350 species of different birds are the inhabitant in the Jaldapara forests.
Visiting the deep forest for the search of wild animals is permissible in Jaldapara National Park. Elephant ride and jeep safari are very popular among the tourists, preferably at early-morning. The WBFDC run Hollong Forest Bungalow inside the forest range is probably the most sought tourist accommodation in India with a close proximity to the wildlife.
In winter, temperature comes down to 6°C where in summer it goes up more than 39°C. But the average temperature ranges may vary between 10°C to 30°C. Jaldapara National Park belongs in heavy rainfall zone. Where May to October known as rainy season. Average annual rainfall is 300 cm.
How to reach Jaldapara
By Rail: If you are from Kolkata or any other part of India, then the train is the best option to reach Jaldapara National Park. The nearest railway stations to Jaldapara are Birpara (5 km away), Hasimara (3 km), Falakata (22 km) and Madarihat (2 km). But some selective trains have stops at these stations. So, check the available stops of the train before booking your train ticket. Cabs are available from these stations to reach the National Park. On the other hand, New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Siliguri Railway Station (124 km) are the main railway stations in this region. You can change the train in New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri or follow the road journey from New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri to reach the Jaldapara.
By Road: Jaldapara is well connected with Siliguri (126 km), New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Bagdogra (136 km) and other towns of North Bengal by road. NBSTC Buses, Bhutan Govt. Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat. Journey time from Siliguri is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Cabs are also available to reach the Park.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, which is about 13 km driving distance from Siliguri and 136 km from Jaldapara National Park. All major domestic air services are available from all major cities in India. Once you reach Bagdogra, just follow the road journey.
Accommodation
Hollong Tourist Lodge is one of the best and most preferred accommodations at Jaldapara, due to its absolutely wonderful location inside the green and dense forests area of Jaldapara National Park. It has limited numbers of rooms and advance booking is highly recommended. Wildlife sighting is very common from the Hollong Forest Bungalow, even from your room. It has five double bedded, spacious, clean and well-maintained rooms, which has a tariff of INR 2,500 per night for a room. Elephant safari in Jaldapara National Park is available only from the Hollong Bungalow. So, to reside here, you may avoid any extra transportation for a ride.
Address: Uttar Barajhar Forest, Madarihat, Alipurduar, West Bengal 735213
Phone: +91 3563 262228, +91 33 2334 4062
No of Rooms: 5 (Non A.C Deluxe Double Bedded Room)
Tariff: INR 
2,500/- per night for a room (GST Extra)
Booking: Book Online
Jaldapara Tourist Lodge is another prominent accommodation in this region after Hollong Tourist Lodge. It is also preferable option among the tourist for night-stay, once Hollong is not available. It is located just in front of the Forest Gates. Wildlife sighting is not very rare from the lodge premises. Elephant safari may be available for the tourists on demand.
Address: Madarihat, Alipurduar, West Bengal Pin- 735213 Phone: +91 3563 262230, +91 9733008795
Number of rooms:
| Sl. No. | Room Type | No. of Room | Rate per Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Non A.C Delux Double Bedded Room | 4 | 1600/-* |
| 02 | A.C Delux Double Bedded Room (Brick Blk) | 8 | 2200/-* |
| 03 | A.C Delux Double Bedded Room (Wooden Blk) | 10 | 2400/-* |
| 04 | A.C Cottage | 4 | 2600/-* |
| 05 | AC Cottage Large | 5 | 2900/-* |
| 06 | A.C Suite | 1 | 3200/-* |
Booking: Book Online
A number of private hotels and lodges have also come up in the area around Jaldapara. For more details you may contact with us.
Reservation Authorities :
3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East)
Kolkata - 700001
Phone: (033) 22485917/22488271
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar
Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403
Phone : (0353) 2511979, 2432561
P.O. & District - Cooch Behar
Phone : (03582) 227185