Jaldapara National Park, Dooars

Wildlife of Jaldapara National Park

Jaldapara national park is a wildlife sanctuary located at Alipurduar at the foothills of east Himalayan in West Bengal. The inception of this park took place way back in 1940 with an aim to converse the varied diversity of natural vegetation and animal life. Located on the bank of the pristine Torsa River, this wildlife park is home to the largest population of Indian one horned rhino which is on the threshold of extinction.

The Toto Tribe of Totopara

Jaldapara national park is also home to the Toto, an endangered tribe residing in a small village called Totopara. This tribe is presumably the only Indo Bhutanese tribe in the world. Even though there numbers have been reduced to a mere thousand, the government have been taking various initiatives to uplift their conditions of living. They have a good education system and their development is gradually on the rise.

places of Interest

The park is mostly surfaced with patches of tall grass, shrubs, streams and sandy river banks. The main attraction of the park is the one horned rhino. Additionally there are other animals such as wild elephants, royal Bengal tigers, and different species of deer such as barking deer, hog deer, Sambar, and the chital. One can sight herds of bison during early morning.

The best way to relish the beauty of the park is through the elephant safari ride which starts early in the morning. Through the ride one can get a chance to go deeper into the forest and watch the animals closely. One will be greeted with the sights of rhinos grazing in the open, herds of elephant, deer wandering about near the banks of the river in search of water. Due to its rich biodiversity the area is a home to over 240 species of birds. The varieties of trees and shrubs provide an ideal place for birds to reside. Birds such hornbills, parakeets, woodpecker, cuckoos, drongos can be sighted

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Tips for visiting Jaldapara National Park

Wildlife:  Jaldapara National Park is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. One can spot other animals in the park such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, wild boars, and many more.

Other attractions:  Apart from the wildlife, Jaldapara National Park is also home to the Chilapata Forest, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. The Buxa Tiger Reserve and Gorumara National Park are also located nearby and are worth a visit

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Jaldapara National Park is from October to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the park is open for visitors

How to reach: Moreover, the nearest airport to Jaldapara National Park is Bagdogra Airport, which is around 140 km away. The nearest railway station is Madarihat Railway Station, which is around 7 km away.

In conclusion, Jaldapara National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences, a visit to this park is sure to be an unforgettable experience.