The Jaldapara National Park, formerly known as Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, lies at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, in the Alipurduar subdivision of West Bengal. This destination invites you to escape into nature during your time in Bengal. Spanning approximately 216.51 km², the site is home to rich fauna and flora for unforgettable discoveries.

History

Jaldapara National Park was once the home of the Toto and Bodo tribes until 1800. At that time, the area was named "Totapara". In 1941, the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary was established with the goal of protecting the Indian one-horned rhino. It was only in May 2012 that it was declared a national park.

Visiting Jaldapara National Park

Jaldapara National Park ranks among West Bengal's premier attractions. Situated at a considerable altitude, the site offers breathtaking vistas. It encompasses lush vegetation and a remarkable variety of wildlife. The reserve abounds with plants and beautiful flowers, especially after the monsoons. Among the prominent tree species in the park, you'll find the majestic Sal and Shishu trees. Beyond these, discover various types of ferns, shrubs and tall grasses.

Jaldapara National Park will delight nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. In this pocket of paradise, you'll have the privilege of observing the Asian one-horned rhino. Jaldapara holds India's largest rhino population after Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Besides the Asian one-horned rhino, the wildlife you may encounter includes the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian elephant, deer, sambar, gaur, hog deer and Indian badger.

Jaldapara also proves to be a paradise for birdwatchers. It's one of the few places in India where you might spot the Bengal florican. Other interesting birds nest here, including the crested eagle, Pallas's fish eagle, peafowl, partridges, the Indian peafowl, partridge and the oriental pied hornbill.

Finally, Jaldapara National Park is home to several reptile species including rock python, cobra, lizards, kraits, geckos and eight species of freshwater turtles.

Practical Information

Opening Hours and Entry Fees

Jaldapara National Park is open from mid-September to mid-June, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entry fees are as follows:

• Indian nationals: 100 INR
• Foreign nationals: 150 INR
• Camera: 50 INR
• Video camera: 250 INR
• Light vehicle: 50 INR
• Heavy vehicle: 200 INR
• Guide: 100 INR

By air, the nearest airport to Jaldapara National Park is Bagdogra, located 145 km away.

For train enthusiasts, northeastern Inde has rail connections to all major stations across the country. The closest railway station to Jaldapara National Park is at Madarihat, just 7 km away.

If you plan to drive, Jaldapara is connected to major cities via national highway. The journey from Siliguri to Jaldapara takes approximately three hours. Regular buses, minibuses and private taxis service the national park.