Jaldapara

For the protection of the Indian one-horned rhino, the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1941, which covers 216 sq km and comprises a variety of woods, grasslands, perennial streams, sandy riverbanks and wide belts of tall grass. The river Torsha and the Malangi River are flow through this rain forest sanctuary.

Located in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri district, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a home of the extensive range of wild life such as Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deers, swamp deers, hog deers, wild pigs, bisons and specially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinos. In this Wildlife Sanctuary, different birds are found like, the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, shikra, Jungle fowl, peafowl, patridges, Bengal Florican and lesser Pied Hornbill. Python, monitor lizards, krates, cobras, geckos and more or less 8 species of fresh water turtles have found in this area. Some rare species like the hispid hare and the hog-badger are found in this Sanctuary. Including wildlife viewing, this place offers the visitors to enjoy remarkable holiday activities like elephant riding and leisurely strolls through the towering grass.

Where to stay at Jaldapara
There are many lodges in Madarihat, which is just outside Jaldpara Wildlife Sanctuary. One can stay at the picturesque and attractive forest rest house within the boundaries of the Sanctuary. Some of the lodges where the visitors can stay are,
  -  Jaldapara Tourist Lodge
  -  Holong Tourist Lodge
  -  Baradabari Youth Hostel

How to get to Jaldapara:
Jaldapara is well-connected by National Highways and State Highways to important railway stations like New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. Jaldapara is situated 121 kms far away from Siliguri. The Delhi-Gauhati and Howrah-Gauhati routes connect this area with the major cities. The visitors can visit Jaldapara Sanctuary via Madarihat, which is situated on the NH 31, 140 km east from Siliguri, 80 km north from Coochbehar and 50 km west from Alipurduar.

  -  By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport, which is 160 km far away from Jaldapara. From this airport via Siliguri, visitors can reach Jaldapara by road. Shiliguri to Bagdogra is about 13 kms. Flights to Bagdogra are available from Delhi and Calcutta and Bagdogra is about 140 km away from Madarihat are available from Delhi and Calcutta.

  -  By Rail: The nearest Broad Gauge rail station is New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri), New Alipurduar and New Coochbehar.

  -  By Road: Bus and Taxi Services are accessible from Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar and Alipurduar. Visitors can be hired jeeps from Madarihat for day visits.