Jalpaiguri
District <> Map of Jalpaiguri <>
Culture <> Buxa
<> Gorumara <>
Jalpaiguri Town <> Jaldapara <>
Malbazar <> Rasikbill
Jaldapara Wild Life Sancturay
Jaldapara
Wild Life Sanctuary situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in
Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri district in
West Bengal was constituted in the year of 1943 for the protection of
wild life, particularly single horned Rhinos. River Torsha runs through
this riverain forest sanctuary which is mostly covered with tall grasses.
The wild life, in addition to the famous single horned rhinos, consists
of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deer, swamp deer, hog deer, wild
pigs, bison and a number of birds, pea-fowl etc.
Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers. It is one
of the very few places in India, where the Bengal Florican was sighted.
Set out with a binocular and see the majestic flight of hornbill, racket-tailed
drongo and paradise flycatcher. See the splendors of sun set beyond the
vast grassland of Jaldapara from you Bungalow deck.
A thrilling elephant safari is organized in the early morning from Hollong
to offer the exquisite beauty of the vast grassland of Jaldapara. The
elephant ride is the best possible way to explore the sanctuary with the
rare sight of Indian rhinos and Asiatic elephants. The jeep safari inside
the sanctuary is another main attraction.
Important
places around Jaldapara:
Totopara: 30 km from Jaldapara, a small village
on the banks of River Torsha bordering Bhutan is the only habitation of
Toto, a primitive tribe in Dooars. Their number has dwindled to less than
1000. The aboriginal lifestyle of the Totos attracts a large number of
tourists from many parts of the world.
Chilapata: Hidden deep inside the Chilapata Forests the ruins of
a thousand yeas old fort of Nal King has a tremendous historical and archeological
importance. On way to Cooch Behar, a trip through the deep and dark Chilapata
Forest (20 km from Alipurduar) is a pleasant and exciting experience.
Built in the 5th century during the Gupta Empire the ruins still recall
the memories of the Golden Age of India.
Gorumara
National Park: 80km
Phuntsoling - Bhutan: 32km
Buxa Tiger Reserve: 56km
Accommodation: There are few privet hotels in
Madarihat adjacent to Jaldapara Sanctuary. However, the Forest Department
and Tourism of West Bengal provide the best accommodation inside the sanctuary.
Naturebeyond arrange accommodation in the forest bungalow and tourist
lodges only in its all inclusive packages ion Jaldapara.
Excursions: Local excursions may be arranged
to visit tea gardens to see the manufacturing of tea in the nearby tea
gardens by prior arrangement with naturebeyond. Anthropological excursion
in nearby Tribal village, Totopara, can be arranged.
HOW
TO GET THERE
Air: Bagdogra 145kms from Jaldapara is the nearest airport from
where tourist can reach Jaldapara by road-route via Siliguri,
noted below. (Siliguri to Bagdogra - 13 km).
Rail: The most important railway station in the North East India
is NJP. NJP is directly connected with all major stations in India.
Road: Jaldapara is connected by National Highway
with Siliguri and can be reached by car within 3hrs.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 100 sq. km.
Altitude: 61 meters.
Best season: October to May.
Clothing: Summer- Cottons, Winter- Woolens.
Languages spoken: Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, English.
Entry-point to the sanctuary is at Madarihat.
Entry fee: Rs. 25/head, Rs. 50 - Rs. 200/vehicle, Rs. 250/vedio camera
Elephant ride charge: Rs. 240/head
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