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Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
 The Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Alipur Duar subdivision of Jalpaiguri District, in north Bengal. The sanctuary covers an area of 216 sq kms with forest, swamps and grass lands. The river Torsha runs through this area.
The sanctuary is home to the endangered Great Indian One Horned Rhino ceros and the Gaurs. Elephants, deer of various types, bears and the Indian Bison, the Crested Eagle and the Fishing Eagle can also be seen.
22 kms from Madarihat is Totopara, home to the Toto Tribe one of the few remaining tribes of its kind in the world. Their customs and culture have invoked great interest amongst anthropologists.
Wildlife Attractions in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
The Flora
The sanctuary consists mainly of riverine forests, with grasslands, maintained by burning and flooding. Cassia grass is the widely spread of new riverine accretions. Found mainly on sandy soils, it can be encountered in clay pockets. The Sal trees are also found on the east banks of river Malangi. The sanctuary is covered with innumerable species of shrubs and trees
 The Fauna
The sanctuary is home to the Great Indian rhinoceros. A small population of the
Royal Bengal Tiger is also here. Sloth bear, Swamp deer, Bison, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Chital Hog Deer, Leopard, Asiatic Elephant are the major species of mammals present here. The park holds maximum number of rhino population in India after Kajiranga National Park in Assam.
The Avifauna
The sanctuary is a haven for bird watcher, especially in the winters, when the migratory birds flock here. The sanctuary is supposed to be the land of Bengal Florican. The other birds found here are the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Shikra, Jungle fowl, Peafowl, Patridges, Bengal Florican and Pied Hornbill.
Best Time To Visit
Between September and March, specially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds.
The Park Trip
The sanctuary can be best viewed on an adventurous
elephant safari. The Jeep safaris are also arranged in the park. The sights of rhino in a muddy pond, the herd of elephants or the running deer are the thrilling experiences in Jaldapara.
How to Reach
The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Garumara Wildlife Sanctuary can be accessed from Siliguri as the entry point.
By Air : Bagdogra is the nearest Airport from where one can go by above routes, (Siliguri to Bagdogra 13 km.) private vehicles are available at Madarihat for going to Hollong Forest Lodge/Jaldapara Tourist Lodge. North Bengal Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini buses, and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.
By Rail : Nearest Railway Station : Madarihat which is only 7 kms from the Sanctuary and all the passenger trains stop here. Jaldapara Tourist Lodge is in a walkable distance from this Railway Station. All the Mail and Express trains stop at Birpara/Hasimara Railway Station both are 20 kms. away from the sanctuary.
By Road : Jaldapara is connected by road with Darjeeling and Siliguri. North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.
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