Jaldapara National Park

Haven for Wildlife Enthusiasts

Nestled in the eastern Himalayan foothills of West Bengal, India, lies the pristine Jaldapara National Park. The national park is spread across a vast expanse of grasslands, forests and water bodies. It has a total of 14 ranges and 30 beats. Jaldapara National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna. With its unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife diversity, Jaldapara National Park has become a sought-after destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Location:

Jaldapara National Park is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. The park's soil is moistened mainly by the Torsha and Malangi Rivers. Rivers like Hollong, Kalijhora, Chirakhawa and Bhaluka also flow through Jaldapara. Bordered by the Torsa River in the east, which serves as a natural boundary between India and Bhutan, the terrain is predominantly characterized by tall grasslands, dense forests, and riverine vegetation. The park's landscape is further enhanced by the majestic presence of the Eastern Himalayas, providing a breathtaking backdrop for visitors.

Area:

The national area stands at 216.32 square kilometers of area and the total divisional area of Jaldapara National Park is 306.29 square kilometers. It was a sanctuary from 1941 till it was declared a national park in 2012. The main reason behind it being a national heritage is due to the presence of one-horned rhinoceros.

During the summer season (May-September), Jaldapara National Park temperatures range from 22-35 degrees Celsius. During the winter season, the temperature ranges between 6 to 19 degrees Celsius. The national park experiences heavy rainfall between April to September. The best time to visit Jaldapara National Park is from October to February and is the perfect time to go on Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari. During this time the temperature ranges between 19-24 degree Celsius.

There is direct train connectivity from Kolkata to Jaldapara and it takes about 12 hours. The closest station to Jaldapara is Madarihat which is within nine km radius of Bagdogra airport. The distance between Bagdogra and Jaldapara is 118 km. Travelers can also reach by road from Kolkata and nearby destinations. The distance from Siliguri to Jaldapara is 124 km.

Wildlife:

Jaldapara National Park is renowned for its rich wildlife diversity, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. It is the second largest park that belongs to the one-horned rhinoceros. One-horned rhinoceros is listed under the vulnerable category in the IUCN Red List. At present, there are a total of 289 one-horned rhinos in Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park, collectively. Birdwatchers are also in for a treat, as the park boasts over 240 avian species. Jaldapara National Park provides a perfect habitat for both terrestrial, arboreal and water birds.

Flora:

The national park is home to a diverse range of flora and vegetation. The grasslands, interspersed with riverine forests and tall elephant grass, form a unique ecosystem. With an altitude of 61m, the Jaldapara Parkonal falls into the Savannah category. The nearby forest reserve, Chilapata Forest is an elephant corridor that connects Buxa Tiger Reserve and Jaldapara National Park.

Fauna:

Apart from being a conservation site for the one-horned rhinoceros, Jaldapara is home to many other species such as Asian elephants, Indian bison (gaur), hispid hare, sambar and hog deer. There are two types of safaris available within the national park: Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari. Trained guides accompany visitors, ensuring their safety and providing valuable insights into the park's ecology and inhabitants. Bengal Florican, Large Green Billed Malkoha, White Rumped Vulture, Forest Eagle Owl and Shaheen Falcon are some of the endangered avian species found in Jaldapara National Park.

Natural Environment:

Jaldapara National Park plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. There are also car safaris available that allow you to breathe the same air as the wildlife of Jaldapara National Park. South Khairbari National Park in Jaldapara is a leopard rehabilitation center and a picnic spot. Travelers can take a car ride to South Khairbari and get on the top of the watchtower to see the majestic leopards. The other areas that surround the Jaldapara National Park are Gorumara National Park and Chilapata Forests.