Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

General Information

Date of establishment- 1943.

Area covered- 216square.kilometers.

Location- The sanctuary is located among the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, along the bank of Torsa River.

Know Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary! Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located at foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. They lie along the bank of Torsa River and are quite near to the city of Siliguri. The place was declared a sanctuary in the year 1943 so as to safeguard the wildlife of the area. The sanctuary covers a vast area of around 216sq.kms, which abounds in natural vegetation cover. The time period between the months of October-May is the ideal time for visiting the place.

Flora- The sanctuary is very rich in natural vegetation as it lies on the bank of the Torso River. The vegetation mainly comprises of Riverine forests along with different types of grasses. Cassia grass is the most common type of grass that spreads throughout the sanctuary. One can also see various Sal trees that grow along the eastern banks of the Malangi River.

Fauna- The chief attraction of the place is the Asiatic one horned rhinoceros, which are found here in large numbers. In addition to it, one can also see various other animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, elephant, spotted deer, Indian bison, hog deer, leopard etc.

Avifauna- The sanctuary is a paradise for the bird watchers as here one can see various rare species of birds that are hard to find somewhere else. Bengal Florican is the most famous bird that can be seen here. One can also view various other birds like Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Peafowl, Crested Eagle, Jungle fowl, Shikra, Pied Hornbill, Patridges and many more.

Other Places to visit While visiting the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, one can also visit various other places situated around the sanctuary that are listed below.

Toto Para- It lies quite close to the sanctuary and is the only settlement of the Totos tribe, which is reckoned as the most endangered tribal community around the globe. There are only around thousand numbers of members of this community. Various steps have been taken by the government so as to enhance the living condition of the community.

Fort of Nal king- The old fort of Nal king lies deep within the Chilapata forest. The forest was built in the 5th century and has a vast archeological importance.

Accommodation One can find a cheap accommodation at the forest lodges located in Madarihat.

How to reach!

Air- The closest airport is situated at Bagdogra, which is at a distance of 140kms from the sanctuary.

Rail- The closest railway station is situated at New Jalpaiguri.

Road- The sanctuary is well connected by road to major places like Siliguri , Bagdogra etc.