Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protect park located at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal. The sanctuary is home to the largest population of the endangered Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros after Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. Now there are around 60-80 rhinos in this park.

Jaldapara is situated in an area of of 100 sq km area. The sanctuary was constituted in 1941 for the protection of great variety flora and fauna, , particularly single horned Rhinos. The sanctuary has around 33 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles, 8 species of turtles and 30 species of fishes.

River Torsa runs through the forest and is instrumental for its tall grass and rises in Tibet. It flows actross Bhutan before entering the river Brahmaputra. The climate is moist tropical with heavy monsoons. Eventhough, the sanctury is uninhabited, some areas are heavily populated.

The western part of the sanctuary is crossed by river Torsa, while the eastern stretch is drained by river Malangi. Torsa river rises in Tibet and flows across Bhutan before entering the Brahmaputra. The sanctuary can be seen on a thrilling Elephant-safari. Jeep safaris are also organised inside the sanctuary.

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 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 birds listed in the sanctuary are the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Shikra, Jungle fowl, Peafowl, Patridges, Bengal Florican and Pied Hornbill.

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.

Timings : 9 am-3 pm; Entry fee : Indians Rs 25, foreigners Rs 100; Cameras: Still Rs 25, video Rs 250 .

Safaris and other activities

There are facilities for Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari in Jaldapara. But, a one hour elepahant safari is the best way to explore Jaldapara. Maximum number of people allowed for this safari is four. Safari fee : Rs 140 . Timings 6-8 am and 6.30 am during winter. Safari starts from the Tourist Lodge at Madarihat.

Jeep safaris
The forest department does not provide jeep safaris so one have to rent from the Tourist Lodge at Madarihat or a tourist agency. A forest guard must accompany the jeep. Fee: Rs 450 , Vehicle fee Rs: 50-200 , Guide fee: Rs 100, Timings 6-8 am, 3-5 pm.

Birdwatching
Since the sanctuary is home to numerous birds, it offers many birdwatching facilities. The sanctuary is the last known habitat of the Bengal florican.

Leopard Rehabilitation Centre
It is located near the forest office, where one can ses leopard cubs.