Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in the Jailpaiguri district of West Bengal was established in 1941 for the protection of great endangered one horned rhinoceros, the sanctuary is a tapestry of woods, grasslands, streams, sandy riverbanks and large stretches of Savannah grass. Although Jaldapara is famed for its majestic one horned rhinos, the forest provides a safe sanctuary for the host of other equally impressive and for some people who explore the park on feet, deadly stock of animals. Some of them are elephant, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and leopards. Other less dangerous creatures are chital, sambhar, barasingha, the hog deer, barking deer and other.



An off the track sanctuary is wild enough to experience the stark wilderness. The place is swathed in tall elephant grass, the thorny bushes and tall trees makes the place almost impenetrable. Specialty of the place is the rare one horned rhinos. Though its rare but people walk down the jungle to start a close shave with wild animals. The best place to see the animals in the dark or at dawn. A rejuvenating experience to see the different animals in their natural habitat with a perfect greenery in the background.

Sight And Activities

Elephant Safari
The best way to explore the sanctuary is on the back of Champakali, a mammoth elephant of 12 feet and around 2500 kg. The elephant is the property of forest department. The safari starts at the early morning and has to be booked in advance. High time of the park the elephant safari is not guaranteed. Also you can wish to hire jeep from the tourist lodges inside the park. Jeeps are allowed inside the park from 6-8 AM & 3-5 PM.

Totopara
A small village located on the bank of Torsha river is 30 km from the sanctuary. Bordering the Bhutan , the village is the only abode of rare aboriginal Toto, a primitive tribe in Dooars. They lives in a small number less than 1000. The lifestyle and beautiful rustic ambiance of the village attracts many tourists.

Chilapata
Chilapata forest is 20 km from Alipurduar on the way to Cooch Behar. This obscure forest forest is deep and unexploited. The haunted ruins of a thousand years old fort of Nal King inside the forest is the prime attraction among travelers. The ruins still recall the Golden Age Of India, built in the 5th century during Gupta dynasty.

Bird Watching
Apart from huge beasts, Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary is also famous for variety of birds. It is really amazing to see countless species of birds in the sanctuary. During winters migratory birds flock to the sanctuary and become the land of Bengal Florican. Other known birds are Crested Eagle, Jungle Fowl, Pied Hornbill, Shikra, Peafowl, Patridges, and Pallas’s Fishing Eagle.