Spread in vast 114 sq km area is the
Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary in northern part of West Bengal. The entire
sanctuary lies in a level flood plain. Jaldapara Sanctuary holds the largest
expanse of terai grasslands in North Bengal intersected with riverine
forests, dry-mixed forests and wet-forests. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
was constituted in the year 1943 for the protection of wild life,
particularly single horned Rhinos. It is a paradise for animal lovers and
bird-watchers. The sanctuary is famous for One-horned Rhinos and the Royal
Bengal Tigers. In winters, it becomes a favored destination for the
migratory birds. 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.
Since the whole area is on the flood plains, floods can be serious, with
entire forests washed downstream. The whole park can be seen on a thrilling
Elephant-safari, organized from Hollong. Jeep safaris are also organised
inside the sanctuary.
Wildlife Attractions in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
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 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 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.
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.
Getting there
Air: Closest airport is the Bagdogra airport, situated 145 kms from
Jaldapara.
Rail: New Jalpaiguri is the very well connected to rest of India.
Road: Jaldapara is connected by National Highway with Siliguri.
Accommodation
Madarihat has some good hotels. The Forest Department and Tourism of West
Bengal also provide the accommodation inside the sanctuary.
