Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is about 124 km from Siliguri. It was constituted in the year of 1941 for the protection of wild life, particularly Great Indian one-horned Rhinos. River Torsha runs through this forest sanctuary. The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The major flora are Sal, Simul, Khair, Sisoo, Sidha, Gamar, Mallotus, Kawla, Dilenia and Ficus.
In addition to the famous single horned Rhinos, the wildlife also consists of Tigers, Leopards, wild Elephants, Sambar, wild Pigs, Swamp Deers, Hog Deers, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Gaurs or Indian Bisons, Bengal Florican, Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Quail etc. The Sanctuary is home for some rare and endemic species like the Hispid Hare, Hogbadger etc, also for wild Boar and Sloth Bears. Python, Monitor Lizards, Krates, King Cobras, Geckos and about 8 species of fresh water turtles enrich the reptilian diversity. Elephant riding facility is available in the sanctuary.
22 kms from Madarihat is Totopara, home to the Toto Tribe, one of the few remaining tribes of its kind in the world. Their customs and culture have invoked great interest amongst anthropologists.
| Total area | : | 216.51 Sq. Km. |
| Altitude | : | 61-140 Meters |
| Temperature | : | 6°C (Min); 39°C (Max) |
| Average rainfall | : | 3000 mm |
| Best Season | : | October to May, particularly March and April, when new grass is growing |
| Best Time To Visit | : | Between September and March, especially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds |
| Off Season | : | 15th June to 14th September (Sanctuary closed) |
| Clothing | : | Summer- Cottons, Winter- Woolens |
How to get at Jaldapara ( Approach & Access ) :
The place is well-connected by National Highways and State Highways to important railway stations like New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. The Delhi-Gauhati and Howrah-Gauhati routes also connect this area.. Major stop at Falakata Railway station. Jaldapara is 19 kms from here. Only passenger trains stop at Madarihat, which is 7 kms from the sanctuary. Flights to Bagdogra, which is approximately 140 km from Madarihat are available from Delhi and Calcutta. You can also hire your car from Siliguri or Jalpaiguri.
