JALDAPARA......DOOARS

JALDAPARA ELEPHENT RIDE

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. The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grass.  River Torsa runs through this forest sanctuary. The major floras are Sal, Simul, Khair, Sisoo, Sidha, Gamar, Mallotus, Kawla, Dilenia and Ficus.

In addition to the famous single horned Rhinos, the wildlife also has tigers, leopards, wild elephants, sambar, wild pigs, swamp deer, hog deer, 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, hog badger etc, 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.

Totopara is 22 kms from Madarihat, 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- Jackets, Woolen Cloths.

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 Alipurduar & Falakata Railway station. Jaldapara is 19 kms from Falakata and 54 kms from Alipurduar. Only passenger trains from Alipurduar Junction and Siliguri Junction 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 Kolkata. You can also hire your car from Siliguri or Alipurduar. From Alipurduar it will take 1.30 hrs.

Where To Stay At Jaldapara :

Tourists can find comfortable accommodation and delicious food right in the heart of the Sanctuary at the Hollong Forest Bungalow or the Jaldapara Tourist Lodge. There are also small lodges in Madarihat, just outside Jaldpara Wildlife Sanctuary, where one might stay.

So, welcome to Jaldapara, Dooars.