Languages spoken : Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, English
Established in the early 1940s for the protection of the single-horned rhinos, the Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary situated in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal covers about 100 sq km of mixed deciduous forest, grasslands and river banks. The river Torsa cuts through this sanctuary whose tall grasses and luxuriant vegetation harbour, in addition to the rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, wild elephants, deer, swamp deer, hog deer, wild pigs, bisons and a number of birds.
The only way to spot wild animals in this sanctuary is by elephant safaris. At night, animals can be viewed from the safety of the tourist lodges using spotlights. The Jaldapara Tourist Lodge at Madarihat is a huge complex just off the main road and a minute’s walk from the entry point to the sanctuary. The other option is Hollong, which is a beautiful modern bungalow made of polished wood and glass with beautiful gardens and seating arrangements by the river. Although the sanctuary is usually squeezed into the Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Gangtok itinerary, a couple of nights’ stay is recommended for those who wish to enjoy their surroundings.
Easily accessible from Siliguri, a distance of 121 km and about four hours drive away, Jaldapara is situated at a comfortable altitude of 61 meters although light woolens are recommended for the winters. The sanctuary is out of bounds to visitors during the rainy season - the best time to visit Jaldapara is the period from October to May, particularly March and April when new grass is growing.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport from where tourists can reach Jaldapara by road.
Rail: All the mail & express trains stop at Birpara/Hasimara railway stations, both 20 km (12.5 miles) away from the sanctuary. Only passenger trains stop at Madarihat railway station which is 7 km (4.5 miles) away from the sanctuary.
Road: Jaldapara is connected by road with Darjeeling and Siliguri.
Darjeeling-Siliguri-Jalpaiguri-(via New Teesta Bridge)-Mainaguri- Dhupguri-Gairkata-Birpara-Madarihat (140 miles or 224 km)
Darjeeling-Siliguri-Sevoke-Bagrakot-Mall-Chalsa- Nagrakata-Binaguri- Madarihat (134 miles or 214 km)
Distance between Siliguri and Madarihat is 214 km, takes 4 hours. Entry-point to the sanctuary is at Madarihat, which is connected with Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri by road.
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