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Jaldapara National Park, which is located in the eastern foothills of the Himalayas is known for its diverse wildlife. The only ways to get around this forest are via safari and elephant rides, which enhance the experience of the forest explorers. Ideal lodging for visitors who want to explore this sanctuary is in the little village of Madarihat, which is close to the forest boundary of Jaldapara National Park. This place offers surreal views of the surrounding region and promises a unique experience.
Jaldapara National Park Location
Photo: Deep Bhattacharyya / Wikimedia Commons
The district of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal is home to Jaldapara National Park. The woodlands of Jaldapara extend from the Madhorubagan tea plantation in the south to the Totopara border with Bhutan in the north. The northern edge of this national park is crossed via National Highway 317.
How To Reach
Photo: Abhishek21051989 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport to Jaldapara is Bagdogra, which is 145 kilometres away. From there, travellers can travel via Siliguri to Jaldapara. It is 13 km from Bagdogra to Siliguri.
By Rail: NJP is the most significant railway station in Northeast India. All of India’s major stations have direct connections to NJP. This railway station is around 7 km from Madarihat. Birpara and Hasimara railway stations, which are both 20 miles from the sanctuary, are the stops for all mail and express trains.
By Road: Siliguri and other locations in North Bengal are reachable by road from Jaldapara National Park.The park can be reached from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat. There are buses operated by the North Bengal State Transport Corporation.
Places To Visit Around Jaldapara National Park
For a variety of plants and creatures, the park’s abundant greenery offers an excellent habitat. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. However, the following list of a few adjacent destinations is a must-see when visiting Jaldapara National Park.
1. Chilapata
Photo: Kaustav Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Chilapata is located on the eastern side and divides the forest of the National Park. Many people now consider Chilapata to be their favourite place to visit. With the forest department’s approval and a guide who has been approved, you are permitted to visit the forest. The remains of the Nal King fort, which dates back a millennium, are located deep within the forest and are of great historical and archaeological significance. Constructed during the Gupta Empire in the fifth century, the remains standstill.
Distance: 15 kilometers
Nearest Railway Station: Alipurduar Station (NOQ)
2. Khairbari
Photo: Hans Stieglitz / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Khairbari Centre is located on the west side of Jaldapara Forest. Located in Khairbari, the “South Khairbari Leopard Rescue Center” is a leopard rescue facility. Nineteen rescued tigers were transported to Khairbari in 2005 when it was illegal for Indian circuses to perform with wildlife. It received the designation “Khairbari Royal Bengal Tiger Rehabilitation and Research Centre”. Here, the number of tigers is gradually declining because the majority of the circus tigers have already passed away from old age. At Khairbari, there are still a lot of leopards.
Distance: 10 kilometers
Nearest Railway Station: Hasimara Railway Station
3. Bhutan Border
Photo: Leovdvxxx / Wikimedia Commons
The border town of Phuentsholing is only 25 kilometres from Jaldapara. There are no requirements to enter the border town to witness the Bhutan Border. Many travellers take a half-day journey from the national park to Phuentsholing. This place offers a surreal experience. Views of the surrounding villages, hills and mountains can be witnessed from the Bhutan Border. This place is an entry point for travellers from India to Bhutan.
Distance: 25 kilometers
Permission: Not Required
4. Jaldhaka River Valley
Photo: Tsen2006 / Wikimedia Commons
A charming area close to Jaldapara National Park is the Jaldhaka River Valley. It features picturesque villages, tea gardens, and stunning scenery. The transboundary river Jaldhaka rises in the high mountain fronts of Sikkim and the Himalayas near Bhutan before flowing south via Bhutan into the West Bengal district of Jalpaiguri. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, see the tea estates, and take a leisurely drive along the river. The valley is rich in flora and fauna. The place is ideal for bird-watching activities.
Distance: 46.9 kilometers
Nearest Railway Station: Malbazar
5. Totopara
Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This place is close to Jaldapara National Park and is a popular destination for ethnic tourists. One of the world’s most endangered ethnic groups, the Totos, has only one hamlet, Toto Para. There are presently only a thousand of them left. Governmental and non-governmental organisations have taken numerous steps to improve their quality of life. Living with them and taking in their customs can still be a priceless experience, though. This place shares its borders with Bhutan and offers a surreal experience.
Distance: 21.2 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Where To Stay
Photo: Sandipanjalpaiguri / Wikimedia Commons
There are multiple places to visit near Jaldapara National Park. At Jaldapara Tourist Lodge or the Hollong Forest Bungalow, visitors may enjoy delectable meals and cosy lodging in the centre of the national park. Garumara also features a two-room forest cabin in the most charming location. Other forest lodges are located in Samsing, Mal & Madarihat, Jainti, Barodabri, Chapramari, and Milpara.
The Hollong Tourist Lodge is one of the greatest and most popular places to stay in Jaldapara because of its fantastic location within the lush, forested area of Jaldapara National Park. Even from your room at the Hollong Forest Bungalow, you can frequently spot wildlife.
Jaldapara Tourist Lodge is another well-known lodging option in this area. It is situated directly before the Forest Gates.
What To Eat
Photo: Arunabha.Goswami / Wikimedia Commons
The national park offers enough thrill and adventure, but there is a lack of culinary options. As a result, there is no distinctive or special cuisine served in the area. Nonetheless, the resorts and lodges offer good dining options to meet the needs of visitors. Some of the greatest hotels to dine at include Maru Ghosh and Sons, Hotel Royal, and Sadhana Hotel.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Subham Dey / Wikimedia Commons
In Jaldapara, the summer months are hot, muggy, and humid. The temperature is still between 32° and 40°C. The best time to see wild animals is in the summer. Because of the heat, they frequently emerge from their hiding places and wander the park. Keep hats and light clothing with you to shield yourself from the heat. The park is closed for visitors from June to September because of the intense monsoon showers that hit Jaldapara. During these months, safaris are not conducted. Following the monsoon season, the leaves are fresh and green from mid-September until October.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kazuend / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
No better way to recharge yourself by going to Jaldapara National Park.
Here are few factors to be considered while visiting Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal:
- A valid picture ID is required for admittance, therefore please bring the original ID that was used to make the online reservation.
- Avoid going too near to any animal. Respect their privacy by keeping a distance of about 20 meters.
- Do apply sunscreen. Since the safari vehicle is open, you will be exposed to the sun.
- Do bring cameras and binoculars to make the most of your time in the national park.
- Avoid bringing lighters, cigarettes, guns, or anything else that could ignite a forest fire.
Jaldapara National Park is in the Alipurduar District in northern West Bengal, close to the Eastern Himalayan foothills It is located on the banks of the Torsa River. Rich vegetation and a wide variety of animals can be found in the sanctuary. Signing up for TripXL will help you plan your trip and discover more about Jaldapara National Park and its surroundings. This place with its varied flora and fauna promises a surreal experience.
Cover Photo: Abhishek21051989 / Wikimedia Commons
