Jaldapara National Park: Wildlife Sanctuary Forest Lodge and Safari Guide How to Reach and Book Accommodation
Although Jaldapara was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1941, it was officially declared a national park in 2014 to protect the endangered Indian one-horned rhino from extinction. This national park currently covers an area of 216 square kilometers in the Alipurduar district. The Torsa River gracefully meanders through the heart of the landscape, dividing the beautiful regions of Jaldapara to the west and Chilapata to the east. This natural waterway enhances the scenery and adds to the charm of both locales, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers. Due to its lush green vegetation, Jaldapara is home to the largest population of rhinos in India after Kaziranga. It is currently the home of nearly 250 rhinos, and the number keeps increasing with the great support of forest officers appointed to Jaldapara National Park. The park serves as a vibrant sanctuary for a diverse array of herbivores. Among its prominent inhabitants are the majestic rhinos, whose formidable presence graces the landscape. The Indian bison, or gaur, roam the grassy plains alongside sambar deer, known for their impressive antlers and spotted deer, which add a splash of color with their distinctive markings. You might also encounter the charming barking deer, and the park is alive with the vibrant hues of peacocks, showcasing their stunning plumage. Elephants, with their gentle demeanor and sheer size, further enrich this beautiful ecosystem, making it a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Among carnivores, it’s home to leopards and foxes, and also shelters monitor lizards, various reptiles, and birds.
Now come to the main attraction of Jaldapara, an Elephant and jeep safari. Both safaris offer tourists a great experience by exploring the wildlife in the park. Jeep safaris are available four times a day—twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, each lasting about an hour and a half (While the current length is good, a bit more would enhance the overall experience!). You can book seats for the safari online, but you still need to pay for permits, the vehicle, and the guide at the Madarihat Beat Office (next to the Aranya Tourist Lodge). This is where you'll receive your vehicle number, and the safari starts from there. You'll enter the forest after showing the necessary documents at the park's entrance. About seven kilometers into the safari route, you'll reach the Hollong Bungalow, where you'll likely spot deer along the way, though sightings of other animals aren't guaranteed. The route includes two watchtowers and the Hollong Bungalow. Past the bungalow, the route heads towards the watchtower overlooking grasslands where you might spot the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The salt pits at Hollong and the watchtower are prime spots for spotting rhinos, elephants, and bison. Elephant safaris depart from the Hollong Bungalow, and those fortunate enough to secure a stay at the bungalow get priority access to the elephant safari. Limited seats are available for other visitors, who must bring their own vehicles to the bungalow after showing the necessary documents at the gate.
When embarking on a jeep safari at Jaldapara National Park, an experienced forest guard guides each group, ensuring a safe and informative adventure through the lush landscapes. An entry fee is required for those wishing to enter the park—just Rs. 100 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 150 for visitors from abroad.
The elephant safari is a fantastic option if you're looking for a unique experience. Priced at Rs. 500 per person for Indian citizens and Rs. 750 for foreign nationals, it offers an unforgettable way to explore the park's stunning biodiversity from behind a majestic elephant.
Jaldapara National Park invites nature lovers to immerse themselves in its natural beauty, operating daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except Thursdays when the park remains closed.
The Kanchan Kanya Express -13149 is the most convenient train from Kolkata. This train runs between Sealdah and Alipur Duar Junction on the way, and it will drop you at Hasimara Station (The station code for HASIMARA Railway Station is HSA). From there, you can take an auto to Madarihat, with fares around ₹300, but bargaining is a must. On the way, you might spot wildlife from the Torsa River bridge. Most importantly, if you are lucky enough, you can see an elephant there, and locals mentioned that rhinos often appear around dusk. Alternatively, you can also reach Madarihat via Falakata.
Suppose you are not short of budget and traveling with the elderly or children. In that case, you must book a reserved car for your entire trip from Hasimara station to Hasimara or New Mal Junction to New Mal (The station code for New Mal Junction Railway Station is NMZ). It costs you around INR 3500-4000 (Indian rupee) daily.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, with the airport code IXB. There are several flights available from various cities in India, but you will find the most options from Kolkata. The distance from the airport to Jaldapara National Park is approximately 139 kilometers, and it takes roughly 4 hours to reach the park by road.
The best time to visit Jaldapara National Park is between October and May, especially from November to April. During this period, the sky is clear, the weather is pleasant and ideal for spotting wild animals, as animals are more active and often come out to graze.
But The beauty of Jaldapara's forest is truly unique, especially during the monsoon season when we visited. The lush greenery all around was enchanting. Choose this period If and only if you like to enjoy nature and don't have any expectations of animal sightings. You must be aware of leeches, mosquitos, and other insects.
Here's a breakdown of each season's pros and cons:
Pros: Winter is the best season for spotting rhinos, elephants, deer, and birds, as animals are frequently visible in the open. The weather is excellent, with temperatures ranging from 10–20°C, making safari rides comfortable.
Cons: Nights and early mornings can be chilly, so warm clothing is advisable for the elderly and your child.
Pros: Spring and early summer bring out more vibrant greenery, and the pleasant weather makes safaris enjoyable. Birdwatchers may particularly enjoy this time, as many species are active.
Cons: Temperatures can start to rise toward the end of April, reaching up to 30°C, so try to carry sunscreen and sunglasses with you.
Pros: The forest is lush and beautifully green, creating an immersive atmosphere. You must carry an umbrella and raincoats as the rain may continue for days.
Cons: Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, making safaris difficult or impossible as parts of the park may be inaccessible. During the monsoon season, the park also closes from mid-June to mid-September to ensure visitor safety and protect wildlife. So please check before booking your holiday trip to see if jungle safari is your favorite activity.
If you're interested in spotting animals during the safari, try for early morning or late afternoon slots when wildlife activity is generally higher.
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, I recommend embarking on at least two safaris, as this will significantly enhance your chances of encountering magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Each safari jeep is designed to accommodate up to six adventurous tourists comfortably, providing an intimate setting for wildlife exploration.
Make sure to book your safari during the late afternoon, as it concludes with a vibrant local dance performance that beautifully showcases cultural traditions. Please note that there's a small additional fee of ₹50 for this enchanting experience.
If you're based in Madarihat, the adventure continues beyond there. You can also explore the scenic routes to Totopara and the lush Titi Jungle, both of which offer unique wildlife spotting opportunities. For those with a keen interest in the Chilapata region, it's important to note that you must arrange a separate vehicle to take you to the Kodal Basti Checkpost, from where a thrilling safari awaits.