Jaldapara National Park- Magical Bengal

About Jaldapara National Park

Tucked away in the lush landscapes of West Bengal, Jaldapara National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. Located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Alipurduar district, this national park offers a unique mix of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and cultural charm.

Jaldapara National Park was established in 1941 as a wildlife sanctuary to protect the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. In 2012, it was declared a national park and today, it spans over 216 square kilometers of grassland, riverine forests, and patches of dense vegetation

Wildlife You Will Encounter

The highlight of Jaldapara National Park is undoubtedly its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, second only to Kaziranga in Assam. But rhinos are just the beginning. The park is also home to

Asiatic elephants, wild boars, and the mighty gaur (Indian bison) roaming freely through the park. Though Bengal tigers are rarely seen, Indian leopards are known to inhabit the area. The park is also teeming with herbivores like sambar, barking deer, and hog deer.

Birdwatchers will find Jaldapara especially rewarding, with species such as the crested eagle, Pallas’s fish eagle, Indian hornbill, jungle fowl, peafowl, and partridges frequently seen throughout the park

Elephant and Jeep Safaris in Jaldapara National Park

Elephant Safari

One of the most iconic ways to explore the park is through the Jaldapara Elephant Safari. Held in the early morning hours, these safaris take you deep into the tall grasslands where rhinos, deer, and wild elephants roam freely. Riding on the back of a trained elephant allows you to traverse otherwise inaccessible terrain quietly, giving you an unmatched vantage point to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The silence and height offer a serene yet thrilling safari experience.

Jeep Safari

For those who prefer to cover a wider area or travel with family, Jeep Safaris offer a great alternative. Accompanied by forest guides, the jeeps take you through the forest trails, riverbeds, and open grasslands. It’s a faster-paced safari and offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and spotting more elusive animals like leopards or wild dogs.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open from mid-October to early June, with peak wildlife sightings from March to May. Avoid the monsoon season, as the park remains closed due to heavy rainfall.