Located in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas, the Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary is a part of the Indian state of West Bengal. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1943 to protect a wide variety of local flora and fauna. The sanctuary is spread over an area of more than 215 square kilometers and comprises a vast mosaic of swamps, woods, grassland and streams. Protecting principally the Asiatic one horned Rhino, it is a home to a great variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds.
Situated on the bank of river Torsa, the sanctuary is drained by several rivers, such as Chirakhawa, Malangi, Sissamara, Hollong, Bhaluka, Kalijhora and Buri Torsa. All these rivulets, vast grasslands, swamps and forests just make a beautiful painting to look at!!
Wild Life in Jaldapara
The main attraction in Jaldapara is the Asiatic one horned rhino, which can be seen in abundance, because this sanctuary holds the maximum number of rhino population in India after Kajiranga National Park in Assam. Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary is also home to several Indian bison, hog deer, barking deer, tigers, leopards, fishing cats, Hispid hare, Giant squirrel, wild pigs, Indian porcupine chital, jungle cat, Indian rock python.
The authorities have made a fine arrangement for sightseeing and sanctuary exploration. You can watch rhinos and other animals from elephant back or from jeeps in true safari style or choose to have a look from watch towers.
Birds in Jaldapara
Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers and is exceptionally affluent in avifauna. The sanctuary has more than 240 species of birds. The main reason that is responsible for such a huge collection of feathered beauties lies in the varied terrain, mosaic of vegetation and rich insect life. The Main Species of birds that can be seen are: Indian shag, pied wagtail, egret, river lapwing, darter, moorhen, cormorant, barbets, parakeets, woodpeckers, cuckoos, orioles, drongos, babblers, thrushes and many more!
Places Around
If you are interested in ethnic tourism, Toto Para is a great opportunity for you to experience the only settlement for the Totos, one of the most endangered ethnic communities in the world.
Chilapata Forests, Nal King Fort and Dooars are also some of the interesting spots that are just a day trip away from the Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary.
