Jaldapara National Park – Wild Heart of Dooars

Nestled at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal, Jaldapara National Park is where raw wilderness meets the romance of the Dooars. Spread across 216.51 sq km of riverine forests, sprawling grasslands, and swampy glades, this reserve is famous for hosting the second-largest population of Asiatic one-horned rhinos in India, after Kaziranga.
For wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to trade city noise for the trumpet of elephants or the call of a hornbill, Jaldapara is not just a stop — it’s the destination.

Location & Geography

The park lies along the banks of the Torsa River, with the Bhutan border forming its northern edge near Totopara. The landscape here is a vivid mosaic — lush sal forests, tall elephant grasses, slow-moving rivers, and marshy swamps where rhinos wallow under the morning sun. Other rivers, including Malangi, Hollong, Chirakhawa, Kalijhora, Sissamara, Bhaluka, and Buri Torsa, crisscross the park, creating fertile feeding grounds for an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Jaldapara is elongated north-to-south, stretching nearly 50 km in length but only 5–7 km in width in most parts. The northern side is accessible via National Highway 317, with Madarihat serving as the primary tourist hub. However, the southern stretch, around the original Jaldapara village, is quieter and increasingly popular with travellers seeking a less crowded wildlife experience.

Getting There

Jaldapara’s accessibility is part of its charm.
From Siliguri or Bagdogra Airport, the drive is a scenic journey through the tea gardens and forests of the Dooars. The nearest railway stations are Madarihat (on the New Jalpaiguri–Alipurduar line), Hasimara, and Birpara.

Madarihat, located right at the park’s fringe, is the main entry point for most visitors, with easy road connections from nearby towns like Alipurduar and Cooch Behar.

Exploring the Forest – Safaris & Experiences

If there’s one thing you can’t leave Jaldapara without, it’s a safari. And here, you get two ways to do it:

Elephant Safari

An early morning elephant ride is the most magical way to experience Jaldapara. You’ll sway gently atop a trained elephant, moving silently through misty grasslands where rhinos graze, deer leap across your path, and peafowl scatter with a burst of colour.
Elephant safaris operate from two points — near the old Hollong Bungalow site and the Jaldapara–Salkumar side gate. Bookings are done on the spot only and cannot be reserved in advance. The demand is high, so be prepared to queue early.

Jeep Safari

For covering more ground, jeep safaris take you deeper into the park’s varied habitats. Watchtowers provide vantage points over grasslands where large mammals often congregate. Safaris are guided by trained naturalists who help spot wildlife and share insights into the forest’s ecology.

Wildlife Highlights

Jaldapara’s superstar is, of course, the Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros — often spotted grazing or cooling off in mud pits. The park also supports a healthy population of Asian elephants, sometimes moving in large herds, along with Indian bison (gaur), hog deer, sambar deer, barking deer, and wild boar.

Predators like tigers and leopards roam here but are elusive. Smaller cats such as jungle cats, leopard cats, and fishing cats are more frequently recorded on camera traps.

The park is also a paradise for birders, with over 240 species of birds including the rare Bengal Florican, pied hornbills, green pigeons, and raptors like the crested serpent eagle. In winter, migratory species like Brahminy ducks and whistling teals add to the spectacle.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

Chilapata Forest

Just 15 km away, Chilapata is known for its dense forests, leopard sightings, and the ancient ruins of the Nal King’s Fort from the Gupta era. A day trip here combines history with wildlife.

Khairbari Leopard & Tiger Rescue Centre

About 10 km from Jaldapara, this rescue facility is home to leopards and the last few tigers rescued from Indian circuses in 2005.

Totopara

Adjacent to the park, this is the only settlement of the endangered Toto tribe. A visit here offers a rare glimpse into the life and traditions of one of the smallest ethnic communities in the world.

Phuentsholing, Bhutan

Only 25 km away via Hasimara, this bustling border town offers a quick taste of Bhutanese culture, shopping, and food — no permits required for day visits.

Best Time to Visit

The park remains closed from 15 June to 15 September for the monsoon.
The prime visiting season is November to April, when the grass is shorter, visibility is better, and migratory birds are in residence. For those who love lush greenery and fewer tourists, October and May are also rewarding.

Where to Stay

Accommodation ranges from government lodges like Madarihat Tourist Lodge to numerous private resorts, eco-lodges, and homestays. The location of your stay matters, since travelling from one end of the park to the other can take over two hours. Our team at NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd can suggest the best stay options based on your safari preferences, budget, and desired level of seclusion.

Travel Tips from NBTT Experts

• Book safaris early upon arrival — elephant rides can’t be pre-booked.

• Wear neutral-coloured clothing for safaris.

• Carry binoculars and a good zoom lens for birding.

• Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife sightings.

Plan Your Jaldapara Adventure with NBTT Travel Solution

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Dooars or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd can design your complete Jaldapara experience — from safaris and guides to stays and onward journeys into Bhutan or other Dooars forests.

Call us now: 9733300696
Let us make your trip unforgettable.