Jaldapara National Park in Alipurduar district, West Bengal, covers 216 sq km along the Torsa River in the Dooars — the terai foothills bordering Bhutan. It shelters the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in West Bengal (over 250 rhinos) and offers unforgettable elephant safaris through dense Himalayan foothills forest.
Jaldapara National Park
India's Largest Rhino Habitat — Dooars Wild Heart
History of Jaldapara
From Forest Reserve to National Park (2012)
Jaldapara was originally declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1941, making it one of Bengal's oldest protected areas. Elevated to National Park status in 2012, it spans the flood plains of the Torsa, Bala, Malangi, and Dima rivers — rivers that flow directly from Bhutan into the Dooars grasslands.
West Bengal's Rhino Capital
Jaldapara shelters over 250 Indian one-horned rhinoceros — the highest concentration in West Bengal and one of the largest populations in India after Kaziranga. Successful conservation efforts since the 1940s have steadily increased the rhino population from just a few dozen individuals.
Hollong Forest Bungalow
The famous Hollong Forest Bungalow — a colonial-era forest lodge inside the park — is one of the most sought-after nature accommodation spots in West Bengal. Waking up to rhinos grazing outside the bungalow at dawn is an experience that draws wildlife lovers from across India every season.
Wildlife
Beyond the rhino, Jaldapara hosts Asian elephants, gaur, leopards, Himalayan black bears, spotted deer, hog deer, and the elusive clouded leopard. Over 240 bird species have been recorded including the great hornbill, wreathed hornbill, Bengal florican, and multiple kingfisher species along the Torsa River banks.
Safari Highlights
Elephant Safari (November–April)
Jaldapara's signature elephant safaris depart at dawn from Hollong — trained mahouts guide visitors through the tall grasslands on elephant-back for the closest possible encounters with wild rhinos and other wildlife.
Jeep Safari – Chilapata Forest
Adjacent Chilapata Forest offers guided jeep safaris through sal and teak woodland rich in elephants and leopards. The ruins of an ancient Gupta-period fort (Nalraja Garh) discovered within Chilapata add a historical dimension to the wildlife experience.
Did You Know?
Jaldapara sits directly on the migratory elephant corridor between Bhutan and India. During the monsoon, large herds of wild elephants migrate through the park from Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park — creating one of eastern India's most dramatic annual wildlife events that local villagers and forest officials monitor closely each year.
Travel Guide to Jaldapara
How to Reach
By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), Siliguri — 124 km via NH27 (approx. 3 hours to Madarihat entry).
By Train: Madarihat/Birpara Railway Station on the Alipurduar–NJP line — 7 km from the park gate.
By Road: NH27 from Siliguri to Madarihat. Shared jeeps from Siliguri SNT terminus take 3–3.5 hours.
Park Highlights
Hollong Bungalow: Forest department accommodation inside the core area — rhinos visible from the verandah at dawn.
Torsa River: The river boundary offers crocodile and elephant sightings at waterside viewpoints.
Chilapata Forest: Adjacent to Jaldapara — ancient fort ruins and excellent elephant habitat.
Permits & Entry
Safari Hours: 6 AM – 9 AM and 3 PM – 5:30 PM (closed Wednesdays).
Entry Fee: ₹100 Indians / ₹800 foreign nationals. Elephant safari: ₹500 extra per person.
Season: Open November 1 – June 15. Hollong Bungalow must be booked 30+ days in advance via WBTDC.
Best Time to Visit
November–April is ideal; January–March is peak for rhino sightings when grass is lowest. December–February is cold (8–20°C) but perfect for safaris. Book Hollong Bungalow months in advance — it has only a handful of rooms and is perpetually in demand throughout the season.
Travel Tips
Hollong Forest Bungalow inside the park is transformative — book it via WBTDC Kolkata at least 30 days ahead; never miss this experience.
Absolute silence is mandatory on elephant safaris — loud talking will scare away wildlife and reduce sighting opportunities.
Carry strong mosquito repellent — the Dooars marshlands breed aggressive mosquitoes especially at dawn and dusk safari hours.
Combine Jaldapara with Gorumara (75 km) for a 3-night Dooars wildlife itinerary — two parks, one memorable trip.