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Jaldapara National Park
Orientation :
The forests of Jaldapara is spread North to South from the Bhutan border near Totopara in the North to Mthurabagan tea estate on the south. The length of the forest is almost 50 km. However, the width of the forest is thin and only 5 to 7 km during most of the stretch.Through the Northern side of the forest passes the National Highway 317. The surrounding area of this highway is where tourist activity used to be concentrated in the past. Madarihat on this highway is a forest fringe town. Most major lodges, resorts including the tourism department accommodation is concentrated here. Many more tourist resorts have come up in the area and commonly when the name Jaldapara is referred to, most people mean Madarihat and its surrounding area.In truth, Jaldapara is the name of a village and a market on the southern part of the forest. This is a relatively less touristic part of the forest where accommodations are few and far between.More recent tourist accommodations are coming up are now concentrating near the Mdarihat – Falakata Highway 12 which runs parallel to the forest North to South.
Forest Visit :
An adventurous elephant ride in the morning will take you deep inside the grassland for the real excitement. The sights of rhino in a muddy pond, the herd of elephant or the running deer are the thrilling experiences in Jaldapara. Please note the elephant rides are booked on the spot and cannot be reserved in advance. For the most part of the year, the few elephants available are unable to serve a large number of tourists who flock the Park. Jeep safari inside the forest is the other option of visiting inside the forest.
Places Nearby :
Chilapata - River Torsa divides the continuous stretch of forest with Jaldapara on the western side and Chilapata being on the eastern side of the river. Chilapata has become a favorite Tourist destination for many in the recent past. You can go for a forest visit with the permission of the forest department and accompanied by an approved guide. Chilapata can easily be visited from Jaldapara as part of a day sightseeing tour as the distance is barely 15 km. Hidden deep inside the forest the ruins of a thousand years old fort of Nal King that has tremendous historical and archaeological importance. Built in the 5th century during the Gupta Empire the ruins still recall the memories of the Golden Age. Because the site is not maintained properly, it has now become the playground for leopards, snakes and other animals.Khairbari - This is a small stretch of forest on the west side of Jaldapara forest. There is a leopard rescue center at Khairbari named "South Khairbari Leopard Rescue Center". In 2005 when performing with Wildlife were banned in Indian circuses, 19 rescued tigers were brought here at Khairbari. It was renamed as "Khairbari Royal Bengal Tiger Rehabilitation and Research Centre". The number of tigers is steadily decreasing here as most of the circus tigers died of age in the past. The number of Leopards at Khairbari is still substantial. The rescue center is about 10 km from Jaldapara.Bhutan Border - The border town of Phuentsholing is just 25 km from Jaldapara via Hasimara. There are no entry formalities for visiting the border town. Many tourists visit Phuentsholing as part of a half day tour from here. You can also make Jaldapara your overnight halt on your way to a Bhutan trip.Totopara, adjacent to the Jaldapara National Park is a major attraction for those interested in ethnic tourism. Toto Para is the only settlement for the Totos, one of the most endangered ethnic communities in the world. Their numbers are now reduced to mere a thousand. A lot of initiatives has been taken by the governmental and non-governmental agencies for uplifting their living condition. However, to live with them and to observe their traditional cultures can still be a precious experience. Even if you are stretched for time, you may visit Totopara as part of your local sightseeing.Other destinations of Dooars can also be visited from Jaldapara on a day trip.
