Jaldapara comprises of deciduous forests and grasslands and is home to some of West Bengal's most varied flora and fauna. JALDAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY is situated in the Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri District, in north Bengal. The sanctuary covers an area of 216 sq. kms with forest, swamps and grass lands. The river Torsha runs through this area. The sanctuary is a habitat to the endangered Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros and the Gaurs. Elephants, deer of various types, bears and the Indian Bison, the Crested Eagle and the Fishing Eagle can also be seen. Lying at the foot of the Bhutan hills (Eastern Himalayas), the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary with its panoramic view, has special significance by maintaining remnants of terai grasslands harboring endangered Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicorns). In the last few decades duars grassland, which were abode of several animals, has decreased due to increase in cultivation area, expansion of Tea Estates and human habitation. As a result, wild buffalo, Gharial, Swamp partridge, Swamp deer (Barasingha) and Pink-headed Duck have became extinct in this region.
Drained by rivers Torsa, Malangi, Hollong, Chirakhawa, Kalijhora, Sissamara, Bhaluka and Budhi Torsa, the Sanctuary provides extensive grasslands to the wild animals, becoming the last refuge to a wide variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The major animals seen in the Sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambhar, Cheetal, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Indian Gaur, Hispid Hare and a variety of avifauna including endangered Bengal florican. The sanctuary has 33 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles, 8 species of turtles and 30 species of fishes.
Elephant Safari is one of the major attractions of Jaldapara National Park. Elephant safari is the best way to get inside the forest and explore the core areas of the forest. Elephant Safari is usually conducted in the early morning. At a time only four people are allowed on one elephant and the duration of the safari is one hour.
Jeep Safari as the name says in this safari is done in a jeep or car. In Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary the forest department does not provide any jeep. Tourists have to hire one from Madarihat tourist lodge. For safety reasons a guard must accompany the tourist inside the forest.
