Jaldapara National Park is a national park situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal, India. The park is famous for its extensive grassland and forest area, and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, leopards, and numerous species of birds and reptiles.
Jaldapara National Park was established in 1941 for the protection of the wildlife, particularly the one-horned Indian rhinoceros. It was declared a national park in 2012 to ensure the conservation of the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Jaldapara National Park can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, about 140 km away, while the nearest railway station is Hasimara, just a 20-minute drive from the park. Road connectivity is also good with buses and taxis available from nearby towns like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri.
The ideal time to visit Jaldapara National Park is between October to May. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the park remains open to tourists. The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided as the park may remain closed due to heavy rainfall leading to flooding of the river beds and marshy areas.
Yes, Jaldapara National Park offers both Jeep safaris and Elephant safaris for wildlife viewing. These safaris are organized by the Forest Department of West Bengal and provide an opportunity to explore the dense forests and grasslands of the park to sight various wild animals and bird species.
Advance booking for safaris in Jaldapara National Park may be available. It is advisable to check the current booking procedures with the West Bengal Forest Department or visit their official website to know the latest guidelines and book safari tickets.
Visitors to Jaldapara National Park can see a variety of wildlife including one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, various deer species like the spotted deer and barking deer, wild pigs, and numerous bird species such as the Bengal florican, Indian peafowl, great Indian hornbill, and Oriental pied hornbill among others.
There are various accommodation options near Jaldapara National Park, ranging from forest lodges managed by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation to private resorts and hotels to cater to the needs of tourists with different budget ranges.
Yes, there is an entry fee for visitors to enter Jaldapara National Park. The fee structure may differ for Indian nationals and foreign tourists, and it may also vary depending on the type of safari chosen. One should check the latest fee details from the official website or direct inquiries from the park authorities.
Jaldapara National Park typically opens for visitors from sunrise to sunset, though exact timings can change based on the season and park management's regulations. Safari timings are also set by the park officials, and visitors are advised to adhere to the specified timings for their own safety and to respect wildlife patterns.
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