Jaldapara National Park, located in the Alipurduar district of North Bengal, is one of India’s richest wildlife habitats. Spread across 216 square kilometers, this park lies at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and is nourished by the Torsa River. It offers a lush blend of grasslands, riverine forests, and marshes that support a diverse range of fauna, making it a vital conservation area in eastern India.
The park is best known for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the second-largest in India after Kaziranga. These majestic animals roam freely in the open grasslands and are one of the main attractions for wildlife enthusiasts. Jaldapara is also home to elephants, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), wild boars, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, and hog deer.
Birdlife in the park is equally impressive. Over 200 species have been recorded, including the crested eagle, pied hornbill, Bengal florican (critically endangered), fishing eagles, and peafowl, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Reptiles such as pythons, cobras, and monitor lizards also inhabit the region, adding to its biodiversity. The park offers both jeep and elephant safaris, allowing visitors to experience the wilderness up close.
With its extraordinary wildlife and scenic beauty, Jaldapara National Park stands out as a premier destination for nature lovers and conservationists alike.
