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Introduction
Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Alipurduar (Dooars) district, Jaldapara National Park in the Eastern Dooars has West Bengal’s largest population of One-Horned Rhinoceroses and famous Hollong elephant safaris.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | West Bengal |
| Districts | Alipurduar (Dooars) |
| Year of Notification | 2012 (National Park) |
| Total Area | 216.51 sq km |
| Landscape | Tall elephant grassland (Saccharum riverine grass), Sal woodland, and Torsa river floodplains. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Torsa River, Malangi River, Chirakhawa River, and Hollong River |
| Nearest Airport | Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – 130 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Hasimara Railway Station (HSA) – 10 km / Madarihat – 2 km / New Alipurduar – 50 km |
| Best Time to Visit | November to April (Park closed June 15 – Sept 15) |
Location
The national park lies in the Alipurduar (Dooars) region of West Bengal. On NH-317 at Madarihat gateway.
History
Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1941 and upgraded to a National Park in May 2012.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 216.51 sq km, the park’s terrain features Tall elephant grassland (Saccharum riverine grass), Sal woodland, and Torsa river floodplains.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Tall elephant grassland (Saccharum riverine grass), Sal woodland, and Torsa river floodplains.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Great One-Horned Rhinoceros (largest rhino population in West Bengal!), Asian Elephant, Gaur (Bison), Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, and Python.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Bengal Florican (rare grassland bird), Great Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Crested Eagle, Pied Harrier, Indian Peafowl, and Junglefowl.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Jaldapara National Park is sustained by: Torsa River, Malangi River, Chirakhawa River, and Hollong River.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Hollong Elephant Safari (0 km), Chilapata Forest (15 km), Phuentsholing Bhutan Border (30 km), Buxa Tiger Reserve (45 km).
Weather & Climate
Dooars tropical climate (10°C to 34°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – 130 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Hasimara Railway Station (HSA) – 10 km / Madarihat – 2 km / New Alipurduar – 50 km
- Road Connectivity: On NH-317 at Madarihat gateway.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Jaldapara National Park is from November to April (Park closed June 15 – Sept 15).
Accommodation
WBFDC Hollong Elephant Lodge (legendary lodge), WBTDCL Jaldapara Tourist Lodge.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Holds the 2nd largest population of One-Horned Rhinoceroses in India after Kaziranga.
Visitor Tips
Book stay at Hollong Lodge for front-porch wildlife sightings at the salt lick.
Did You Know?
- Holds India’s 2nd largest population of Great One-Horned Rhinoceroses after Kaziranga.
- Famous for the historic Hollong Lodge salt lick visited daily by rhinos and gaur.
- Prime breeding refuge for the critically endangered Bengal Florican.
Last Updated: August 2026