Jaldapara National Park in the Dooars is a rhino haven; here’s how

Jaldapara National Park in the Dooars region of West Bengal holds a treasure valuable to the Indian wildlife. The national park is home to the remainder of the great one-horned rhinoceros, making the national park the second largest home after Kaziranga National Park in Assam. This rhino population is what’s left of the lot that once roamed the Indo-Gangetic plains.

The Dooars is a vast and diverse region situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and extends from the Darjeeling district in the north to the Jalpaiguri district in the south. Jaldapara National Park is one of the most important attractions in the Dooars region, and it is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and the unique culture and traditions of the communities that reside there.



Jaldapara National Park is spread across an area of 216 sq km, a sanctuary perfect for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, making it one of the most captivating wildlife destinations in the region.

Though most of us think of Kaziranga National Park when we think of rhinos, giving Jaldapara National Park’s rhinos a chance might just be the thing you need to make your travel more interesting this year. The sanctuary is predominantly known for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.


Jeep safari, organised by the Forest Department, is the best way to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. These safaris will allow visitors to explore the sanctuary and offer a chance to get up close with various other wildlife species, including Indian elephants, bison, leopards, deer, and a wide variety of bird species.



Interestingly, Jaldapara is a beautiful mix of lush grasslands, riverine forests and marshes. One quick tip: when exploring national parks, a lot of times one may not encounter animals, but instead of feeling salty about that, the next best thing is to take a good look at the forest around. Animals may fail you but the forest never fails.
Also read: Wildlife experiences in Karnataka for this monsoon


The best time to visit Jaldapara National Park is from November to March, that’s when the weather is pleasant and wildlife is relatively more active. The chances of spotting the often-shy one-horned rhinoceros are also pretty high around this time.

1. How to reach Jaldapara National Park?
   The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located around 140 km from the national park. The nearest railway station is Madarihat, located only 7 km from the national park.
2. Are there places to stay in and around Jaldapara National Park?
   There are several government-run lodges and privately-owned hotels and resorts near Jaldapara National Park.
3. What is the best time to visit Jaldapara National Park?
   November to March is the best time to visit Jaldapara National Park. Avoid monsoon months.