Established in 1941 for the shelter of the Indian one-horned rhino, the Jaldapara Sanctuary covers up 216 sq km, is a medley of woods, grasslands, recurrent streams, grimy river banks and widespread belts of lofty meadow. It encloses an immense variety of flora and fauna of varied deciduous forest, grasslands and river banks. The river Torsha runs throughout this rain woodland

sanctuary which is generally enclosed with tall grasses, the safe haven include copious plants and a rich multiplicity of wildlife.

The birds to be found here are the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle and shikra, besides Jungle fowl, peafowl, patridges, Bengal Florican and lesser Pied Hornbill. Python, monitor lizards, krates, cobras, geckos and about 8 species of fresh water turtles have also found.The wild life, in adding up to the renowned Great Indian One Horned rhinos, consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deers, swamp deers, hog deers, wild pigs, bisons. Some exceptional variety like the hispid hare and the hog-badger are too found here. Besides natural world presentation, there is range for strange local holiday tricks resembling elephant riding and relaxed strolls from side to side the lofty pasture.

Access
The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Garumara Wildlife Sanctuary can be accessed from Siliguri as the entry point.
Air
Bagdogra is the nearest Airport from where one can go by above routes, (Siliguri to Bagdogra 13 km.) private vehicles are available at Madarihat for going to Hollong Forest Lodge/Jaldapara Tourist Lodge. North Bengal Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini buses, and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.
Rail
Nearest Railway Station : Madarihat which is only 7 kms from the Sanctuary and all the passenger trains stop here. Jaldapara Tourist Lodge is in a walkable distance from this Railway Station. All the Mail and Express trains stop at Birpara/Hasimara Railway Station both are 20 kms. away from the sanctuary.
Road
Jaldapara is connected by road with Darjeeling and Siliguri. North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat.

Places of interest

Toto Para
30 kms from Madarihat, a little township on the banks of the Toorsa near Bhutan border is the only habitat now of the Dooars aboriginals – the Totos. Their number has decreased to with a decline of than a hundred now. A tea garden near Banarhat also stands the name Totopara, almost certainly a continued existence from days when Toto settlements were more

frequent. The indigenous everyday life of the Totos catches the attention of a huge number of tourists from various parts of the human race.

Buxa Duar
Here is a Fort at a height of 867 metres on the Sinchula Range guard the most significant of the eleven routes into Bhutan, the Buxa Duar. The Fort used as a custody camp for freedom battalion throughout British rule.
Jayanti
75 kms from Madarihat an attractive picnic spot on the bank of Jayanti River. It offers an outstanding sight of the hills of Bhutan.
Bhutan Ghat
85 kms from Madarihat, the road passes through gorgeous woods and tea gardens. It is also a picnic spot.