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 stablished in 1941 for
the protection of the Indian one-horned
 rhino, the Jaldapara
Sanctuary covers 216 sq km, is a mosaic of woods,
grasslands, perennial streams, sandy river banks and extensive
belts of tall grass. It contains a great diversity of flora and
fauna of mixed deciduous forest, grasslands and river banks. Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary, situated in Alipurduar Sub-Division
of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, is home to a wide variety
of wild life, particularly the
 Great
Indian One Horned Rhinos. The river Torsha
flows through
this rain forest sanctuary
which is mostly
covered with tall grasses, the sanctuary encompasses a luxuriant
vegetation and a rich variety of wildife. The Malangi River also
flows
nearby from east to west. Riding elephants is the only way to move
inside this forest.
The birds to be
found here are the Crested bEagle, 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 addition to the famous Great Indian One Horned rhinos,
consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, deers, swamp
deers, hog deers, wild pigs, bisons.
Some rare species like the hispid hare and the hog-badger are also
found here.
Besides wildlife viewing, there is scope for unusual holiday
activities like elephant riding and leisurely strolls through the
towering grass. |
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T his is the land
where the primitive "Toto" tribe holds its last stand - refusing
to be swamped by the main stream of civilisation. Toto have their
home in "Totopara " - a village that lies to the north of the
sanctuary. Their customs and culture have been the subject matter
of great anthropological interest. This remote village has a small
population of 950 .
Bania ruins , the remains of an old fort and a big lake in Bania
block, speak of the existence of an ancient settlement and
culture. Locals believe that "Nala Raja" of the Epic lived here
and the fort is called the "Nala Rajar Garh".
Besides, local excursions may
be arranged to visit tea gardens to see the manufacturing of tea
in the nearby tea gardens by prior arrangement with the authority. |
