5 Exciting Things to Do in Jaldapara National Park
By Tushar- [01/Apr/24] As a National Park Wildlife Traveler and explorer, you understand the importance of exploring the beauty of the natural world. And Jaldapara National Park is the perfect place to experience it all. Located in West Bengal, India;Jaldapara National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This park is home to some of the rarest animals and birds found in India including the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers and many more. Here are five exciting things to do in Jaldapara National Park that you cannot miss.
1. Avifauna Watching at Jaldapara: Bird-watching at Jaldapara National Park promises an enchanting experience immersing you in the vibrant avian life of the region. Situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal, Jaldapara is renowned for its diverse bird species.Great Indian Hornbill spotting this majestic bird with its large, colorful bill and impressive wingspan is a highlight of bird watching in Jaldapara.Peafowl - The national bird of India is a common sight in the park, especially in the grasslands and open areas.Crested Serpent Eagle- Keep an eye out for this raptor soaring high above the park scanning for prey with its keen eyesight.
2. Jeep Safari in Jaldapara: The Jeep Safari is one of the most popular activities in Jaldapara National Park. The Jeep Safari takes you deep into the forest where you can see animals like elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, tigers and many more up close. The best time to go on a Jeep Safari is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are more active.As you traverse through the dense forests and grasslands in an open jeep keep your eyes peeled for sightings of majestic animals like Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, spotted deer, bison and various species of birds. The park is also home to elusive predators like leopards and Bengal tigers although spotting them requires luck and patience. Safari in Jaldapara is one of the most feasible options to explore the flora and fauna of this sanctuary.
3. Elephant Safari at Jaldapara: The Elephant Safari is another popular activity in Jaldapara National Park. You can see different animals from a different perspective and the elephants can take you to some of the most remote parts of the park where you might not be able to go on a Jeep Safari.Riding atop an elephant provides a vantage point that allows you to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Jaldapara. Elephants are known for their quiet and non-intrusive presence which can often lead to closer encounters with animals like Indian rhinoceroses, Indian elephants, deer and various bird species.The elephant safari takes you deep into the heart of Jaldapara's forests where you can explore areas inaccessible to vehicles. The elephants are skilled at navigating through dense vegetation allowing you to explore hidden corners of the park and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
4. River Rafting at Jaldapara: While Jaldapara National Park is renowned for its wildlife and scenic beauty, it doesn't offer river rafting activities within the park itself. However, the region surrounding Jaldapara does have several rivers and water bodies where river rafting is available, albeit not directly within the confines of the national park.The Teesta River, located in the nearby Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, offers thrilling river rafting experiences. With varying difficulty levels, including stretches suitable for beginners as well as more challenging rapids for experienced rafters, the Teesta River is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. The most common rafting route starts from Melli and ends at 29Miles covering approximately 10 kilometers of exciting rapids.
5. Village Visits: Exploring the nearby villages around Jaldapara National Park can offer a fascinating glimpse into the local culture, lifestyle and traditions of the region.Visiting villages allows you to interact with the warm and hospitable local communities of the region. You can engage in conversations with villagers, learn about their daily lives, customs and traditions, and gain insights into the challenges and joys of rural living in this part of India.Take a leisurely stroll through the villages to experience the laid-back pace of rural life. Observe traditional farming practices, visit local markets and witness artisans at work crafting beautiful handicrafts and handmade products.