Situated in the foothills of eastern Himalayas, the river Torsha flows through this rain forest sanctuary, the sanctuary encompasses a luxuriant vegetation and a rich variety of wildlife. The Malangi River also flows nearby from east to west. Riding elephants and 4x4 safaris are the only ways to move inside this forest. An elephant safari is preferred by most people staying at Jaldapara (in Holong lodge or other tourism lodges) overnight. The 4x4 safari is available both in the morning and in the afternoon. The forest is mainly savannah, covered with tall elephant grasses. The main attraction of the sanctuary is Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros. The sanctuary holds the highest rhino population in India after Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The other animals found are tiger, elephant, deer, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, wild pig and bisons. Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers. It is one of the very few places in India, where the Bengal florican (also called the Bengal Bustard) is sighted. The other birds found here are the crested eagle, Pallas's fishing eagle and shikra, besides jungle fowl, peafowl, partridge, and lesser pied hornbill. Python, monitor lizard, krate, cobra, gecko and about 8 species of fresh water turtles have also found sanctuary here. A thrilling elephant safari is organised in the early morning from Hollong to offer the exquisite beauty of the vast grassland of Jaldapara. The elephant ride is the best possible way to explore the sanctuary with the rare sight of One Horned Rhinos, Asiatic Elephants, Gaur (Indian bison), Deer etc. Jeep safari is another way to explore the wild. Jeep safari can be done from Madarihat Jaldapara Tourist Lodge and Kodalbasti Point on way to Chilapata range.

Set out with a binocular and see the majestic flight of Hornbill, Racket-Tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher. See the splendours of sun set beyond the vast grassland of Jaldapara from you Bungalow deck. Jaldapara is exceptionally rich in avifauna because of varied terrain, mosaic of vegetation and rich insect life. More than 240 species of birds are found in variety of habitat- Grassland, water bodies, woodland. The varied tree forests and rich shrub growth on the forest floor provide ideal setting for many woodland birds, such as Green Pigeons, Hornbills, Barbets, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, Thrushes etc. Brahminy ducks, whistling teals and Goosanders are winter visitors. The most common water birds are the large and little cormorant, Indian Shag, Darter, Egrets, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Pied Wagtail, Spur Winged Lapwing, Moorhen, White Breasted Waterhen etc. The night hunters in Jaldapara are the owls and the nightjars. The varied tree forests and rich shrub growth on the forest floor provide ideal setting for many woodland birds, such as Green Pigeons, Hornbills, Barbets, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, Thrushes etc. Brahminy ducks, Whistling Teals and Merganser are winter visitors. The most common birds are the large and little Cormorant, Indian Shag, Darter, Egret, Pied Wagtail, River Lapwing, Moorhen, White Breasted Waterhen etc. The hunters in Jaldapara are the Owls and Nightjars. Crested serpent Eagle is common raptorial bird. The other main birds of prey are Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Pied Harrier, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk etc. A variety of birds, typical of grassland and open country, can be seen from watchtowers viz. Doves, Bee-eaters, Rollers, Hoopoe, Shrikes, Larks, Hill Mynas, Bulbuls, Finches. Call of the Red jungle fowl is as common as the musical sound of crickets. Bengal Florican, Black partridge, Shaheen Falcon, Great Pied Hornbills, Forest Eagle Owl, Large Green billed Malkoha and White Rumped Vulture, Lesser Adjutant Stork are the endangered bird species found in the Sanctuary. Some fortunate visitors can see the Peacock displaying his full array of feathers during the breeding season.

Jaldapara is known for its Rhino population. There are only a few areas where this elusive beauty can be found. Apart from Kaziranga and Pobitara in Assam, Jaldapara in West Bengal is being the safe home for this wonderful species since long. The grass wetland, ideal for Rhino's provides them natural habitat for their strong survival.

The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grasses. The main attraction of the Jaldapara National Park is Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros. The national park holds the maximum number of rhinos population in India after Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The other animals consists of Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, deers, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer and hog deer, wild pig, bisons. Did You Know Jaldapara is a paradise for bird watchers. It is one of the very few places in India, where the Bengal Florican is sighted. The other birds to be found here are the Crested Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle and shikra, besides Jungle fowl, peafowl, partridges, Bengal Florican and lesser Pied Hornbill. Python, monitor lizards, krates, cobras, geckos and about 8 species of freshwater turtles have also found national park here. Amazing Facts Jaldapara sanctuary is the habitat of endangered species like the Asiatic one-horned rhino and elephants. A thrilling elephant safari is organized in the early morning from Hollong to offer the exquisite beauty of the vast grassland of Jaldapara. The elephant ride is the best possible way to explore the sanctuary with the rare sight of Indian rhinos and Asiatic elephants. The jeep safari inside the sanctuary is another main attraction to the tourists. An adventurous elephant ride in the morning will take you deep inside the grassland for real excitement. The sights of rhino in a muddy pond, the herd of elephants or the running deer are thrilling experiences in Jaldapara.

Bordering the Jalpaiguri district is the Chilapata Forest Range which is also an interesting trail for nature lovers. The Chilapata Forest is a dense forest near Jaldapara National Park in Dooars, Alipurduar district. It is about 20 kms from Alipurduar, and just a few minutes away from Hasimara town. The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) runs an eco-tourism resort at Kodalbasti, providing basic accommodation. Surely Chilapata Reserve Forest along with its real wild ambiance is the centre point of attraction to any traveller.

Located at a distance of 80 kms from Jaldapara, Gorumara National Park is situated on the bank of rivers Murti and Raidak in the terai region of Dooars on the foothills of Eastern Himalayas. Gorumara is famous for its Asiatic one horned Rhino, Asian Elephants, Bisons, Peacocks. This was a reserve forest since 1895. In the year 1949, the park was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary for its breeding population of one horned Indian Rhinoceros. On January 31, 1994, it was declared as a National Park. The 80 sq. km area of the Gorumara National Park is famous for its rich variety of flora and fauna The Park is located in the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, in the state of West Bengal in India.

South Khairbari Nature Park is located at Jaldapara. This Tourist Centre is actually a Leopard Rehabilition Centre and Nature Park. River Boori Torsa is flowing through the forest. It is interesting to travel in the leopard's empire on battery-driven cars. Recently the Royal Bengal Tigers released from the Circus Parties have been rehabilitated here. Going from Madarihat towards Birpara, a road in the left side goes to Khairbari. Sometimes herd of elephants appear. There is a Watch Tower on the river bank from where you may see the leopards going this way and that, green waves on the sides of the river, scene of boating. There is a wooden bridge over the river. There are many arrangements for children's enjoyment in the Park. It is a picnic spot also.

This is a small stretch of forest on the west side of Jaldapara forest. There is a leopard rescue center at Khairbari named "South Khairbari Leopard Rescue Center".