We started for Jaldapara on a bright sunny day of April from Siliguri. Initially, we had a plan to visit Mirik but the road to Mirik was not in good shape. Driver informed told us that Dooars would be a better option because the car was new to bear the adventure of hills. It was a tempting option as forests are my favorite before hills.
What are Dooars?
So we started on our journey towards Dooars. Dooars is a geographical term for the floodplains on the foothills of Himalayas. Dooars are spread over two states of India -West Bengal and Assam. In West Bengal they are scattered in districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. They comprise of lush green tropical forests, tea gardens, tribal villages and diversity of fauna and flora.
Geographical formation of Dooars
Rivers meandering along the valleys of Himalayas make their first appearance on plains via Dooars. As a result, the velocity of the river is minimized and it creates a swamp like situation.Swamp ,as you know, is the fulcrum of thriving fauna and flora.Thousand of endangered species blossom these regions. Government has observed them crucial biodiversity centres.The dignity of the ecosystem is maintained by establishing several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks on this belt.It protects the forests from the brutal hand of civilization.
Four national parks/wildlife sanctuaries are very close to Siliguri.I know people here who like to make a visit any one of them on their Sundays.The names of these national parks/wildlife sanctuaries are Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary.Mahananda Wildlife is the closed.Actually Siliguri is surrounded on many sides by Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Siliguri Outskirts
We were making visit to Jaldapara National Park.It takes two hours to reach Jaldapara from Siliguri.You need to cross several important landmarks on the way like Mahananda Wildlife, Coronation Bridge etc.The view of the outskirts were nothing like Siliguri.Lush green forests,agricultural patches and tea gardens.Half an hour from Siliguri and all these sights become visible.
Safari Options In Jaldapara
Since Jaldapara is under forest department therefore one needs to obtain permission from the forest office before entering the park. One cannot take personal vehicles inside the park.There are only two ways to tour- elephant safari and jeep safari.
This was my second trip to Jaldapara.I had visited this place during my school days and ventured for elephant safari.Elephant Safari begins early morning around 5 am.They take you deep inside the jungle.It is more adventurous than jeep safari because an elephant can venture at places where jeep cannot.Although I felt jeep safari was equally adventurous sport because you never know what comes beforeyour jeep.Our jeep was stopped by a bison.Moreover, the roofless vehicle makes you feel like you are flying in the air.The visibility in jeep safari is better than elephant safari.
This time we went for jeep safari. They charged Rs 600 per head .We went till the buffer zone of the jungle and believe me it reminded me of Jurassic Park.There are countless ferns inside the jungle. The trees take their individual shape as if nobody dares to bother them and they are the king of jungle.
View From Observation Tower
We were taken till an Observation tower.I saw an elephant tied with a chain.Felt pity for it.At this distance, i could see two hippopotamuses drinking from the river water. A red bison was indifferently grazing on the tall grass.Parade of elephants crossing the grasslands.Glorious sight !
While returning a fawn was watching us from the hidden bushes.Two bisons scared us to death when they stopped before our jeep so that they can brood upon migrating the neighboring village.The tribal villages are protected from animals by the means of electric wires.If bisons hit the wire they can die with heartache. The forest officials tried to divert them towards their jungle.Bisons are scared of noise.They gave up and retreated their steps.I also saw many peacocks dancing on the river side.Animals love salt. They come to lick the salt beside the riverside whenever they feel the need.
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| Bisons licking salt in Jaldapara National Park |
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| Peacock Passing a Stream in the Park |
Tigers, bisons and deers are sorted by many but I also love to watch birds.Jaldapara is marvelous place for bird and butterfly watchers.Many ornithologists like to visit this place for their research.
Guest Room Inside Jaldapara
Hollong is the only guest house inside the Park.Prior booking is required for getting a room here.Online booking of the guest room is available on West Bengal Tourism website.
Click the link to go to the official site - https://www.wbtdc.gov.in/Protected_Pages/CTZ_Lodge_Availability_Check.aspx?stpg=1
Conclusion
We left the Jaldapara around 5 pm.The sun was slowing setting and the wind was gaining its velocity.We left with the feeling of satisfaction.The same feeling when we get amongst Nature.Human beings were born to live with Nature. Not separated from it.Till this date, Nature instills healing to the troubled minds. Stay a week amidst the nature to experience the certainty of this truth or visit places like this to get the gist of my proposition !
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