India is one of the richest countries in the world, filled with both manpower and natural resources.

Among the number of cities and world heritage sites that it has within its borders, India also has a number of wildlife sanctuaries.  These parcels of land are there to simply keep the beauty of nature and help preserve the number of animals in the country, as some of them have already diminished in number.

History of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary was established in 1941 primarily for the preservation of the Indian one horned rhinoceros which is currently on the endangered species list. The 216 km² that the sanctuary covers forests, grasslands and riverbanks. This makes it home not just to the Indian one horned rhinoceros, but also a number of other exotic wild animals such as the elephant, the Bengal tiger, a number of eagles and 8 species of water turtles.

Tourism in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is open for tour visits during the whole year round except from June 15 to September 14.  For the rest of the year, a lot of activities are available for tourists.

A tour usually starts out with an exciting elephant ride into the forest.  This is so because the elephant is considered the only way to travel due to the tall grass and the dangers that hide within the grass.  This in itself is already exciting and extremely memorable.

Within the Chilapata forest is the fort of Nal King.  This is an extremely old fort built during the Gupta empire.  Excavations have not yet been done as the action may very well endanger the forest and those that live within it.  Wild animals play around the visible ruins of the fort, which consist of a wall and a gate.  Tours still include this area as long as they are requested by the tourists, but it really shouldn't be skipped as the ruins emanate a certain aura that would excite any person.  Also, near the fort is a group of trees that is said to be over a century old.  When stabbed, these trees release sap that is very similar to the color and consistency of blood.  Of course this action is not encouraged, as the trees are also part of the conservation.  No other area is known to have this type of flora.

The sanctuary protects not only the animals within the area.  Close by is Totopara, the settlement of the Toto tribe.  They are an ethnic community that is considered to be one of the most endangered in the world.  They live peacefully within the confines of the reservation, and welcome tourists who wish to visit and even live with them for a day or two.  Their way of life is that of simplicity, and staying with them would give any visitor a new view of life.

Wildlife, especially exotic wildlife, is appealing to every human being.  All people want to see and appreciate the beauty of jungle animals.  There is no better place to see these animals than in conservation, and that's exactly what the Jaldhapara Wildlife Sanctuary is.  For tourists looking for rugged excitement, this is the place to take a vacation.