Jaldapara
The tropical forests extanding from South-East Asia end around
here, and if you don't go further east, this is your chance
to see Indian rhinoceros, elephant and other wildlife. The
area protects 100 sq. kms. of lush forest and grasslands,
cut by the wide Torsa River. It is 224 km. from Darjeeling,
Via Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. There is a rest house at Jaldapara.
The best time is from March to May.
The rivers Ganga and Hoogly divide itself
into many distibutaries towards the south of Calcutta. As
it is about to merge into the sea the speed of water is reduced
and the river deposits its silt. In due course, on the mouth
of the rivers the accumulated silt takes the shape of islands.
These are the famous Gangetic deltas. They provide an ideal
environment and atmosphere for the Sundari trees to grow.
Spread over an area of almost 10,000 sq kms (now shared by
Bangladesh and India), they are home to many exquisite animals
and birds. The area of 1330 sq kms has been declared as a
national park by Indian Government.
