Key hubs
Jaldapara airport and railway station
- Airport
- Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri, about 140 km and 3 to 4 hours by road; Cooch Behar (COH) is closer on the south side, with flights from Kolkata
- Railway station
- Madarihat has limited train stops; Hasimara and Birpara (about 20 km) or New Alipurduar (NOQ) are more practical. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is about 125 to 140 km away.
- Getting around
- Hire a car in Siliguri or Alipurduar; buses run along the highway through Madarihat. Inside the park you travel only by forest-department jeep or elephant.
How to reach Jaldapara by air
Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri is the main airport, about 140 km and 3 to 4 hours by road from Madarihat. Cooch Behar (COH) has commercial flights from Kolkata and is about 80 km to the south, depending on route and traffic.
How to reach Jaldapara by train
Madarihat station has limited stops. Hasimara and Birpara, about 20 km away, are more practical for long-distance trains, and New Alipurduar (NOQ) is about 50 km. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri is about 125 to 140 km away.
How to reach Jaldapara by road
Madarihat sits on the national highway between Siliguri and Alipurduar, about 140 km east of Siliguri. North Bengal State Transport Corporation buses, Bhutan Government buses and minibuses run along the route, and cars can be hired in Siliguri.
Getting around Jaldapara
Inside the park only forest-department jeeps and elephants are allowed. Around Madarihat, arrange a car for transfers to the gate, Hollong and day trips to Chilapata, Totopara or Buxa.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Jaldapara
- Winter dawns are cold and damp. Carry a warm layer, scarf and gloves for early slots, and a rain cover in the shoulder months.
- Carry medicines, bottled water and snacks for the safari; there are few shops inside the park.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.