Salkumar

Salkumar Forest village is the southern entry gate of Jaldapara National Park. Unlike Madarihat – the other entry gate, Salkumar is less congested and is located in the fringes of the forest within natural surroundings. Moreover, jeep safaris and elephant safaris in Jaldapara National Park are also available from Salkumar and the rush for booking these safaris are much less compared to Madarihaat.

Spread over 216 sq. kilometers on the banks of Torsa River, Jaldapara National Park is home to the second largest population of Indian One Horned Rhinos (after Kaziranga National Park in Assam). It also supports a healthy population of Indian elephants, leopards, Indian bisons (Gaurs), deers, wild hogs and 99 taxa of birds belonging to 43 families including peacocks, eagles, hornbills, kingfishers and some rare species like Bengal Floricans, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Lesser Adjutant and Pheasnat. A healthy snake population of King Cobras, pythons, kraits and numerous fresh water turtles can also be spotted in Jaldapara National Park. The guesthouse in the village of Salkumar overlooking the Jaldapara National Park is equipped with all modern amenities and is one of the most convenient spots to stay if you are eager to enjoy the elephant and jeep safaris in Jaladapara. The guesthouse arranges the permits for these safaris too.

Things to do at Salkumar, Jaldapara

Salkumar is “the place to be” if you are longing to enjoy the elephant safaris and jeep safaris in Jaldapara National Park. The Forest Department arranges for these safaris in early mornings and afternoons. Permits are available from the Salkumar Gate only and the guesthouse authorities assist in arranging the permits too.

Things to see around Shalkumar, Jaldapara

Apart from visiting the watchtowers within the Jaldapara National Park and enjoying the safaris, guests can also visit the nearby Khayerbari Leopard Rehabilitation Center, the surrounding tea Gardens, villages and the recently-popularised Natunpara River side view point. Another popular spot located near is the elephant corridor and ruins of Nal King’s Fort in Chilapata Forest.

How to reach Salkumar, Jaldapara

The nearest railhead to Sal kumar is Falakata Railway Station. However, tourists can also reach this village from Hasimara and New Alipurduar. Pick-up services from Shalkumar can also be arranged from these stations. Shalkumar is around 20 kms. from National Highway 31, so guests visiting from other areas of Dooars can reach Sal kumar by car quite easily. The nearest airport to Shalkumar is Bagdogra (IXB).