Tucked into the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in the territory of Western Dooars, Gorumara National Park is a major attraction in West Bengal. This med-sized grassland has been declared the best amongst the protected areas in India for the year 2009 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
It shares closer proximity to the region of Lataguri. Lataguri sits on the outskirt of this national park NH no. 31. The grandeur of wildlife in Dooars is remarkable. For a compact wildlife tour here, contact a reputed tour operator. Customize your Dooars tour packages. From Lataguri, it takes around 16 min to reach the national park.
Insight Into Touring Gorumara
In the year 1949, this forest area received a status of a wildlife sanctuary. Later on, in 1995, it was declared National Park. The population of one-horned Indian rhinoceros has been an evergreen attraction here. Spreading over an area of about 80 sq. km., this region houses incredible submontane forest birds.
You can spot scarlet minivet, Ashy drongo, Asian palm swift, black-throated sunbird, black-necked stork, bee-eater, blue rock thrush, black bulbul, Asian pied starling, common cuckoo, common lora, common myna, Asian paradise flycatcher, great Indian hornbill, woodpeckers, pheasants. For wildlife enthusiasts, especially bird lovers, this place is a wonderland.
Regarding wildlife animals in Gorumara, you can see Indian rhinoceros, barking deer, leopard, hog deer, wild boar, Asian elephant, sloth bear, Indian wolves, Sambar deer, chital, gaur, and there are types of snakes, including Indian python, king cobra, krait, banded krait, et al.
Also known as Gorumara Watch Tower, Jatra Prasad Watch Tower ensures a great view of the park and one-horned Indian rhinoceros. Jatra Prasad Watch Tower is named after the legendary elephant Jatraprasad. Safaris start from 6:00 am to 7:30 am; 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Similarly, in the evening, you have two options – 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
The main entry point to this watch tower is near Borodighi Tea Estate. In order to approach this destination, first you have to reach Lataguri. Chalsa is a census town in the Jalpaiguri district that sits at a distance of about 26 min from Lataguri. NJP/New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railhead to the region of Lataguri. Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport to this region.
Personalize your Dooars tour packages or go for a preassembled package. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is another exclusive destination, considered the continuation of this national park. It is home to numerous wildlife creatures. On the other hand, the serenity around the Murti River intertwined with great panoramic sights fill your heart with delight. This river is believed to be originated from the higher end of Neora Valley National Park.
Road journeys to this luxuriant forest area are impeccable. You may consider one-day trips or further. A slew of accommodations in and around Dooars and Lataguri provide tourists with better stay conveniences. Hotels and resorts here include modern amenities, not all but many of them. The availability of budget hotels, luxury properties, and forest resorts lets you choose accommodations at your convenience.