Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Gorumara National Park is located in the Dooars of West Bengal famous for its wildlife and attracts numerous tourists for many other reasons. The park was declared a Wildlife sanctuary for its contribution to breeding the endangered one-horned Rhino and later became a national park in 1992. Although it is a medium-sized park of just seven kilometres, Gorumara has a variety of flora and fauna, wildlife, and avian fauna in its grasslands and forest making it perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Location
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The national park is an unforgettable and interesting travel experience, for its diverse ecosystems, picturesque views, and most importantly, the Indian rhinoceros with a single horn. This National Park is situated in the Dooars region of West Bengal, hence a variety of species of elephants, leopards, bison, and several birds can be found living there.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kolkata In Evening
How To Reach
Photo: Mahafujalam6131 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Road: Bhutan and West Bengal’s government buses are available. Private Mini Buses are also available from Siliguri to Alipurduar through Madarihat.
By Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Madarihat. The park can be approached from Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar rail stations. The National Highway 31, the highway connecting Siliguri and Guwahati also covers Lataguri, Chalsa, and Nagrakata adjacent to the park.
By Air: Gorumara is very close to Bagdogra Airport and one can take a bus or a cab from Bagdogra to get there.
Places To Visit In And Around The Gorumara National Park
1. Murti River
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Murti River is one of the most beautiful rivers of the Dooars and is a gateway to the forest of the Dooars. This river does not have much water during the dry seasons so you can walk and enjoy the scenery. The river location is mesmerizingly enchanting and visitors flock here for picnics, camping, and angling. The river is between the Chapramari forest and the national park so you will find interesting wildlife and avian fauna.
Major Attractions: Kalipur Eco village, watch towers
Distance From The Park: 16 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Mukutmanipur
2. Bindu Village
Photo: Zephyrka / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Bindu is another small village where you will notice a sudden change in the landscape as it is the last village of West Bengal, and on the other side is Bhutan. This quaint village is also famous for its orange orchard and cardamom plantation, which make the landscape awesome in its blooming season. This little village is a little paradise that lets you relax in the bosom of nature. If you love hiking or camping, this place offers one of the best sites.
Major Attractions: Red Panda trek, Cardamom curing centre, birdwatching
Distance From The Park: 53 km
3. Chilapata Forest
Photo: Kaustav Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Chilapata Forest, situated close to Alipurduar West Bengal, India, is a rich forest teeming with all kinds of life that can be found right next to the Jaldapara National Park. As it is blessed with a myriad of plant and animal life, many species of animals can be found in it, including snub-nosed monkeys, leopards, rhinoceros, and alpine deer. Apart from all this, the forest inhabits certain tribal communities and bears historical importance since the Nal king’s abode dating back to the Gupta period.
Major Attractions: bird sightings, Diverse Butterflies
Distance From The Park: 99 km
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Salt Lake Kolkata For An Unforgettable Experience
4. Jhalong
Photo: Tim Swaan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This offbeat location on the border of Bhutan is just one hour and 45 minutes drive from the park. It is a wonderful peaceful retreat into its beautiful landscape and fusion of cultures of many communities. It is the best place for shopping unique items from the Jhalong market and even people from Bhutan depend on this vibrant market. This place is also a great place for bird watching and taking nature trails on its pictorial views and serene ambiance.
Major Attractions: Birdwatching, trekking, shopping, Cardamom plantation
Distance From The Park: 45 km
5. Buxa Fort
Photo: Rajat0101 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, close to the Bhutan border, Buxa Fort ranks as one of the historically strategic places of cultural and military importance. The fort initially built by the kings of Bhutan to stop their merchant routes from being invaded was seized in the nineteenth century and turned into a maximum-security jail by the British. The place traces its historical relevance as many Indian revolutionaries, including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s contemporaries, were lodged here. Buxa Fort is a picture of defiance in the present times and provides an insight into India’s colonial era.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: ₹50 for individual, ₹250 with vehicle
Distance From The Park: 133 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Kolkata
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many options from government rest houses to resorts/hotels and homestays that offer a true indigenous experience. The Kalipur eco-village has a nice government rest house that you can book. For the private resorts, you can opt for the Bonphari resort, The Vedic-Gorumara farm stay, the Reserve gorumara, and many more.
Where To Eat
Photo: ArtificialOG / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
There are many options in and around the national park for dining. You will find north Indian, Chinese, and Bengali food in restaurants like Sawdagar, Aranya Jungle Resort, Tripti, and Queen of Dooars eco-resort. You can also choose delicious home-cooked meals if you are staying at a homestay plus there are a variety of delicious street food available around the area.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sundarbans
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Nirjhar bera / Wikimedia Commons
Winter, which stretches from November to February, offers ideal conditions for sightseeing. The visibility is good enough to enjoy the surrounding wildlife, and the possibilities of sighting animals, especially the one-horned rhinoceros, are at their peak. The animals are calmer which calls for safaris. There are plenty of birds too, as many bred birds visit the place. The winter period has local festivities that enrich your tour.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The Average Cost Of The Trip will be ₹4000 minimum depending upon your duration of stay, accommodation choices, and activities.
Tips For Travellers
- Carry your water and snacks always
- Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes
- Carry first aid and other essentials like a torch, and extra battery.
Suggested Read: Discover The Best Places To Visit In Taki On Your Visit To West Bengal
The Gorumara National Park stands out in its own right as a beautiful living display of nature and rich wildlife and culture. It offers exhilarating safari adventures as the park is famous for a healthy population of Indian rhinos and other wildlife. Apart from the scenic views complimented by the many tourist attractions such as local villages, historical sites, and eco-resorts. Plan a trip with TripXL and make this exotic getaway into reality.
Cover Photo: Jonoikobangali / Wikimedia Commons
