Gorumara_National_Park
GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK

Gorumara National Park is an important national park in India located in the North Bengal Region of West Bengal. Gorumara National Park lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, on the western part of enchanting Dooars. Gorumara National Park covers nearly 80 sq. km. area, comprising primarily Savannah grasslands and semi deciduous forests of the tropical and sub-tropical moist broadleaf forests along with mixed vegetation of dense forests in the interior part. The name ‘Gorumara’ is derived from a Bengali word or a folk lore, as the legend goes, once villagers were returning from the local market (haat) had to spend the night in the forest. They have taken all forms of precautions by lighting fire and keeping watch, but still could not prevent the tigers from preying on the bullocks and cows of their carts. Hence, the name ‘Gorumara’ which is a Bengali word ‘Goru – Cow and Mara – To Kill’. Before declaring Gorumara as a national park, this forested region was known for its population of Indian Rhinoceros. Gorumara National Park is located in the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district. Gorumara National Park is situated on the flood plains of the Murti River and Raidak River. Apart from this few important rivers namely Jaldhaka, Garati and Indong flows through Gorumara National Park. Gorumara National Park is stretched upto the banks of river Jaldhaka which is a tributary of River Brahmaputra. Gorumara National Park is mainly divided into four beat areas, these are Gorumara, Medla, Khuniya and Chukchuki. Gorumara National Park has recorded 50 species of mammals, 194 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, 27 species of fish along with other macro and micro fauna so far.

History of Gorumara National Park:
Gorumara has been a reserved forest since 1895. Later in the year 1949, Gorumara was declared a wildlife sanctuary. In 1994, on 31st January, Gorumara was upgraded to a national park due to the continuous success of Rhino breeding. In 2009, the Environment and Forest Ministry of India awarded the honour of best national park to Gorumara, among 234 other national parks.

Lataguri – The entrance to Gorumara National Park:
The main entry point of Gorumara National Park is Lataguri. Sometime in the past a rhythmical slogan would wake up the entire Lataguri region which was the motivational slogan of the workers trying to lift huge wooden logs or ‘Latha’ up in the trucks. Even if those rhythms of the slogan have faded away, Lataguri has not lost its originality and charm. ‘Latha’ means wooden logs and probably the Lataguri region got its name as a derivative of this word. As nature has been bountiful in Lataguri endowing it with abundance of greenery and the presence of diverse wildlife of Gorumara which has enhanced the charm of this place. Lataguri is bordered by vast dense forests on the eastern and northern fringes, which also spread towards the north-west. And passing right through the middle of this forest is the National Highway NH-31, with Gorumara National Park on its right and Lataguri Reserve Forest on the left side. On the west flows the Neora River in its own meandering pace that rises from the mountains, and as a result there is hardly any water flowing in it during winter. But the fog engulfed river has unparalleled beauty of its own. During monsoon season Neora River becomes even more enchanting, with its gushing water coming up to the banks and the lush green paddy fields bordering its two sides adding to its mesmerizing beauty. Entry passes to Gorumara National Park are available only from Lataguri ticket counters so it is convenient for tourists to spend the night at Lataguri. Around Lataguri one can opt to visit Neora Rail Bridge, Neora Tea Garden, Saraswati Forest Dwelling Huts, Mahamaya Kali Bari, Kali and Hari Temples of the Forest department, dilapidated Zamindar’s House, Lataguri Haat (weekly market on Saturdays and Wednesdays) and much more.

Gorumara – Watchtowers:
Gorumara National Park has four watch towers, these are Jatraprasad watch tower and Rhino at Gorumara beat, Medla watch tower at Medla beat, Chandrachur watch tower at Khuniya beat and Chukichuki watch tower at Chukichuki beat. From Lataguri Nature Observation Centre one can obtain entry passes for all the four towers which are given out at four different times.

Jatraprasad Watchtower: Jatraprasad watchtower is situated in the Gorumara forest beat. There are two watchtowers here, one is Jatraprasad and the other is Rhino point. Jatraprasad was a huge ‘Kunki’ Tusker brought here from Assam and served the forest department faithfully from 1971 – 1997. Thus one of the towers is named after him. Rhino Point watch tower is located in front of the gate.

Medla Watchtower: Medla Watch Tower is very popular in Gorumara National Park. The journey to Medla watch tower passes through the peaceful silent forest upto Ramsay at this point one has to shift cart. The cart will take tourists directly to Medla along non-metaled jungle tracks. The ambling bullock cart ride adds to the thrill of the jungle amidst the greenery. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride in Kalipur Eco Village En-route to the watch towers. In the nearby Medla Butterfly Park, here one can spend time with multi-hued butterflies. Tourists can also visit Budhuram Forest village where the residents perform Tribal dance. The watch towers remain open for tourists throughout the year.

Chandrachur Watchtower: Chandrachur watch tower at Khuniya beat is mainly a Rhino and Gaur sighting point. Chandrachur watch tower was formerly known as Old Khunia Watch Tower. Chandrachur watch tower offers the view of the dense wilderness inside Gorumara National Park and also the sightings of variety of wildlife which are present in abundance.

Chukchuki Watchtower: Chukchuki watchtower is very popular among bird watchers and is also known as Chukchuki Birding Point. As Chukchuki watchtower is located at the end of the park hence it offers maximum sightings of birds. Chukchuki watchtower is also ideal for the sightings of different species of migratory birds. This watch tower is also home to numerous species of venomous and non-venomous snakes of Gorumara National Park. This watch tower is situated at the southernmost tip of Gorumara National Park.

Places to visit around Gorumara National Park (Lataguri):

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary:
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is the place where the forest and wildlife beckons every nature lover. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 19.5 km away from Gorumara Nataional Park and 25 km from Lataguri. Chapramari was declared as a wildlife conservation center back in the year 1940 – 41. Late in 1976 Chapramari was declared as a wildlife sanctuary. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 9.6 sq. km. From Chapramari Watchtower around 04 km away by the jungle track lays Panijhora, which is a Nepali inhabited village and here tourists can enjoy Nepali Tribal dance.

Laljhamela Village:
Laljhamela Village is located at a driving distance of 01 hour from Lataguri through the lush green tea gardens and thick natural vegetation. The name Laljhamela is derived from the name of two aboriginal tribal people (Adivasi) namely Lal Somra and Jhamela Somra who strongly fought for the rights of the tea plantation workers in the region. The natural scenic landscape of Laljhamela attracts the sight of every visitor. The route to Laljhamela from Lataguri passes by both River Murti and River Jaldhaka. And this gradually passes by the right side of Carron and through Red Bank Tea gardens. River Diana flows through Laljhamela and it also offers a stunning view of Samchi town of Bhutan which is located nearby. For adventure loving tourists Laljhamela is an ideal location.

Murti Village:
Murti is one of the villages that lies within the periphery of Dooars region on the banks of the sprightly mountain river Murti and hence the name of the village. Though River Murti flows through the mountain valleys of Samsing and Suntaleykhola, the village is located at a distance of 24 km away from Samsing. Mountains, forests and rivers – the confluence of these natural features in a single place makes Murti an ideal location for spending some leisure time. In the night one can hear the river gushing past and the frightening cries of wild animals from the forests deep inside. A popular picnic spot has come up near the Murti Bridge across the river where dense wilderness encompasses the area.

Jhalong – Bindu – Paren:
From Lataguri through Khuniya crossroad, passing by the deep forested roads lies a lovely village nestling on the lap of the mountains is Jhalong. Through Jhalong village two swift rivers are flowing namely Jhalong Khola and Ronju Khola. River Jaldhaka flows past Jhalong village. From Jhalong after crossing River Jaldhaka tourists will reach Paren which is another beautiful spot. From Paren there is another village that lies on the bordering area between India and Bhutan named as Bindu which is at a distance of 12 km away from Jhalong. The main attraction of these villages is the Jhaldhaka Hydel Project. Bindu is the confluence point of two eminent rivers namely Bindu and Jaldhaka. Tourists can opt to avail a walk by the Dam built on River Jaldhaka, but photography is not allowed here due to security reasons.

Samsing – Suntaleykhola – Rocky Island:
From Lataguri of Gorumara National Park as tourists travel past Rani Matiali along the roads meandering through the lush green tea gardens one will reach Samsing. This small village of Samsing is dotted with scenic landscapes and at the end of the tea gardens there lies Bhutan on the other side. River Murti flows here through Samsing village.
From Samsing Village another drive of 20 minutes lays Rocky Island. Here also at Rocky Island River Murti is seen in a different formation and the river is gushing among the stones on the river bed making its way. Rocky Island is covered with lush green forests all over.
From Samsing a drive of about 05 km away lays another village named as Suntaleykhola which is known for a small waterfall named as Suntaleykhola and a unique hanging bridge. There are beautiful orange orchards, giving the place its name ‘Suntala in the local dialect means orange and Khola is river’.

Dalim Fort:
From Lataguri at a driving distance of 1.5 hours tourists will reach Dalim Fort, which once in the past has caused a lot of distress to the British. Dalim Fort has an important significance in history as from the precincts of this strong fort, the Bhutanese soldiers used to regularly and secretly attack the British soldiers. For nearly 200 years this fort has carried the legacy of all these varied memories. The Dalim Fort is situated atop a hill and so nearby Lataguri this is a noteworthy place of rich historic value. The derivation of the name Dalim Fort has many perspectives like some say the word ‘Dalim means Arrow Head’, but geologists believe that the word is derived from a type of stone available in this region. While others believe that due to the abundant presence of Dalim Trees or Pomegranate Trees the name Dalim has emerged.

Jalpesh Temple:
From Lataguri of Gorumara National Park around 25 km away on the banks of River Jorda lies Jalpesh Temple which is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations of North Bengal. As per purans this pilgrimage site dates back to 1000 years old. The deity inside the temple is of Lord Jalpesh an incarnation of Lord Shiva and there is a dome shaped structure on the top of the temple which was believed to be built by some Muslim architect. Jalpesh Temple measures 128 feet in length, 120 feet wide and 127 feet in height.

Shivam Balaji Temple:
From Lataguri on the way to New Mal Junction tourists can opt to visit Shivam Balaji Temple. This temple is exquisitely carved in the design of South India. From the entrance itself tourists can witness attractive carvings on the walls of the temple. The temple was established in the year 2012 and inside the temple there is an idol of Lord Hanuman along with a stone brought here from Kanyakumari.

Bamni Jhora Mahakal Temple:
Bamni Jhora Mahakal temple is situated 08 km away on NH 31 which runs through Lataguri of Gorumara National Park. Here in this temple there are no brick and mortar structures, but the site is surrounded by thick natural vegetation. Instead of any idol there is a Champa Tree with elephant eyes drawn on it with some stones assembled nearby. A narrow wild stream flows by next to the site. The local residents of Lataguri perceived Mahakal to be incarnated as an elephant and prayed here to appease its wrath. This place is identified as ‘Bamni-Than’ or ‘Bamni-Jhora’ which is believed to protect them from regular elephant attacks that destroy their houses and crops.

The Area of Liberation War:
From Lataguri at a driving distance of 01 hour lies the airfield ground of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 in Matiali Village. In 1971 with the cooperation of the Indian Government, training camps for the liberation soldiers were set up at Matiali village. Indian military officers from Siliguri and Hasimara came here to train these soldiers. Here tourists would get to know the insight stories of the horrors of that war.

Baghpul (Coronation Bridge) and Sevokeshwari Kali Temple:
From Lataguri on the way to New Jalpaiguri tourists can opt to visit two important tourist spots. One among these is a transit point to the hills of North Bengal. These two places are Sevoke Kali Temple and Coronation Bridge. The word ‘Sevoke’ is derived from Bhutan which means ‘The area between two hills’ and this bridge connects two mountains. The Coronation Bridge is surrounded by hills covered with dense greenery, River Teesta flowing beneath that rushes down a deep gorge here. There are two tiger statues placed on both the sides of the bridge for which this bridge is also known as ‘Baghpul’ or ‘Tiger Bridge’. This Coronation Bridge was actually built in 1937 by the British to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. This bridge connects the district of Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. From here just off the National Highway on the slope of the mountain is the Sevokeshwari Kali Temple formally inaugurated in 1952 and tourists are required to climb 107 steps to reach the temple.

Lataguri Tea Processing Factory:
From Lataguri a ride of 20 minutes tourists along the green carpeted tea gardens tourists will reach at Chhawafuli Tea Estate. Here in this tea factory tourists can witness the process of the way the brew is processed from fresh leaves.

Things to buy around Lataguri of Gorumara National Park:

Handicrafts of Lataguri:
Around Lataguri tourists can take a look at the handicraft shops in Lataguri which sell a wide variety of items for home décor and gifts like accessories for ladies, neem wood combs, buffalo horn decorative showpieces, wooden toys and many more. Indigenous to Lataguri are the wooden replicas of Elephants, Rhinos, Deer and Bison which are worth buying.

Things to do around Lataguri of Gorumara National Park:

Day out Hiking/ Trekking:
From Lataguri by short trekking or hiking tourists can visit the natural lakes, villages, ancient forts along with some spectacular view points. This day tour is around 08 hours which generally starts early in the morning from Lataguri to Dalim Tar towards Panchpokhri and back to Lataguri.

Jungle Safari:
The Lataguri Reserve Forest in West Bengal is a renowned destination to enjoy nature in its pristine form and Jungle Safari is the best option to appreciate the mesmerizing beauty of the forests in Lataguri of Gorumara National Park. Through jungle safari tourists can enter the buffer area of the forest in a Gypsy and witness the varied wild animals inhabiting the forest. The jungle safari takes place in two shifts everyday – 05.30 am to 07.30 am in the morning and from 03.45 pm to 06.00 pm in the evening. However jungle safari does not conduct on Wednesdays.

Elephant Safari:
Though Gorumara National Park is famous for its flora and fauna, it can be deeply explored by using the Elephant Safari. Elephant Safari is the best possible way to get close insights of the forest that takes tourists through rugged trek and also witness the activities of the wild animals from close view.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Gorumara National Park situated at a distance of 82 km away. Regular flight services connect Bagdogra with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From Bagdogra tourists will get shared or hired vehicles to reach Lataguri which is the entrance to Gorumara National Park.

By Rail: New Jalpaiguri is the major railway station that connects with most of the train services with Kolkata and is situated at a distance of 60 km away. But the nearest railway stations from Lataguri are New Maynaguri (13 km), Chalsa Railway station (09 km), New Mal Junction (10 km), Damdim Railway station (11 km), Nagrakata Railway station (12 km) and Odlabari Railway station (14 km). From all these railway stations tourists can hire both shared/ reserved cars to reach Lataguri.

By Road: Gorumara National Park is well connected with strong road networks on National Highway 31 that passes through Lataguri which is the gateway to Gorumara National Park. Government buses, private buses and cars ply from Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, Siliguri, Jalpauguri, Malbazaar, Chalsa, Kolkata, Guwahati and other towns of the region with good bus and car service.

Best time of VisitGorumara National Park can be visited throughout the year. But the park remains closed from mid-June to mid-September. Apart from this, the rest of the year is suitable to visit the park. But winter is the most pleasant time to visit Gorumara National Park.

BANABITAN FOREST RESORT

Banabitan Forest Resort is one of the old resort located at Lataguri of Gorumara National ParkBanabitan Forest Resort has 4 spiral shaped cottages, 2 triple bed rooms, and 2 six bed room in the ground floor and 2 double bed rooms 2 four bed rooms in the first floor. All the rooms of Banabitan Forest Resort offers calm and comfortable stay for tourists at Lataguri Reserve Forest. Banabitan Forest Resort is located at a very prime location from where the overview of the forest is clearly visible. Banabitan Forest Resort is an ideal property for trekking and adventure loving tourists and is situated amidst lush greenery all around. Banabitan Forest Resort offers homely atmosphere tourists with staffs with cordial behaviour. Rooms at Banabitan Forest Resort are categorized as Jungle Cottages and Deluxe Rooms. Banabitan Forest Resort is well connected to the nearest airport and railway stations.

Amenities available:
Rooms are clean and hygienic.
All rooms are equipped with western type toilet.
Pick up and drop facility available on request.
Room service available.
24 hour running hot and cold water.
Rooms offer wide view of nearby tea gardens and lush greenery.
Separate sitting arrangements are available.
Separate dinning area and in house restaurant available.
Arrangement of local sight seeing on request.

Tariffs:
Deluxe Double Rooms: 950/-
Deluxe Four Bed Rooms: 1200/-
Jungle Cottages: 1500/-
Triple Bed Rooms: 990/-
Six Bed Rooms: 1500/-
Service charge @ 10% on the above tariff is applicable.
Meals cost @ 450/- per day per person (full day meals), payable at spot.

HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306 to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.
Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3)