Gorumara National Park - Heart of Dooars Wildlife

If you are travelling to the Dooars and have even a passing interest in wildlife, Gorumara National Park should be at the very top of your itinerary. Sprawled across the fertile floodplains of the Murti and Jaldhaka rivers, Gorumara is a compact but incredibly rich reserve of grasslands and forests, famous as one of the best places in India to spot the Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros.

Declared a National Park in 1994, Gorumara covers just 80 sq. km — but don’t let its size fool you. The park packs in a diversity of ecosystems, from riverine grasslands to sal forests, and supports an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. Over the last three decades, it has transformed from a relatively unknown reserve to one of the most popular wildlife tourism hubs in North Bengal, with excellent safari infrastructure and a thriving lodge scene.

Location & Landscape - Where the Grasslands Meet the Hills

Gorumara lies in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, right in the central Dooars region. It is bordered by the Murti River to the west and the Jaldhaka River to the east, with smaller streams and waterholes scattered across the park. Beyond the forests, the land rises towards the foothills of the Bhutanese Himalayas, making Gorumara an ideal base for combining plains wildlife with hill excursions.

The park’s grasslands are interspersed with sal, teak, simul, and sisoo trees, providing shade for grazing herbivores and cover for predators. The rivers are lifelines, sustaining wildlife even in the driest months, and attracting migratory birds in winter.

Getting There - Fast Access from NJP & Bagdogra

• From Bagdogra Airport - Less than 70 km via the newer Gajoldoba route, taking around 1.5 hours.
• From New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station - Just over 50 km, about 1 hour’s drive.
• Traditional Route - Siliguri -> Sevok -> Malbazar -> Chalsa -> Gorumara.
• Nearest Rail Access - Malbazar station (20 km) has select train stops; for wider connectivity, NJP is preferred.

Road travellers can also arrive via National Highway 31 through Malbazar and Chalsa, or via the Jalpaiguri-Maynaguri route.

Safari Experience - Watchtowers & Wildlife Encounters

Unlike some larger parks where safaris cover vast areas, Gorumara’s safaris are centred around designated watchtowers, each offering a different perspective on the park’s habitats. Safaris are conducted in authorised vehicles with forest department guides. Advance booking is essential, especially in peak season.

Jatraprasad & Rhino Point

The most famous watchtower, Jatraprasad, is named after a legendary female elephant who raised orphaned calves. Located near the Murti River, the area’s salt licks make it a hotspot for rhino, gaur, elephants, and deer — particularly at dawn and dusk. Rhino Point is nearby and often combined in the same safari.

Methla Watchtower

At Kalipur eco-village near Ramsai, Methla offers the unusual option of a bullock cart safari, a slower and quieter way to move through the forest edge, increasing chances of bird sightings.

Chukchuki Watchtower

Located between Ramsai and Lataguri, Chukchuki is known among birders for sightings of raptors, hornbills, and winter migrants.

Chandrachur Watchtower (Chapramari)

An open grassland watchtower in Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, accessible via Khunia. The site used to be a forest village and is now prime habitat for herbivores.

Chapramari Watchtower

Reached from Khunia by a short forest drive, this watchtower faces a water body and grassland where elephants are frequent visitors in summer.

Wildlife Highlights - More Than Just Rhinos

Gorumara is best known for its one-horned rhinoceros, but the park’s biodiversity is remarkable

• Mammals - Asian elephant, Indian bison (gaur), leopard (chitabagh), sambar, barking deer, wild boar, Malayan giant squirrel.
• Birds - Over 190 species, including great hornbills, scarlet and small minivets, pheasants, woodpeckers, owls, nightjars, and numerous winter migrants like Brahminy ducks, ibises, teals, and storks.
• Reptiles & Amphibians - Rock pythons, monitor lizards, turtles, and several snake species.

The park’s location in the Himalayan foothill transition zone makes it a critical habitat for both plains and hill species.

Where to Stay - From Forest Lodges to Premium Resorts

Gorumara has the highest concentration of tourist accommodation in the Dooars. Choices range from budget guesthouses to boutique jungle resorts.

Government Lodges (advance booking essential):

• Kalipur Eco-Village - 4 cottages, eastern edge of the park.
• Rhino Camp, Ramsai - 4 cottages, near Kalipur.
• Hornbill Nest, Lataguri - 4 cottages.
• Dhupjhora Elephant Camp - 7 cottages including the famous Gachbari (tree house).
• Murti Tourist Lodge (WBTDC) - Riverside cottages near Murti.
• Panjhora Eco-Resort - 4 cottages inside Chapramari forest.
• Banani (WBFDC) - Near the Murti River.

Private Resorts are concentrated in Lataguri (south of the park) and along the Murti-Dhupjhora stretch (north side). Many offer packages including safaris, nature walks, and cultural programmes.

NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd can arrange the most sought-after stays, from authentic forest experiences to comfortable family resorts, and handle all safari bookings.

Beyond Gorumara - Exploring Central Dooars

• Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary - Elephant country and excellent birding.
• Murti River - Riverside picnics and photography.
• Jaldhaka, Jhalong & Bindu - Scenic riverside drives along the Bhutan border.
• Paren & Caron - Offbeat hill getaways.
• Diana & Samsing - Tea gardens and forest trails.
• Jaldapara National Park - Another rhino stronghold, 1.5 hours away.
• Bhutan (Phuentsholing) - Border town excursions.

Best Time to Visit

• November to March - Cool weather, best for wildlife sightings and birding.
• April to mid-June - Warmer but green, good for elephant sightings.
• July to September - Park closed for monsoon.

Travel Tips & Permits

• Carry original photo ID for safari bookings.
• Safaris are limited per day — book well in advance.
• Wear earth-toned clothing and avoid loud noises in the forest.
• Binoculars and cameras enhance the experience.

Why Visit with NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd

With over 23 years in Dooars tourism, NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd knows Gorumara’s forest beats, the best watchtowers for each season, and how to combine safaris with offbeat excursions. From securing the toughest lodge bookings to arranging seamless transport from Bagdogra or NJP, we ensure you don’t just visit Gorumara — you experience it deeply.

Call us at 9733000590 to plan your Gorumara adventure.