Gorumara

Overview: Gorumara or Lataguri forest is a dream destination for nature lovers. It is located at the Himalayan foothills near Malbazar subdivision in Jalpaiguri District (West Bengal) beside the river bank Murti and Raidak.  It is primarily a protected green forest with grassland and famous for its One Horned Indian Rhinoceros population.  It was a reserved forest since 1985 and later in 1949 it was declared wildlife sanctuary. In 1994 it was declared Indian Nation Park.

The 80 sq. km. National Park also known as Dooars or Duars includes valuable trees like sal (shorea robusta), Teak, simul, siris, khair etc. Large herbivores like Indian one horned Rhinoceros, Sambar deer, Elephant, Gaur(Indian Bison), Sloth bear, Chital, and small herbivores include Wild boar, Barking deer, Hog deer on the other hand large carnivores like leopard small carnivores like small cat, civets, mongooses  etc are found in the park. Indian wild dogs or Indian wolf are spotted here occasionally. Giant squirrels, the rare Hispid hare has also been reported from the park.

The park is paradise for bird watchers.  More than 190 species of birds are available for visitors. The major birds are like Peafowls, Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Minivets, Sunbird, Cuckoos, Pigeons Mynas, Orioles, Spangled drongo, Asian paradise fly catcher etc other birds like Egrets, Indian Shag, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Corporant, Darter etc.the migratory birds like Brahminy duck, Stork, Teals, Ibis and many more are found in the park. Owls and Nightjars are found at night. More than 20 species of reptiles like Indian python, The King Cobra, 7 species of turtles and scenic landscape inside the forest added good attraction to the tourist. One can go for elephant ride also which will charge around INR 600-700 per person.

How to reach:  The nearest airport is Bagdogra (13 km  from Siliguri). Nearest railway station is New Malbazar Junction (20 km). Or Maynaguri(25 KM) from both the places one can reach at Gorumara by hire car. Regular bus service also available.

Nearest places around Gorumara are Murti, Jhalong, Bindu, Jaldhaka, Rockey iland, Samsing, Sultalikhola, Chapramari forest, Hanuman Mandir (Malbazar), Jalpeswar Temple, Jatileswar temple etc. A tribal dance show will be a nice experience for anyone.

There are various jungle safari options available in this area. Keep a look on the table below. Time 6am-8am, 8am-10am (Morning) 1.30pm-3pm, 3.30pm-5pm (Afternoon)

Name of Jungle safari circuits/Watchtower	Car Hire	Entry ticket	Car Entry ticket	Guide Charge	Camera Charge
Gorumara adjacent area watch tower	960	50	50	100	50
Jatraprasad	750	120	80	100	50
Chandrachur	840	80	80	100	50
Chukchuki	650	80	80	100	50
Medla	750	80	80	100	50
Chapramari	1080	80	80	100	50

Gorumara_Map

Please remember it is better to stay at West Bengal Forest Department [WBFDC] (West Bengal Forest Development Corporation) resort because visitors from forest department’s resorts get privilege over other tourist. i.e it will make sure you will get tickets for elephant safari/Jungle safari. It is also suggested that you stay in the river camp in the nearby Murti river to have mind blowing experience of life time at a full moon night.