Gorumara National Park
Gorumara National Park is situated in the central part of the Dooars region, lying on the banks of the Murti and Jaldhaka Rivers. Like Jaldapara, it is famous for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros, earning it the designation of a National Park in 1992. Covering an area of approximately 80 square KMs, it is smaller than Jaldapara but equally rich in biodiversity. The vegetation here is primarily moist deciduous forest and riverine grassland, characteristic of the sub-Himalayan floodplains. The park is a significant habitat for the large herbivores of the region, including the Indian Bison (Gaur), Asian Elephant, and various deer species like Sambar, Hog Deer, and Spotted Deer (Chital). Safari and watchtower visits are usually managed from the tourist hub of Lataguri, which is often referred to as the gateway to Gorumara. The various watchtowers such as Jatraprasad, Medla, and Chukchuki are the focal points of tourist activity, providing excellent viewing platforms. The Murti River separates Gorumara from the adjacent Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, forming a critical elephant corridor. Gorumara is renowned for offering a highly organized and visitor-friendly wildlife experience, centered around the evening lighting of salt licks, which often attracts the one-horned rhinos for close viewing. The forest density, proximity to tea gardens, and the confluence of rivers make this area ecologically vibrant and visually stunning.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 Days (Dedicated to the safaris and watchtower visits from Lataguri. )Place Type:
National ParkEntry Fees:
Forest Entry Permit Requirements: Similar to other protected areas, Gorumara charges an entry fee, which must be paid at the respective range offices (Lataguri or Murti).
Indian Tourists: The base entry fee is generally around Rs.60 to Rs.1...Forest Entry Permit Requirements: Similar to other protected areas, Gorumara charges an entry fee, which must be paid at the respective range offices (Lataguri or Murti).
Indian Tourists: The base entry fee is generally around Rs.60 to Rs.100 per person.
Foreign Tourists: The entry fee is higher, usually Rs.200 to Rs.500 per person.
Safari and Guide Mandatory Costs: The cost for the actual wildlife experience is bundled, as both a registered jeep and a forest guide are mandatory. Jeep Safari (Per Vehicle) The combined cost for the forest permit, guide charge, and vehicle hire typically ranges from Rs.2,000 to Rs.4,000 per trip (for a maximum of six people). This fee varies depending on which watchtower is being visited and the duration of the trip.
Watchtower Visit Slot: The watchtower viewing is an integral part of the safari booking and is included in the package cost. Separate slots are designated for each major watchtower (Jatraprasad, Medla, etc. ), and only a limited number of vehicles are allowed per slot to minimize disturbance to the animals.
Equipment and Parking:
Video Camera Fee: Professional video equipment will incur a charge, typically Rs.200 or more. Still cameras are usually free.
Car Parking: If you arrive in your own vehicle to the range office, there will be a nominal parking charge, usually around Rs.25 to Rs.50.Timing:
Regular Timings: The park has specific hours for safaris and watchtower visits, and the gates are strictly managed.
Morning Safari/Visit: Typically starts from 6:00 AM and concludes by 9:00 AM. This slot focuses on the jungle jeep driv...Regular Timings: The park has specific hours for safaris and watchtower visits, and the gates are strictly managed.
Morning Safari/Visit: Typically starts from 6:00 AM and concludes by 9:00 AM. This slot focuses on the jungle jeep drive and sometimes an elephant camp visit.
Afternoon Safari/Visit: Usually begins around 2:00 PM and ends by 5:30 PM. This slot is most frequently used for the popular watchtower visits, where tourists wait for the animals to arrive at the salt licks. The park remains officially closed from mid-June to mid-September due to the monsoon.
Ideal Visit Time: The single most ideal visit time is the late afternoon shift, specifically 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, for a watchtower visit. This period offers the highest chance of seeing the one-horned rhinoceros and other animals like the Indian bison and various deer species as they emerge from the cool forest shade to drink water and lick salt. For birdwatching, the early morning shift is preferable, as birds are most active around dawn and their calls are easily heard.Special Events:
Pooja and Seasonal Celebrations: While Gorumara does not have a large, nationally recognized annual festival, the local people and the forest department observe a number of regional and cultural celebrations that influence tourism. During the Dussehra and Diwali months (Oct...Pooja and Seasonal Celebrations: While Gorumara does not have a large, nationally recognized annual festival, the local people and the forest department observe a number of regional and cultural celebrations that influence tourism. During the Dussehra and Diwali months (October and November), the region sees an influx of domestic tourists celebrating the holidays, and local resorts often host special cultural nights with regional music and cuisine. Furthermore, the forest department often holds a small traditional Pooja (worship ceremony) at the forest office prior to the re-opening of the park after the monsoon closure (mid-September), often involving local rituals to honor the forest spirits and ensure a safe tourist season.Best Photo Spots:
Jatraprasad Watch Tower Evening View: The best time for photography here is the late afternoon into dusk. The low-angle light dramatically illuminates the animals approaching the salt lick below the tower. Photographers should aim to capture the rhino against the backdrop ...Jatraprasad Watch Tower Evening View: The best time for photography here is the late afternoon into dusk. The low-angle light dramatically illuminates the animals approaching the salt lick below the tower. Photographers should aim to capture the rhino against the backdrop of the darkening forest. Crucially, the tower s elevation provides a clear line of sight, enabling stunning close-up shots of the large herbivores. Capturing the atmosphere, including the silence and the dim lighting used by the forest staff, is a unique photo opportunity.
The Murti Riverbed: The wide, shallow Murti River offers exceptional opportunities for landscape and nature reflection photography. During the winter months (December to February), the water is clear, and the riverbed is exposed. Photographers can capture the long, clear reflections of the surrounding Sal trees and the distant Bhutanese hills on the water s surface. This spot is also perfect for candid shots of local life, like villagers or elephants crossing the river. The clear, natural light here is ideal for wide-angle landscape shots, emphasizing the scale of the Dooars floodplains.
Lataguri Tea Gardens: The vast tea gardens surrounding Lataguri offer a classic Dooars photo opportunity. The perfectly manicured rows of tea bushes, often with women plucking leaves, create strong leading lines and beautiful green textures. The early morning light or the soft light before sunset makes the vibrant green foliage pop. For environmental portraits, capturing the tea garden workers with the misty hills in the background provides a compelling narrative of the region's agricultural and scenic beauty, contrasting the wild forest environment.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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The Classic Jeep Safari:
Forest Track Exploration: The primary activity in Gorumara is the Jeep Safari. Safaris are strictly regulated by the Forest Department and must be pre-booked, usually from the Lataguri or Murti range offices. The jeep takes visitors along designated tracks through the park s mix of grassland and dense forest. The routes are designed to cover known animal trails and watering holes. The safari is thrilling, as you traverse dusty roads, cross small streams, and look out for the Indian Bison (Gaur) and the elusive Asian Elephant. The guides are expert trackers, enhancing the chances of spotting wildlife. Safaris typically run in two shifts, morning and afternoon, with the afternoon safari often being focused on the watchtower visit.
The Evening Watchtower Visit:
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Information
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Why Famous:
High Rhino Density and Easy Viewing: Gorumara is globally recognized for its high density of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. What makes it particularly famous is the ease with which these animals can be spotted from the various watchtowers. The forest department st...High Rhino Density and Easy Viewing: Gorumara is globally recognized for its high density of the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros. What makes it particularly famous is the ease with which these animals can be spotted from the various watchtowers. The forest department strategically illuminates salt licks beneath the main towers, attracting rhinos in the evening, virtually guaranteeing a sighting for visitors who secure a booking for this slot.
The Watchtower Network: The park has developed an extensive and well-managed network of watchtowers, including the historic Jatraprasad (one of the oldest watchtowers in Dooars), Medla (with a unique location near the Murti River), and Chukchuki (a popular spot for birdwatching). This organized system ensures that tourists have multiple options and consistent opportunities for wildlife observation throughout their visit, enhancing the overall tourist experience compared to purely relying on jungle tracks.
Gateway to Central Dooars: The park is intrinsically linked with the village of Lataguri, which has developed into a major, organized tourist hub for the central Dooars region. This established infrastructure, offering numerous accommodation and booking centers, makes Gorumara highly accessible and popular, serving as the starting point for exploring nearby destinations like Murti and Chapramari. -
Architecture:
Functional Infrastructure for Ecotourism: The built environment in and around Gorumara emphasizes sustainable ecotourism and conservation. The architecture focuses heavily on observation posts and low-impact accommodation.
Watchtower Design an...Functional Infrastructure for Ecotourism: The built environment in and around Gorumara emphasizes sustainable ecotourism and conservation. The architecture focuses heavily on observation posts and low-impact accommodation.
Watchtower Design and Placement: The main watchtowers, such as Jatraprasad Watch Tower and Medla Watch Tower, are designed as elevated, multi-storey structures, predominantly built from timber, bamboo, and concrete bases to withstand the elements. Jatraprasad, named after a famous forest elephant, is a prime example, often 25 to 35 feet high, overlooking the Murti River and a large salt pit. These structures prioritize minimal footprint while maximizing viewing height. Medla, being newer, often features covered viewing decks. The typical size of the viewing platform at the top of these towers is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet, accommodating a small group of visitors safely above the ground.
Forest Lodges and Tourist Facilities: Accommodation facilities in the vicinity, particularly the Forest Rest Houses and resorts in Lataguri and Murti, follow a regional architectural style. Many are single- or double-storey buildings with sloping roofs and expansive verandahs designed to deal with heavy rainfall and provide outdoor viewing areas. New tourist lodges are incorporating elements of local tribal architecture using natural materials. For instance, some resorts in Lataguri feature stilt-supported cottages (around 14 feet by 18 feet per cottage) that mimic the traditional raised houses of the region, minimizing disruption to the forest floor and ensuring good ventilation in the humid climate. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located approximately 80 to 90 KMs from the main tourist hub of Lataguri. Bagdogra offers excellent connectivity to major Indian cities. Once at the airport, hiring a pre-booked private taxi or an airport taxi is the m... -
Near Tourist Places:
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary (2 KMs) Famous for elephant herds, just across the Murti River. Murti (8 KMs) Picturesque riverbank known for peaceful retreats and the forest resort. Chalsa (10 KMs) A charming town and major road junction surrounded by tea gardens. Samsing (28 KMs) Quaint hill village with famous tea gardens and orange orchards. Suntalekhola (30 KMs) Small village on the edge of Neora Valley National Park, known for its hanging bridge. Rocky Island (32 KMs) An ecotourism hub on the banks of the Murti River. Jhalong (35 KMs) Known for the Jaldhaka river dam and a hydro-electric project. Bindu (45 KMs) The last village of India on the Indo-Bhutan border, famous for cardamom plantation. Gajoldoba (50 KMs) A large reservoir famous as a winter destination for migratory birds. Malbazar (20 KMs) A major town for market access and medical facilities.
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:
Medical Preparedness: The nearest proper hospitals are in Siliguri or Jalpaiguri. Carry essential personal medications and a basic first-aid kit. Drink only bottled water or water purified by your accommodation.
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