The panoramic view and grandeur of the deep jungle and trees appeal to people of all ages, young and old.

Dooars is one of the most appealing tourist destinations for forest lovers. The Sunderban in South Bengal and the Dooars in North Bengal are the two most prominent places on the West Bengal map that are recognized all over.

The Dooars region spans 350 kilometers, stretching from the Teesta River in North Bengal to the Dhanseri River in Assam. The Sankosh River divides the Dooars into two sections: the Eastern Dooars (Assam Dooars) and the Western Dooars ( Bengal Dooars) respectively. Therefore, when we talk about the Dooars tour we are referring to the western half of Dooars specifically.

The Dooars is one of the most well-known entrances to North Bengal's hill region. The beautiful green trees, rich flora and wildlife, towering woods, unending tea estates, and a panoramic view of mother nature add to its beauty. When people from all around the world look at nature so attentively and passionately, they experience pantheism. While riding through the deep woods of the Dooars, the idealistic sightseeing, watchtowers, elephant safari, and jungle safari encapsulate your sensuality.

 

REACHING DOOARS VIA SILIGURI REQUIRES THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION MEANS:

Siliguri catalyzes any Dooars tour. The Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, (12 km away from the main city) which serves solely domestic flights to and from the region, is the closest airport to Lataguri. After landing, take a cab or car and head towards your destination, covering a distance of 67.7 km via Gajoldoba and the canal. Similarly, if you choose NH27, it will take you roughly 81 kilometers. New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP), on the other hand, serves as a connecting route between Siliguri and Lataguri, covering a distance of 1 hour and 57 minutes.

You may plan a pleasant Dooars trip by making Lataguri your primary destination and visiting these amazing places.

So are you ready for the thrills? Let’s get started!

 

DAY -1 [ SILIGURI – LATAGURI - GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK ]

* Lataguri is a tiny town in India's West Bengal state, located in the Jalpaiguri district. It is eventually regarded as the ideal location for Dooars to travel. On NH-31, just outside the Gorumara National Park, is the settlement of Gorumara. Lataguri is a magnificent sight to behold, with deep green forests, numerous tea plantations, and little villages.

* Taking a cab from Siliguri to Lataguri via Sevoke or Gajoldoba is a good option. It's entirely up to you whether you want to check into your hotel first and then go straight for the safari. If you choose the former, you will be greeted by officials at the Lataguri Hotel with a welcome drink. Freshen up, eat some hearty coarse foods, then go on a jungle safari tour in the Lataguri Gorumara forest.

* After arriving in Lataguri, the trip will continue for another 12 minutes (6.3 kilometers) to your final destination, Gorumara National Park. However, you must purchase your tickets from the Jungle Safari counter in Lataguri before embarking on this exciting journey. First and foremost, you must obtain a tourist admission ticket. Second, you must wait in line to obtain a forest permit and a gypsy ticket.

*  The Gorumara National Park is located in West Bengal's western region. The Gorumara  Forest has an area of 85 square kilometers. This forest is home to a variety of creatures, including rhinos, leopards, peacocks, deer, bison, and elephants. The splendor of the Gorumara forest is enhanced by the presence of roughly 250-300 different tree species. It is a question of pure luck for a traveler to come upon animals. On both sides of the Gorumara National Park, extensive woodlands can be found.

*  Return to your resort after a fantastic forest safari experience and spend the night in Lataguri.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO ASSIST YOU

 GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK HOURS OF VISIT

It is open on all six days of the week except Thursday. The permitted timings are from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

You have a total of four shifts for safari and watch-tower trips to gain a better sense of the natural woodlands and their wildlife

 

 

Please note: that the entry charge for foreigners is Rs. 500 per person; for videography, it is Rs. 120 plus an additional Rs. 40 for a bullock cart trip.

                                                                                                                     

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK AND WHEN SHOULD YOU AVOID IT?

Every year, the Gorumara National Park is open from October to June. November to March is the finest time to visit. This is because the surroundings appear lush and fresh, and the chances of seeing wildlife grow significantly during the winter.

Due to strong monsoons and animal mating season, it is closed from June 15 to September 15. As a result, it is recommended that you must not visit this park during these months.

 

DAY 2 [ LATAGURI - SUNTALEKHOLA -  ROCKY ISLAND - MURTI]

* After breakfast, leave for Samsing early in the morning. Samsing is a small village and tourist attraction in the Matiali community development area.

* The travel time between Lataguri and Samsing is 2 hours 54 minutes (116.1 km). The Chalsa Tea Garden and Matiali Tea Garden, which encircle the magnificent Samsing, would be awe-inspiring to a traveler who has set his or her sights on visiting dooars.  Samsing has become one of the must-see destinations in the North Bengal region due to its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

* It also serves as a gateway to the famed Neora Valley National Park, which is only 18 kilometers away. Suntalekhola, Rocky Island, and Murti are some of the quirky sites that you may visit from Samsing. Suntalekhola is a little hamlet nestled in the Himalayan foothills, with a spectacular beauty all its own. Rocky Island, located on the banks of the Murti River, is only 3 kilometers from Samsing. Rocky Island is an outstanding Adventure Tourism site, as well as a Doars' Paradise and a popular picnic spot. The vista of the Murti River and its surroundings is simply breathtaking. Do a night stay at Murti after a lengthy and exhausting picturesque expedition either at  Murti Forest  Guest BANANI House or  WBTDC Murti Tourist Lodge with its affordable accommodations.

DAY -3 [ MURTI -  MADARIHAT - SOUTH KHAYERBARI]

* Post breakfast, drive to Totopara, which is 84.4 kilometers away from Murti and takes 2 hours and 9 minutes. Totopara is a small enclave community in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India, populated by the 'Totois' ethnic group. It is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, on the western bank of the Torsa River, just south of the Bhutan-West Bengal boundary. Totopara is one of the best tourist attractions in Dooars, where you may learn about the tribal people's rich history, heritage, and way of life. 

*Madarihat, which is located right on the entrance to the famous Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, is only 22 kilometers from Totopara.  Apart from the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary, Mendabari, Chilapata, Hollong, and Raimatang are some of the prominent tourist sites that you can see while in Madarihat. After enjoying the rich ethnicity of Totopara and the lush vegetation of Madarihat, you can travel to South Khayerbari Nature park which is 10 kilometers distant. It is primarily a leopard and tiger rescue center. Tourists visiting the land of leopards and tigers can enjoy boating and automobile safaris as well. The Buri Torsa River, which flows through south Khairbari Nature Park, adds to the attractiveness of the area. Before heading on an early morning jungle safari, spend the night at Hollong Tourist Lodge in Jaldapara.

 

DAY 4 [JALDAPARA NATIONAL PARK]

*After breakfast, leave for Jaldapara National Park, which is one of the largest adventurous spots in the Dooars region. It is situated in Alipurduar, on the flood plains of the river Torsha, at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The jungle is full of barking deer, bison, and one-horned rhinos. The elephant safari, of course, is the major adventure experience, which is both exciting and thrilling while spotting exotic animals in the dark jungle. The scope of spotting wild animals is much better in elephant safari compared to jeep safari and it is a thrilling and adventurous way to feel the fun of jungles.

*As noted below, the elephant ride will begin early in the morning. As a result, go to bed early and rise early to enjoy the thrilling elephant ride that departs from Hollong Bungalow. It is, without a doubt, a fantastic experience filled with a wide range of feelings. After the elephant safari, return to the accommodation for a little rest and to fill your stomach. After lunch, go on a 2-hour safari through the deep forest at Chilopota Jungle Safari. 

* Return to the lodge after a thrilling day in the dark forests with wild animals and unwind in the jungle atmosphere. Night stay at Hollong Tourist Lodge in Jaldapara.

 

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO ASSIST YOU

JEEP SAFARI TIMINGS:

There are usually three shifts to tour around Jaldapara National Park. Those are:

                                    

*Entry fee- Rs.120 per person. (Rs. 500 for foreigners)

*Vehicle entry fee- Rs.4000 per vehicle.

*Guide charge -Rs.300 per vehicle

*Vehicle hiring charges- Rs.1200 to 1500 per trip per vehicle.

                                                                                                                 

ELEPHANT SAFARI TIMINGS:

*Entry fee- Rs.50 per person (Indians), Rs. 200 per person (foreign nationals).

*Elephant ride -Rs. 500 per person for Indians, and Rs. 750 per person for foreigners.

*Car entry fee along with parking lot- Rs. 125

*Photography -Rs. 50

*Videography- Rs.500

DAY 5: [JALDAPARA - RAJABHATKHAWA - BUXA FORT- JAYANTI]

* Early in the morning, after breakfast, proceed to your next destination, Rajabhatkhawa. The little settlement of Rajabhatkhawa is located near the Buxa Tiger Reserve. It is a wonderful draw for nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike. This location, in addition to its picturesque splendor, acts as a natural refuge for any injured wild creatures. Bird viewing, safaris, and trekking are just a few of the exciting recreational activities available to visitors.

* Almost 34 mins from Rajabhatkhawa, Buxa Fort is a great historical destination to alleviate the past, even though it is in ruins. For history enthusiasts, a visit to this site would broaden their understanding of how the Bhutanese king ruled the region before handing it over to the British. The Fort has a unique architectural style that was transformed into a jail and enthralled Indian independence warriors of the time. Trust me when I say that this area will convey you to the discovery of previously undiscovered information.

* From there, at a distance of 1 hr 57 min (68.5 km) resides the “Queen of Dooars” known as the Jayanti. It is a small riverside forest settlement in West Bengal's Dooars area, part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Jayanti is home to many elephants, deer, and peacocks, in addition to its natural beauty. 

* After rushing through the day, spend the night at Rajabhatkhawa Buxa Jungle Lodge.

DAY-6 [COLLECTING BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES AND RETURNING TO SILIGURI]

After spending a few days away from the frantic crowds, it's time to return to Siliguri with plenty of peaceful memories. At noon, check out of the lodge, bidding farewell to the sky, trees, birds, and animals, promising to return soon again.

 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

# While on a safari through the jungle, maintain decorum.

# Make sure you are wearing light-colored clothing while expeditating inside the forest.

# Don't agitate the animals with unnecessarily intrusive interventions.

# Don't forget to bring your ID proofs with you. It is necessary.

# As a visitor, strictly adhere to the rules.

The timings and prices may be subject to change.