Gorumara National Park

If Dooars is known for its forests and wildlife, then Gorumara National Park is the jewel in the crown of Dooars. The forests of Gorumara are rich in biodiversity and offer a great opportunity for animal sightings. Over the last two decades, Gorumara has gained immense popularity, and today the region has the largest concentration of resorts and tourism infrastructure anywhere in North Bengal.

Ask any wildlife enthusiast about forests in North Bengal, and chances are, Gorumara will come up with a glint in their eyes. Nestled at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Gorumara National Park isn't just another patch of greenery—it’s where the mighty one-horned rhino walks calmly across open grasslands, where elephants drink silently from the Murti River, and where the drama of the wild plays out against a backdrop of breathtaking Himalayan light.

Location and orientation of Gorumara

Located in the Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal, Gorumara National Park stretches between the Murti and Neora rivers. It shares borders with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, and together they form a significant wildlife corridor in the Dooars region.

East - The Gorumara National Park is situated in the Jalpaiguri district. It is bounded by the river Murti to its east and the river Neora to its west. The River Murti divides the otherwise continuous forest of Gorumara and Chapramari. The Chapramari is a wildlife reserve, and a tour to Gorumara often includes a visit to the forests of Chapramari as well.

To the east of the Gorumara forest is the location of Ramsai village. Close to the village is the confluence of the Murti, Jaldhaka, and Diana rivers. After the confluence, the river is named Jaldhaka. The river enters Bangladesh and is renamed as Singimari and eventually meets the mighty Brahmaputra.

North – Just northeast of Gorumara is where the river Murti is located. There is also a spot known as Murti. This is a popular tourist and picnic spot. The area north of Gorumara, known as the Dhupjhora–Murti area, has a large concentration of resorts and hotels. Chalsa is another well-known junction located North of Gorumara.

The Southwest end of the forest is the village of Lataguri, which has now turned into a burgeoning town due to the influence of tourism. The most popular and largest resorts are mostly located here. The forest office, the ticket counter for entering the forest, the nature interpretation centre, and the largest local market are all located at Lataguri.

Why Gorumara Should Be on Your Travel Map

Gorumara is not one of those oversized national parks where you drive for hours without spotting so much as a squirrel. Compact and dense, its 80 square kilometres pack in a remarkable variety of ecosystems—grasslands, riverine forests, sal groves, and bamboo thickets—all teeming with wildlife. This is one of the few parks in India where you stand a real chance of spotting the Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros regularly. Add elephants, Indian bison (gaur), wild boars, leopards, sambar, and over 200 species of birds and butterflies, and you’ve got a destination that never fails to impress.

The Jatraprasad watchtower and Rhino Observation Point near the Forest Rest House are the best spots for wildlife sightings. Animals are known to frequent the salt lick and waterholes below these towers, especially in the early morning or just before sunset. Jeep safaris are your ticket to these thrilling vantage points.

Declared a sanctuary in 1949 and upgraded to National Park status in 1994, Gorumara today stands as a shining example of how conservation and community-based tourism can thrive together. The region has seen a dramatic drop in poaching due to the economic benefits tourism brings to the surrounding villages.

How to reach Gorumara

Gorumara is well connected with motorable roads from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. Bagdogra, the nearest airport, is less than a 2-hour drive, and so is NJP, the major railhead. The  Malbazar rail station, about 20 km has a stoppage of a few trains.

If you are travelling through NJP / Bagdogra airport, you will travel via Siliguri to Gorumara. There are several roads connecting the two.

The traditional route was to travel via the hill-bound Sevok road from Siliguri, cross the Sevok bridge and enter into Dooars, drive up to Chalsa through National Highway 17 and then take a right turn to National Highway 717 and continue to drive to Lataguri about 15 km away. Through this route, NJP to Lataguri is about 85 km. If you are travelling to the northern part of Gorumara, such as Murti, the distance will be about 73 km.

In recent years, the road connectivity through the Gajaldoba mega tourism hub has improved substantially. This is now the preferred route for most travellers. From Gajaldoba, you may take one of the two diversions. If you are travelling to the Northern part of Gorumara, you may like to drive through the Oodlabari Chalsa route. If you are going towards Latagur, you would do better to take the Gajaldoba Kranti route. Lataguri through Gajaldoba is just about 53 km, thus saving you a 32 km drive and 45 minutes. Murti through Gajaldoba and Oodlabari is 70 km, which is similar in distance to the Sevok route.

There is a third route to travel here through the Jalpaiguri-Maynaguri road. This route would be useful only for tourists visiting Gorumara from the Jalpaiguri town side.

About the Forest of Gorumara

The grassland of Gorumara is famous for the Asiatic one-horned rhino. The viewpoint beside the Forest Rest House and the Jatraprasad watchtower further inside the forest are known to give a panoramic view of the entire park and the Murti Valley. The tower is the best place to observe wild animals, especially rhinos, elephants, bison, and deer, as they regularly come to the salt reservoir just below the tower.

In the year 1949, Gorumara Forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary. Before this, it used to be a reserve forest. Later, in the year 1994, it was declared a National Park, comprising 80 km of diverse forest.

The forest of Gorumara is a story of the success of conservation and tourism. Before tourism started here, poaching of wildlife was a cause for concern, but after tourism started benefiting all the people around the forest, poaching almost vanished. This, along with a lack of predatory animals like tigers, leads to a huge increase in the population of wildlife. In recent years, there has been a major increase in the number of Elephants, Rhinos, and Gaurs (Indian Bison). The increased number of wildlife, along with the relatively small size of the forest and partial grassland, is the main reason for the increase in the high frequency of wildlife sightings, which has boosted tourism in the area. However, the increase in the number of wildlife has also led to issues such as overgrazing and dominance fights for territory and mates.

Activities and forest safari around Gorumara National Park

Safaris in Gorumara are nothing short of thrilling. Conducted in open jeeps, forest safaris take place twice a day—early morning and late afternoon—when wildlife is most active.

Multiple safari routes allow entry into different sections of the forest. Some go deeper into grasslands where rhinos graze; others follow forest trails lined with sal trees where elephants often appear. A licensed forest guide accompanies each vehicle to ensure safety and share insights into the ecology and wildlife.

Besides Gorumara, tourists also often opt for safaris in Chapramari, which has its share of elephants, leopards, and exotic birds. Permit and safari bookings are done at the Lataguri Forest Office or through authorised agents. NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd can manage all forest bookings, permits, and vehicle arrangements to ensure a seamless experience.

Beyond the Safari: Day Trips Around Gorumara

Gorumara is ideally located for day-long excursions to some of the Dooars' prettiest and most tranquil locations.

Samsing, Suntalekhola, Rocky Island – Known for tea gardens, waterfalls, and lush forest trails. Perfect for family outings and short hikes.

Jhalong, Bindu & Paren – Situated on the banks of the Jaldhaka River near the Bhutan border. These riverside villages are famous for their hydel projects, birdlife, and serenity.

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary – Often considered Gorumara’s twin, Chapramari is just across the Murti River and offers similar safari experiences.

Jaldapara National Park – Located about 1.5 hours away, it’s another stronghold of the one-horned rhino and offers elephant-back safaris.

Gajoldoba – En route to Siliguri, Gajoldoba is a beautiful wetland complex ideal for birdwatching and photography.

Together, Gorumara has enough activities to keep you engaged for several days.

Evening Entertainment – Folk Culture in the Forest

As the sun goes down and the forest gates close, the villages come alive. Tribal cultural programmes—especially Santhali and Rajbanshi dances, bamboo flute performances, and local storytelling sessions—are organised in several community areas around Lataguri and Ramsai. These events are not just entertaining but provide a window into the lives of the people who coexist with the forest.

NBTT can include these experiences in your itinerary upon request. Let us know while booking!

Where to Stay – Forest-View Resorts & Riverside Lodges

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in Gorumara. Here’s how the key areas stack up:

Lataguri – The most popular tourist hub with a wide range of forest resorts and hotels. Easy access to forest gates, markets, and transport. Most safaris originate from here.

Murti – Quieter and closer to nature. Resorts here overlook the serene Murti River and are often surrounded by forest on all sides. A great choice for those who want peace with their pachyderms.

Chalsa – Slightly more upscale, perfect for travellers seeking comfort with views. Resorts here often come with landscaped gardens, tea estate views, and premium services.

Ramsai – Less commercial, and suitable for travellers looking for a rural Dooars experience. Good for birdwatchers and those interested in river and forest trails.

NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd will help you select the best stay based on your location preference, budget, and group size. Whether you want a budget-friendly family room or a luxurious forest-facing villa, we’ll ensure your accommodation enhances your Dooars experience.

Best Time to Visit Gorumara

The park remains closed during the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-September). The best time to visit Gorumara is from October to early April. Winters are cool and dry—great for safaris and clear wildlife viewing. Spring months see blooming sal forests and increased animal activity, making it ideal for photography.

Travel Tips for Gorumara Visitors

• Forest entry permits are mandatory. All safaris must be booked in advance.

• Wear earthy colours and avoid bright clothing during safaris.

• Carry binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for the best wildlife shots.

Network coverage can be weak in Murti and Ramsai—prepare for a digital detox.