The Park
Gorumara National Park, established in 1994, is located in northern region of the state of West Bengal, India. It is a part of the Dooars forest area of the Himalayan foothills in Terai region, on the flood plains of Murti and Raidak rivers. The National Park is fed by Jaldhaka river, which flows beside it with the backdrop of the mountain ranges at the distance. Jaldhaka is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Gorumara it is a medium-sized wildlife park, spread over an area of approximately 80 sq. km. with grasslands and forests, in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. This national park is a significant watershed area between the Ganges River and the Brahmaputra River. The park has been declared as the best among the protected areas in India by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the year 2009. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in tourism infrastructure development, encouraged by the Government.
Gorumara National Park is situated beside the National Highway 31, which connects Siliguri town of northern West Bengal with Guwahati city, the capital of Assam. The park is very close to Jaldapara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Reserve.
Flora
The typical flora of Gorumara National Park includes Sal forests with common Teak, rain tree (Shirish or Albizia saman lebbeck), and Bombax (also known as silk cotton tree or Shimul), Bamboo groves, terai grassland vegetation and tropical riverine reeds. Gorumara is also home to numerous tropical orchids.
Fauna
Gorumara National Park is primarily known as the last natural reserve in eastern India of the endangered one-horned Indian Rhinoceros. According to a recent census, there are 50 species of mammals, 194 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, 27 species of fish and other macro and micro fauna.
Apart from Indian Rhinoceros, the park is rich in other large herbivores like Gaur, Asian Elephant, Sloth Bear, Chital and Sambar Deer. Small herbivores include Barking Deer, Hog Deer and Wild Boar.
The only big carnivore in this national park is the Leopard. But Gorumara does have numerous small carnivores like various Civets, Mongooses and small cats. The park has a large resident population of Wild Boar, but the critically endangered Pygmy Hog has also been reported from the park. It also has numerous Rodents, including Giant Squirrels. The rare Hispid Hare has also been reported from the park.
The park is home to a large number of Snakes, venomous and non-venomous, including the Indian Python, one of the largest snakes in the world, and the King Cobra, world’s largest venomous snake.
The bird population includes brilliant Submontane Forest birds like the Scarlet Minivet, Sunbird, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo and Great Indian Hornbill. Numerous Woodpeckers, Pheasants and Peafowls inhabit the park too. Thel Park is also on the flyway of numerous migratory birds, including the rare Brahminy Duck.
Climate
The temperature ranges from
- 10 to 21 °C (50 to 70 °F) from November to February,
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F) from March to April and
- 27 to 37 °C (81 to 99 °F) from May to October.
Rainfall mostly occurs between mid-May to mid-October and average annual rainfall is 382 cm (150 in).
What To See
The most popular tourist activity at Gorumara National Park is the forest safari. These are organized during early morning and late afternoon on Jeeps which are specifically marked for this purpose. There are several safari routes inside the forest that will take you to some of the core areas of the forest. The park itself remains closed from mid-June to mid-September, but there are other activities which make it worth your while to spend a few laid-back days with family and friends in the midst of nature. Day activity includes a visit to nearby picturesque tourist destinations including Samsing area, Jhalong, Bindu, Jaldhaka area, etc. In the evening cultural programs including tribal dances and folk music performances are organized at a number of places around the forest which can be enjoyed by all. Together Gorumara has enough activities to keep you engaged for several days.
Jeep Safari at Gorumara National Park
The Gorumara Jungle Safari is a real treat to the jungle lovers who enjoy being in the midst of Nature. The surrounding areas, rich with flora and fauna are a bird watchers paradise. Gorumara Jungle Safari is also known as Gorumara Jeep Safari, which takes tourists to various watch towers and points. There are in total 5 points in Gorumara National Park.
Jatraprasad Watch Tower
This watch tower is named after a legendary pet Elephant of the forest department – Jatraprasad. Also known as Gorumara Watch Tower, It is a two-tier watch tower that offers excellent view of the Dooars Jungle and its wild life. This Watch Tower is in close proximity to the main entry point of Gorumara National Park, which is a mere 20 minutes’ drive. This makes Jatraprasad Watch Tower a convenient location to catch a glimpse of wild animals like Bison, Deer, Peacock and even Leopard.
Rhino Observation Point
This watch tower, Rhino Observation Point, is located in front of the Gorumara forest bungalow and is famous for spotting One-horned Rhinoceros. There is a salt reservoir below the tower which offers very good chances of spotting more wild lives like Elephants, Bison, etc. apart from One-horned Rhinoceros.
Chandrachur Watch Tower
This watch tower is located near the Murti forest bungalow and offers a wonderful opportunity to witness what Gorumara riverine forest looks like. A Jeep safari will take 2 hours to reach Khunia Chandrachur Watch Tower in Gorumara National Park. Khunia is a prime destination to spot herds of wild Elephants, Indian Bisons and Deer.
Chukchuki Bird-watching Point
Chukchuki Bird Watching Point is a bird watchers paradise and is situated on the extreme border of the Gorumara National Park. One can spot and take photographs of many different species of birds from here. Apart from local birds, a number of migratory birds can also be seen from this watch tower. Here you can see Black Stork, Brahminy Duck, Scarlet Minivet, Indian Hornbill, Woodpeckers, Spangled Drongo and other variety of birds.
Medhla Watch Tower
The Medhla Watch Tower offers the best glimpses of the inner part of Gorumara National Park. It is located at Kalipur Eco Village near Ramsai on the eastern fringe of Gorumara National Park. From this tower visitors can watch Elephant herd crossing the river, wondering Rhinoceros, grazing Indian Bisons, Barking Deer, etc. Mount Kanchenjunga is clearly visible from Medhla Watch Tower on a sunny day. There are unique Bullock cart driven forest safaris available here.
Elephant Safari at Gorumara National Park
The adventurous Elephant Ride at Gorumara National Park is a lifetime experience. These rides take place at dawn and at afternoon. Elephant Ride through the dense deciduous forest under soft light of the sun, watching the chirping birds is breath taking. Often Rhinos and other mammals like Indian Bison (Gaur), Barking Deer, Elephants are spotted during these rides around riverbed nearby.
The Elephant ride is a much better way of exploring the forest and is more thrilling. It takes you deep in the jungle, crosses streams of water and takes you around the places where you can spot the wildlife of Gorumara National Park.
Nearby Attractions
Jatileshwar Mandir
The Jatileshwar Temple or Jalpesh Mandir was built with stone and mud bricks during the time of Gupta Dynasty between A.D. 320 and A.D. 600. The Mandir is around 30 kms. away from Jalpaiguri town and 13 kms. from Maynaguri. The temple place of Jatileshwar is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and is spread over a huge area of lush green vegetation. The main idol of Lord Jatileshwar remains surrounded by 6 feet of water inside the temple, and the believers has to swim over to reach the idol, touch it and then swim back. There is also a Maa Siddheshwari Mandir, which is also known as ‘Kamakshya Temple’ and remains full of water during the monsoons. This Kamakshya Temple is similar to the famous Kamakshya Temple of Assam.
Batabari
Batabari is a small village located in Jalpaiguri District in the state of West Bengal. Here lies the Batabari Tea Estate, which owes its name to the houses that are found in this region. These houses were known as ‘Kutchs’ and are made of a particular species of Bamboo called ‘Bata’. Hence the name ‘Batabari’. The entire population of the village works at the Tea Gardens.
Chalsa
Chalsa was known as the Queen of Dooars in British India. Located at a distance of 57 kms. from Jalpaiguri, 7 kms. from Malbazar and 64 kms. from Siliguri, Chalsa is surrounded by hills, tea gardens, rivers and forests. The ‘Chalsa More’ is an important crossing on the National Highway No. 31. One part of the town is surrounded by Gorumara National Park and other part with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. Considered as a small town, Chalsa is visited by most travellers as an obvious stop en route to other tourist destinations. The best time to visit Chalsa is from October to June, when the sky remains clear and the weather is bright and sunny.
Murti
Located at a 20-minutes-drive away from Gorumara National Forest, Murti is a small village by the side of Murti River and an ideal picnic spot with spectacular scenic beauty. With the magnanimous Gorumara Forest standing opposite Murti village and the river Murti flowing by with sweeps of greenery on its banks, it creates an awesome place to spend your time. The river has strong current during rainy season, but during rest of the year it flows lazily, when a bath in the knee deep crystal clear water is a must for the tourists. Camping, angling and hiking are the most popular activities in Murti.
Lataguri
Lataguri is a small town located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. The village is located outside the Gorumara National Park on National Highway No. 31. Lataguri is the nearest small Tourist Strip near Gorumara National park and is a perfect holiday destination for those who want to take a break from the monotonous and hectic life. It also has a Nature Interpretation Centre, which gives its visitors almost every information about the flora and fauna of the area. There is a children’s park adjacent to Nature Interpretation Centre.
Bindu
At 600 metres elevation, Bindu is a small village on the border with Bhutan. As the last village on the Indian side bordering Bhutan, Bindu is ringed by hills on all sides and encompasses dense forests. It is situated along the banks of the River Jaldhaka. This scenic village offers magnificent views of the Bhutan Himalayas and the snow peaked mountains during winters. Located in the foothills of lower Kalimpong, Bindu offers opportunities for small treks, starting from Todey to Tangta and extending till Neora Valley National Park. A major attraction of this village is the Bindu Dam built over the Jaldhaka River, flowing through the valley. This area is famous for Elaichi (Cardamom) cultivation and tea plantations, which makes the landscape very green, expansive, soothing and quiet. You can visit Bindu at any time of the year, but the weather remains very pleasant from November to March.
Samsing
Samsing is located at an altitude of 3000 feet in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The pristine hilly village of Samsing amidst forests and tea gardens is also the gateway to the Neora Valley National Park, located at a distance of 18 kms. A drive to Samsing is a pleasure trip along meandering emerald green river, the cool shades of orange orchards, sleepy hamlets, picturesque tea gardens and the lofty Himalayas. The forest area of Samsing consists of several species of animals and plants. It is an ideal place for those, who are looking for a break from routine city life to enjoy a rejuvenating vacation in the natural environment. Samsing is also known for its traditional orange orchards and cardamom plantations, which provide livelihood to a large number of local villagers.
Suntalekhola
Suntalekhola is a small village and a tourist spot at 20 kms. from Chalsa and about 5 kms. from Samsing. In Nepali ‘Suntale’ means orange and ‘Khola’ means stream. The green belt on the left side of the way to Suntalekhola is amazing and holds many rarities of birds and butterflies. Several trek routes into Neora Valley National Park originate from Suntalekhola. It is known for its beautiful landscape with green tea gardens, hills and forests, which attract a lot of tourists. Different species of birds, are found here, e.g. Pond Heron, Black Eagle, Hill Partridge, Red-vented Bulbul, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Bronzed Drongo, etc.
Rocky Island
Rocky Island is an upcoming destination in Dooars with the Murti River flowing through it. The place, about 2 kms. from Samsing, is surrounded by hills and ideal for land based adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing and rappelling. The campsite provides an excellent opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and its abundant avifauna of the lower part of Neora Valley National Sanctuary. The place is adorned with the views of massive large rocks like Neel kanta, Pathar Kailas, Bhimsen, Hansdunga, etc., which provides easy climbing practice for everyone. Short enjoyable treks to nearby spots like Sherpagaon, Bhalukope, Jhandidara and Mo-chuki are added attractions of Rocky Island. Accommodation is arranged in small Tents for overnight visitors.
Jaldhaka
Jaldhaka valley, which derived its name from a river, is a prominent tourist destination in the Kalimpong sub-division of West Bengal. This valley is situated at a height of over 1,500 feet above sea level. The Jaldhaka River is formed by the conjunction of three streams – Bindu Khola, Dudh Pokhri and Jaldhaka. The combined streams meet at Bindu to form the Jaldhaka River, thus forming a riverine boundary with India and Bhutan. Jaldhaka is popular for its hydro-electric power station and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. Trekking and bird watching are two important tourist activities in the region of Jaldhaka. There are no big markets, no concrete buildings, no hooting cars. It is a rustic and quiet place for the nature lovers.
Jhalong
Jhalong is a less trodden place of the Dooars and is about 99 kms. from Jalpaiguri town. It is situated on the bank of Jaldhaka on the way to Bindu in Kalimpong Sub-division. Jhalong is a paradise for bird watchers. Eurasian Wryneck, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Hodgson’s Redstart, Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-necked Laughing Thrush are some of the rare species found here. A visit to the weekly market and a bare footed walk on the banks of the river can rejuvenate you and keep you wanting for more. The Jaldhaka Hydro Electricity Project on the Jaldhaka River is another major attraction.
Paren
Paren in Dooars is admired for lush green forest areas, hilly terrain, meandering rivers, agricultural fields and a picturesque village. It is an ideal destination for a weekend trip. You can spot the location on your way to Bindu, at the verge of the Indian border with Bhutan and is 10 kms. drive from Jaldhaka. Paren is an ideal place for enjoying treks, drives and trails. If you are a trek enthusiast, trek to Rechella and from there via Alubari, you can reach Lava. Paren attracts tourists round the year. However, if you are not enough adventurous, try to avoid the rainy season.
Kalipur
Kalipur is a part of the Gorumara National Park, situated on the Indo-Bhutan border in the Northern part of West Bengal. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Kalipur from Siliguri town. If you are an ardent lover of wildlife thriving amidst lush green forest, then Kalipur is the right place for you. The jungle is inhabited by wild Elephants, Rhinoceros, Leopards, Tigers, Bears and other animals. The thrilling Elephant Safaris in the early mornings and exotic Tribal Dances in the evenings are unforgettable experiences. The ideal time of visiting Kalipur starts from the middle of October and extends up to the middle of March. However, if you are travelling in October, you may experience occasional showers.