You must not miss the Gorumara National Park on your next vacation, which is located on the banks of the rivers Murti and Raidak in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. It has a vast diversity of flora and wildlife and is spread out across an area of 80 sq.km. it stands pretty in the foothills of the Great Himalayan mountains.
The region, which is home to many different mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds like the majestic Asian elephants, the regal Bengal tigers, and the Great Indian Hornbill, is full of riverine grasslands and wet deciduous woods. It is particularly well-known for its Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros.
Also easily seen here are Indian Wild Dogs, Giant Squirrels, Wild Boars, Deer, Cobras, Pythons, Woodpeckers, and a number of other species. In the past ten years or so, Gorumara National Park has been a well-liked tourist attraction because of its stunning beauty and abundance in flora and animals.
As evidence of the rise in tourism that the national park has seen, the area near the forest now boasts the highest concentration of tourist lodging in the Dooars. The Ministry of Environment and Forests named it the best-protected region in India in 2009.
Wildlife at Gorumara National Park
Many different types of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects can be found in Gorumara National Park. The one-horned Indian rhino in the park is its most well-known feature. In addition to these, leopards, elephants, Indian bison, rock pythons, and Malayan giant squirrel are frequently seen creatures in this area.
The park is home to over 48 different species of herbivores and carnivores combined. 193 kinds of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, and 27 species of fish all reside in the park. You can view a variety of birds here, including minivets, pheasants, hornbills, woodpeckers, cuckoos, pigeons, and mynas. Winter visitors can also view migratory birds like teal, storks, and ibis in this area. The Nightjars and the Owls are the nighttime hunters of Gorumara.
Forest Safari in Gorumara
The animal safari is without a doubt the most well-known and entertaining activity at the Gorumara National Park. You can get up close and admire the splendor and beauty of various animals and birds on these safaris.
There are two safari options available: the Jeep Safari and the Elephant Safari, both of which promise to see animals. When visiting the watchtowers, you must bring along an authorized guide who you can reserve through the forest department. Be ready to see some spectacular sights by carrying strong binoculars with night vision capabilities.
The guests are taken on jungle safaris to a variety of watchtowers, including:
Jatraprasad Watch Tower:
The most well-known observation point is the Jatraprasad watch tower, which bears the name of a female elephant renowned for her compassion. At the northern end of the National Park, the National Highway serves as the entrance to this watchtower. Especially during early morning or late afternoon safaris, it is a desirable location to see wildlife due to the salt lakes immediately below the watchtower.
Medhla Watch Tower :
On the eastern edge of the national park, in the Kalipur eco hamlet, is where you’ll find this watchtower. There are interesting bullock cart-driven safaris accessible here.
Chandrachur Watchtower:
The location of this watchtower is in the middle of a huge, open grassland. A tiny pond and salt lake can also be found here.
Best Time To Visit Gorumara National Park
From October through May is the ideal time to visit the national park. During this time, the weather is lovely and cooperative, so you can enjoy your visit without having to worry about the summer’s heat.
Gorumara National Park, Dooars, which is in the foothills of the Himalayas, is abounding in unspoiled natural beauty. The park’s waterfalls and mountain ranges give it an exceptionally magnificent appearance. The forest is primarily damp deciduous. Although sal is the primary plant species in the Gorumara National Park, teak, Silk Cotton (simul), Rain Tree (Shirish), and Khair are also present. A variety of ferns and orchid species are also present here.
Accommodations in Gorumara National Park
The Gorumara National Park offers literally over a hundred different lodging options, giving you a wide range of options when it comes to where to stay. The historic wooden Gorumara Forest Bungalow looks out over the salt reservoir. The Gorumara Elephant Camp and the 4-star River Wood Forest Retreats both provide lodging options. The finest locations to stay are in the adjacent tiny towns of Lataguri, Murti, and Dhupjhora, which provide choices ranging from budget hotels to luxurious lodges.
How to reach Gorumara National Park
Gorumara National Park is quite accessible and convenient to reach. Travelers can reach Gorumara from neighboring stations. Those who would prefer to travel by train might head up to Malbazar. Chalsa is the closest train station but there is no stoppage. From Malbazar Railway Station, it won’t take more than 45 minutes to get to Gorumara National Park.
The airport closest to Gorumara National Park is Bagdogra. The state of the roads is also fairly good. Travelers can therefore easily get to Gorumara by hiring a car or cab. Given that NJP is a significant railroad hub, people can also drive from NJP to the Gorumara National Park.
