Gorumara National Park is a compact but extraordinarily wildlife-rich protected area in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, covering 80 sq km in the Dooars — the terai grasslands at the foot of the Eastern Himalayas. Famous for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, gaur, and leopards, it offers some of West Bengal's finest wildlife safari experiences.
Gorumara National Park
The Dooars Jewel — Rhinos, Elephants & Himalayan Foothills
History of Gorumara
From Reserve Forest to National Park (1994)
First declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1949, Gorumara was elevated to National Park status in 1994. The Murti and Jaldhaka rivers flowing through the park combined with the Himalayan foothills backdrop create one of the most scenic wildlife habitats in eastern India.
One-Horned Rhino Stronghold
Gorumara shelters one of West Bengal's largest populations of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). Rhino sightings are almost guaranteed during morning safaris near the Gorumara and Medla watch towers — especially from January to March when grasslands are at their lowest.
The Dooars Ecosystem
The "Dooars" (meaning "doors" — gateways to Bhutan) is a unique transitional ecosystem between the Himalayan foothills and the Bengal plains. Gorumara sits at the heart of this landscape — a mosaic of tall elephant grass, riverine forest, and sal woodland supporting exceptional biodiversity.
Wildlife
Beyond rhinos and elephants, Gorumara shelters leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sloth bears, barking deer, sambar, and over 193 bird species including the great hornbill and rare Bengal florican. The park's rivers host mugger crocodiles and smooth-coated otters. The Chunabhati, Medla, and Jatraprasad watch towers provide elevated wildlife observation platforms.
Safari Seasons
Peak Wildlife Season (November–May)
The dry season brings the best wildlife sightings as animals concentrate near water sources. January–March is optimal when grass is shortest — ideal for rhino and elephant photography from the Medla watch tower.
Elephant Back Safari
Gorumara offers elephant-back safaris into the core area — a unique way to approach rhinos at close range. Limited seats must be booked at the Forest Department office at Lataguri, the gateway village to the park.
Did You Know?
Gorumara was among the first parks in India to introduce night safaris — a special programme allowing visitors to experience the jungle after dark with trained naturalists. Nocturnal wildlife including leopards, civets, porcupines, and fishing cats become visible in ways impossible during daylight safaris.
Travel Guide to Gorumara
How to Reach
By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), Siliguri — 75 km via NH27 to Lataguri (approx. 2.5 hours).
By Train: Malbazar or New Mal Junction — 15 km from Lataguri. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is 70 km away.
By Road: NH27 from Siliguri to Chalsa, then state highway to Lataguri. Shared jeeps from Siliguri take 2.5–3 hours.
Safari Points
Medla Watch Tower: Best for rhino sightings — most reliable morning observation point.
Chunabhati: Main entry with elephant safaris and jeep booking facility.
Jatraprasad: Riverside watch tower for elephant and gaur sightings near the Murti River.
Permits & Timings
Safari Hours: 6 AM – 9 AM and 3 PM – 5:30 PM (closed Thursdays).
Entry Fee: ₹200 Indians / ₹1,000 foreign nationals per day. Vehicle fee ₹200 extra.
Park Season: November 15 – June 15. Closed during monsoon (July–October).
Best Time to Visit
November–April is ideal. January–March gives the best rhino visibility when grasslands are at their shortest. December–February is cold (10–22°C) but comfortable for safaris. Advance accommodation booking in Lataguri eco-lodges is essential for peak season weekends.
Travel Tips
Book the morning elephant safari the previous day at Chunabhati — seats are strictly limited and sell out quickly.
Wear earth tones (green, brown, khaki) — bright clothing disturbs wildlife and reduces close encounter chances.
A 300–400mm telephoto lens gives the best results for rhino photography from the elevated watch tower platforms.
Stay in Lataguri — several eco-resorts make it the ideal base for 2-night Dooars wildlife itineraries.