Gorumara National Park

Located in West Bengal, the Gorumara National Park sits 6 kilometres away from NH31 in the submontane Terai Region of the Himalayan foothills. The entry to this mid-sized park lies in the vicinity of a tea estate. It is primarily known for its rolling forests, riverine grasslands, and a mighty population of Asiatic rhinos. Resting on the flood plains of River Raidak and Murti, it is also a home to River Jaldhaka. In the year 2009, the Ministry of Environment and Forests declared Gorumara National Park as the best among all protected areas of the country. Today, it is often referred to as ‘the Dooars of West Bengal’ and is a popular tourist destination close to the Jaldapara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary.

How To Reach Gorumara National Park?

The park lies 88 kilometres from Siliguri. There are two ways to reach it – one through Jalpaiguri and the other through Sevoke-Chalsa road. The nearest airport in India is Bagdogra, which is 90 kilometres away from Gorumara National Park (2-3 hours drive by car). The nearest airport in Bhutan is Paro, which is a 7-8 hours drive from the park. The nearest major railways junction is NJP, which is 2-3 hours away from the park. You can get down at stations like Malbazar, Chalsa, and Alipurduar as well. By road, you can reach the park via NH31. Bus services are available at regular intervals. You can also book a private car.

What To See And Do In Gorumara National Park?

• Take an elephant safari through the park.
• Meanwhile, you can spot leopard, deer, bison, sambar, other elephants, wild boars, reptiles, and many birds, including peacocks.
• Gorumara National Park is renowned for its variety of orchids; go, find some.
• Enjoy a cultural show in the evening.
• Take a tribal tour; meet the tribes.
• Indulge in angling by the riverside.
• You can also take a religious tour to Bhutan and Cooch Behar if you want.
• There are more than six watchtowers here, including Medhla Tower, Chandrachur Watch Tower, Chukchuki Bird Tower, Rhino Observation Point, and Jatraprasad Watch Tower. Enjoy the wildlife from these structures.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Gorumara National Park?

Every year, from the 15th of June to the 15th of September, the Gorumara National Park remains closed for tourists. This is because of the monsoons; the rains make tourism difficult. Annual temperature ranges from 10°C to 37°C. The best time is from March to April. People also visit the park during the winters, from October to February.