Among incredible locations in Dooars comes Lataguri. It’s a census town in Northern West Bengal about 85 km from Siliguri and 20 km from Chalsa. The natural vegetation of the region involves semi-evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, riverine forests, moist deciduous forests, and savannah forest.

Besides a hot, humid, and cold climate, Lataguri experiences a full-on rainy season, when wildlife locations remain closed (15th June-15th September). A good range of hotels in Lataguri forest is available, ranging from budget-friendly accommodations to luxury properties. Staying in forest hotels allows tourists to get the most authentic feeling of being close to nature’s wilderness.

In the list of the top wildlife destinations in Dooars, there are two incredibly iconic locations, namely Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, belonging to the Lataguri forest. Neither of these wildlife spots is vast but exclusively beautiful. Let’s explore:

Gorumara National Park

For the year 2009, the forest area of Gorumara was declared the best among the protected regions in India by the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Before tha,t Gorumara was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1949. Exploring its wildlife splendor never leaves you unimpressed.

For both animal and nature lovers, Gorumara is a wonderland. Surrounded by lush greenery, the diverse range of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in Gorumara awestruck your senses. This iconic national park remains closed from 15th June to 15th September and open from October to June (before 15th June) every year.

Winter is the best time to visit Gorumara National Park and the gorgeous wildlife habitats residing here. Jeep safari and elephant safari are popular outdoor activities here in Gorumara. Jeep safari costs around INR 2200. A visit to Jatra Prasad Watchtower is also famous among tourists.

Except Thursday, the park remains open on all days of the week from 6 am to 5 pm. In Gorumara, you can spot tropical deciduous forests. Sal, Simul, Khair, Teak, Siris, riverine grassland, and bamboo groves. Indian one-horned rhinoceros, various types of deer, wild boar, elephants, leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wolves you can find here.

264 varieties of birds reside here, such as woodpeckers, Scarlet Minivet, Ashy wood swallow, Ashy Drongo, Great Spangled Drongo, pheasants, Great Indian Hornbill, Asian Paradise Flycatchers, peafowls. Also, there dwell 7 species of turtles, 27 species of fish, 22 species of reptiles, and other microfauna. Get one of the quality hotels in Lataguri forest near Gorumara.

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Considered a forest reserve in 1895, Chapramari is a small wildlife sanctuary perched on the Eastern Himalayan foothills. In 1998, the forest reserve of Chapramari became a wildlife sanctuary. Chapramari is famous for birdwatching and the population of elephants.  

Wildlife habitats leopards, barking deer chital, sambar, and Indian bison are commonly seen in Chapramari. Various birds Hornbill, peafowl, like roller, hill mayna, flinch, Indian treepie, black partridge, bee-eater, florican, thrush, green magpie, white-breasted kingfisher, large grey-headed fishing eagle reside here.

You need a guide and entry permit to enjoy the wildlife sanctuary and watchtower. There are lodges available run by the forest department. Book affordable hotels in Lataguri. Safaris and watchtower visits are operated both in the morning and afternoon. A maximum of 6 to 7 vehicles can approach the region per entry. Explore the best of wildlife visits in Lataguri.