One of the popular forest destination of North Bengal, Gorumara forest spreads over an area of 79.49 sq.km. with Murti, Jaldhaka, Garati, Ingdong rivers flowing through it. It comprises of 4 Beats and 2 watch towers. Besides Medla, Chukchuki, Khuniya forest are also popular among tourists. Entry permit is taken from Forest Deptt ticket counter located inside after travelling a 6km stretch in the Lataguri forest and taking a left. Take a Jeep provided by the Forest Deptt. and travel through the tea gardens, green forests comprising of Sirish, Simul, Bahera, Saal trees. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of Gaur, Blackbuck, Sambar and herd of elephants. Visit “Rhino Point” situated on the banks of Ingdong river, beside the forest bunglow. You can catch a sight of one horned rhino and bisons , which come to taste the salt at the saltbeds here. Spend some time and visit the Jatraprasad and Chukchuki watchtowers. located southwards
Taking an entry permit from Lataguri and crossing the railway tracks at Moynaguri, we will reach Chukchuki watchtower , which is popular for bird watching and also for sightings of elephants, deers and Gaurs. In the afternoon we will visit Medla watch tower located inside a small forest village mostly inhabited by the tribals. The traditional culture and the welcoming of guests with tribal music will make the trip a memorable one. Later take a stroll in the Magurmari village.
Suggested Itinerary:
DAY 1 :- The thought of forest safari creates a thrill in the mind of tourists. We will reach New Jalpaiguri/New Mal Jn. from Kolkata by train/car. After breakfast we will enter Gorumara Forest. After check-in ,post lunch we will spend some time watching the setting sun and its rays on Murti river bank. Enjoy the evening with snacks and watching tribal dance. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2 :- Enjoy the thrill of the jungle by taking an early morning jungle safari. Return to hotel and have lunch. Post lunch, we will take a bullock cart through the green tea gardens, traveling down the banks of Murti, Jaldhaka and Dyna rivers and reach Medla Najarminar. Enjoy the colours of nature and catch on a glimpse of one horned rhinos and Gaurs within tall elepahnt grasslands. During the later half of the day, take a safari to Budhuram and Chatoa settlements and enjoy tribal dance and culture. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3 :- After breakfast we will visit an unpopular rather backwood forest – Magurmari. Among the dense forest of Apalchand , the Oraons have settled in a little village here, comprising of 38 families. Enjoy the forest with tribal ambience. Enjoy the evening with tribal dance and later enjoy some traditional cuisines of Oraons at dinner.
DAY 4 : After breakfast we will visit Gajoldoba. Drop at New Mal Jn./ New Jalpaiguri.