Gorumara National Park

Gorumara as Dooars is lying in the Himalayan foothill has great natural beauty and is home to some of West Bengal's most varied flora and fauna. Gorumara National Park located on the bank of rivers Murti and Raidak has vegetation of riverine grasslands interspersed with savannah woodlands. Much of this forest is moist deciduous and sal (shorea robusta) is the most common and valuable tree. Teak, Simul, siris, Khair is also found here. The park is breathtaking with its rivers and mountain ranges.

Besides the one horned rhinoceros, the fauna of the park include Indian Elephant, Indian Bison, leopard, and different species of deer, turtles, pythons, monkeys etc. and more than 200 species of birds. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise with beautiful birds like Indian pied hornbill, Woodpeckers, Sunbird, fly catcher, Minivet, Drongo, Pheasants and many more migratory birds especially in winter. Brahmani duck is a regular visitor here and the birds can be watched from Suksukia or Chukchuki, a bird watching point inside the park. The best time to visit Gorumara National Park is from November to March. The park remains closed from Mid-June to Mid-September because of monsoons.

Gorumara National Park is also famous for its Jungle Safari. Jungle Safari is the best way to spot wildlife. Jungle Safari is done mainly in two ways:

Elephant Safari:

As the name says elephant safari is done by riding on the back of elephants. This is the best way to view the wildlife. The elephant can take you to the interior parts of the forest, cross the streams or small rivers where a jeep or car cannot reach. Only visitors who stay in the government bungalows can go for elephant safari. However tickets for elephant safari cannot be booked in advanced.

Jeep safari:

Jeep Safari is another way to explore the forest and its wildlife. Jeeps can take you inside the forest where you can get a close view of Rhino, wild elephant, deer, etc. Jeep Safari is not as much thrilling as elephant safari but jeep safari can be availed by all. For jeep safari you have to hire the Forest Department jeeps. Along with the jeep the Forest Department driver and a guide will accompany the tourist in the safari.

The Watchtowers of Gorumara National Park

• Jatraprasad Watch Tower: Jatraprasad watchtower got its name from the legendary elephant of the forest department 'Jatraprasad'. It is two-tier watchtower from where visitors can get excellent view of the forest as well as wildlife. This watchtower is the most famous and the oldest watchtower of Gorumara National Park.
• Rhino Observation Point: Rhino Observation Point is located near the Gorumara Forest Bungalow. You can catch the sight of Rhinos from this point very easily. There is also a salt reservoir below the park where the elephants and the rhinos come to taste the salt.
• Chukchuki Watch Tower: Chukchuki watch tower is a birding point where you can see variety of birds both local and migratory. This place is a bird watcher's paradise. It is perfect for people who love photography.
• Medhla Watch Tower: Medhla watch tower is located near Murti River. This tower is newly built. From here visitors can see elephants crossing the river or rhinos, bisons, deer, etc. The special attraction of this tower is the buffalo cart ride which is available only in medla watch tower.
• Chandrachur Watch Tower: Chandrachur Watch Tower is located inside the Khunia forest thus the other name of Chandrachur watchtower is Khunia watchtower. The tower is located near the Murti Forest Bungalow. From this point you can sight number of elephants and Indian Bison (Gaur).