Gorumara Jungle Safari

The Gorumara Jungle Safari is a jeep-based wildlife drive in Gorumara National Park, reached from the town of Lataguri in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India, about 70 km from Siliguri. The park is a small Terai reserve of grassland and riverine forest on the floodplain of the Murti and Jaldhaka rivers, and it protects the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephants, Indian bison (gaur), deer, leopards and over 190 species of birds. Safaris of two to three hours run on forest tracks with stops at watchtowers such as Jatraprasad and Chukchuki, from which visitors scan the grassland and waterholes. The activity is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, as passengers stay seated in the vehicle and only climb the watchtower stairs. Licensed safari jeeps are arranged through the West Bengal Forest Department and local operators at Lataguri, with entry tickets, vehicle fees and a mandatory guide bought separately; the total commonly runs from about ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per jeep plus fees. Visitors bring neutral clothing, binoculars, a telephoto lens and insect repellent. Safety rules are set by the forest staff: passengers stay inside the jeep, keep noise low, do not feed animals and follow the guide if elephants cross the track. Evacuation relies on forest vehicles and the road back to Lataguri and Chalsa. The park is closed during the monsoon, from about June to mid-September, when rivers flood and tracks are impassable. The best season is October to March, when the weather is cool and dry and wildlife gathers near water; mornings and late afternoons are the preferred slots. Booking ahead is useful in winter holidays, and nearby forest lodges and resorts around Lataguri make an overnight stay convenient for a dawn drive.