Gorumara National Park, in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, is one of the easiest places in India to see the Indian one-horned rhinoceros on a short jeep safari. It sits in the Dooars, the flat belt of forest and tea country where the eastern Himalaya meet the plains, on the floodplains of the Murti and Raidak rivers. This guide covers the wildlife, the watchtower-and-safari system run by the forest department, the best season, how to reach the park, where to stay and how much a trip costs.
Gorumara National Park is a compact grassland-and-forest reserve of 79.99 sq km in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, protected since 1895 and best known for its breeding population of Indian one-horned rhinos. Safaris and watchtower visits are booked through the state forest department near Lataguri.
Key takeaways
- Gorumara National Park covers 79.99 sq km in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, on the Murti and Raidak river floodplains in the Dooars; it was a reserve forest from 1895 and gained national-park status in the 1990s.
- The park’s headline animal is the Indian one-horned rhinoceros; a West Bengal Forest Department census on 5–6 March 2025 estimated 58–63 rhinos in Gorumara (average 61), up from 52 counted in 2019.
- Gorumara stays open roughly mid-September to mid-June and closes every monsoon from about 16 June to 15 September; October to February is the most comfortable window.
- Jeep safaris and watchtower trips (Jatraprasad, Chandrachur and the Chukchuki birding point) are booked only through the forest department, from counters near Lataguri; all fees and timings are indicative and must be reconfirmed.
- The usual gateway is Lataguri; the nearest railheads are New Mal Junction (about 18–20 km) and New Jalpaiguri/NJP (about 55 km), and the nearest airport is Bagdogra (about 70 km).
About Gorumara and quick facts
Gorumara National Park is a 79.99 sq km protected area in the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, in the Dooars. According to Wikipedia’s park entry, the land was a reserve forest from 1895, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1949 to protect its breeding rhinos, and later became a national park; the same entry records official national-park status on 31 January 1992, while several tourism listings give 1994. The park lies on the floodplains of the Murti and Raidak rivers, with the Jaldhaka — a tributary of the Brahmaputra system — as the major river nearby.
The reserve is small and mixed: sal forest with teak, rain tree and silk cotton, bamboo, terai grassland and riverine reeds. That patchwork of tall grass and open riverbank is what makes rhino and gaur sightings realistic here even on a single morning drive. The forest sits low in the plains, so unlike a Himalayan trip there is no altitude concern — the terrain is flat and warm.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal (Dooars), Malbazar subdivision |
| Area | 79.99 sq km (source: Wikipedia park entry) |
| Protected since | Reserve forest 1895; wildlife sanctuary 1949; national park 1990s |
| Rivers | Murti and Raidak floodplains; Jaldhaka nearby |
| Headline species | Indian one-horned rhinoceros, gaur (Indian bison), Asian elephant |
| Gateway town | Lataguri |
| Open season | Roughly mid-September to mid-June; closed in the monsoon |
| Nearest railhead | New Mal Junction (~18–20 km); New Jalpaiguri/NJP (~55 km) |
| Nearest airport | Bagdogra (~70 km) |
Wildlife and the one-horned rhino
The animal people come to Gorumara to see is the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and the park holds a small but growing breeding herd. A West Bengal Forest Department census conducted on 5 and 6 March 2025 — reported by the government’s own News On Air service — estimated 58 to 63 rhinos in Gorumara, with an average of 61, part of a state total of 392 one-horned rhinos (up from 229 at the previous count). The earlier February 2019 census, reported by Mongabay, counted 52 rhinos here, up from 49 in 2015.
Beyond the rhino, Gorumara is good for other large grazers. Gaur (the Indian bison, the world’s largest wild cattle) are regularly seen at salt licks below the towers, and herds of Asian elephant move through the forest. Wikipedia’s park entry lists chital and sambar among the large deer and barking deer and hog deer among the smaller ones, with the leopard as the only resident big cat. The same entry records totals of about 50 mammal, 194 bird, 22 reptile and 27 fish species.
Birdlife is a real reason to visit in its own right. The great hornbill, scarlet minivet, sunbirds, Asian paradise flycatcher and spangled drongo are all recorded here, and peafowl are common; the park also lies on a migratory flyway. Note that sightings are never guaranteed — rhino and gaur move with the grass and water, and a quiet drive is part of any wildlife trip.
| Census year | Gorumara rhinos | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 49 | WB Forest Dept, via Mongabay |
| 2019 (Feb) | 52 | WB Forest Dept, via Mongabay |
| 2025 (5–6 Mar) | 58–63 (avg 61) | WB Forest Dept, via News On Air |
Watchtowers and the jeep safari system
You see Gorumara from fixed watchtowers reached by forest-department jeep, not by wandering the park on foot. Vehicles run on a quota to a handful of towers and viewpoints, and seats are booked only through the forest department; according to multiple travel operators, no private agent is permitted to take bookings on the department’s behalf. The jeep safari and watchtower counters sit near Lataguri, close to the park’s main entrance, and you carry photo ID to collect tickets.
Each tower has its own character. Jatraprasad — named after a female elephant that helped raise orphaned calves — is the most visited, with a salt lick that draws animals and Rhino Observation Point close by. Chandrachur, also called the Old Khunia tower, stands in open grassland near Murti. Chukchuki is primarily a birding point between Ramsai and Lataguri. Medla is reached by a bullock-cart ride from the Kalipur eco-village, which many visitors enjoy as much as the tower itself.
Treat all fees and shift timings as indicative planning estimates and reconfirm at the counter. Travel blogs report morning and afternoon shifts of roughly two hours each, a per-vehicle cost plus a per-person entry fee and a guide fee, with figures that disagree between sources — so these are not published here as fact. During peak season (roughly November to March) slots fill fast; book as early as you can.
| Tower / point | Best for | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Jatraprasad | Rhino, gaur, elephant at the salt lick; most popular | Jeep; Rhino Observation Point nearby |
| Chandrachur (Old Khunia) | Grassland grazers near Murti | Jeep |
| Chukchuki | Birdwatching | Jeep; between Ramsai and Lataguri |
| Medla | Grassland and river views | Bullock cart from Kalipur eco-village |
Best time to visit Gorumara National Park
The best time to visit Gorumara is October to February, when the air is dry and cool and the grass is short enough for clear sightings. The park follows the standard North Bengal wildlife calendar: it stays open from roughly mid-September to mid-June and closes every monsoon — multiple sources give the closure as about 16 June to 15 September — when heavy rain floods the forest and tracks. March to mid-June is hot and humid but still rewarding, as animals gather near shrinking water.
Plan around the closure first, then around comfort. If you want the best weather and the highest chance of seeing rhino and gaur in the open, aim for the winter months and book safaris well ahead, especially around holidays.
| Period | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October–February | Dry, cool, pleasant | Best window; short grass, peak-season crowds and bookings |
| March–mid-June | Hot, humid | Open; animals gather at water; fewer visitors |
| ~16 June–15 September | Monsoon | Park closed for the breeding season and rains |
How to reach Gorumara
Most visitors reach Gorumara through Lataguri, the gateway town on NH 17 (old NH 31) where the safari counters sit. The nearest major railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 55 km away; New Mal Junction is far closer at roughly 18–20 km, and a West Bengal government listing also names Chalsa, about 18 km from the park, as a broad-gauge railhead. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), about 70 km from Lataguri, with the drive taking roughly two hours.
From NJP, Bagdogra or Siliguri, reserved and prepaid taxis run to Lataguri in about one and a half to two hours via Sevak, Malbazar and Chalsa; state and private buses also serve the route. Distances vary by source and by the exact route taken, so treat the figures below as planning estimates.
| From | Distance | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| New Mal Junction (railhead) | ~18–20 km | Taxi, ~40 min |
| Chalsa (broad-gauge railhead) | ~18 km (WB govt listing) | Taxi |
| New Jalpaiguri / NJP (railhead) | ~55 km | Taxi/bus, 1.5–2 hr |
| Bagdogra airport (IXB) | ~70 km | Taxi, ~2 hr |
| Siliguri | ~60 km | Taxi/bus |
Where to stay
Stay in or around Lataguri, Murti or Dhupjhora, all within easy reach of the safari counters. Options run from forest-department bungalows and eco-tourism cottages to private resorts; West Bengal Tourism operates lodges in the area (for example at Murti and in the Gorumara belt), which book out early in winter and should be reserved well ahead. The figures below are indicative planning bands as of October 2026 — reconfirm current tariffs when you book.
- Budget (about ₹1,000–₹2,500 a night): simple lodges and homestays in Lataguri and nearby villages.
- Mid-range (about ₹2,500–₹6,000 a night): resorts around Lataguri, Murti and Dhupjhora; government eco-cottages.
- Higher-end (about ₹6,000+ a night): larger resorts with pools, guided-safari packages and tea-garden settings.
Government forest bungalows and eco-cottages offer the closest experience to the forest, but they have limited rooms and fill fastest; check the West Bengal Tourism and forest-department channels for availability.
Budget breakdown
A two-night Gorumara trip from NJP costs most couples roughly ₹8,000–₹20,000 per person, depending on stay and transport. The table below is a planning estimate for a two-night, three-day trip in the October–February season, excluding how you reach North Bengal; it assumes mid-range accommodation, shared taxis and a couple of safaris, and all figures are indicative and dated October 2026.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (2 nights, per person sharing) | ₹1,500–₹3,000 | ₹3,000–₹7,000 |
| Safaris and watchtower entry (indicative) | ₹600–₹1,500 | ₹1,000–₹2,500 |
| Local transport (NJP transfer, drives) | ₹1,500–₹3,000 | ₹2,500–₹5,000 |
| Food | ₹900–₹1,800 | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Indicative total | ₹4,500–₹9,300 | ₹8,000–₹17,500 |
The Dooars setting: Jaldapara and Chapramari
Gorumara is one piece of a larger wildlife landscape called the Dooars, so most visitors pair it with a neighbouring forest. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary sits directly beside Gorumara and is counted with it in rhino and elephant surveys; the two share the same grassland-and-sal habitat. A little further east, Jaldapara National Park in Alipurduar district holds West Bengal’s largest rhino herd — the 2025 state census estimated 327 to 334 rhinos there — and, according to the government’s census release, is India’s second-largest one-horned rhino habitat after Kaziranga in Assam.
Between these forests lie tea gardens, the Murti river, and villages such as Samsing and Suntalekhola in the forested foothills. If you have more days in North Bengal, Gorumara combines naturally with the hill stations above the Dooars; our Kalimpong travel guide covers one such base within a few hours’ drive. For the wider region, see our West Bengal travel guide.
Permits and responsible-wildlife rules
No special entry permit such as an Inner Line Permit is needed to visit Gorumara — it is open to Indian and foreign tourists through the ordinary forest-department safari system, unlike the restricted-area forests of some other states. What you do need is a booked safari or watchtower slot and photo ID to collect your ticket.
Inside the park, standard protected-area rules apply. Follow the forest department’s and your guide’s instructions, and in particular:
- Stay on the jeep and in the watchtowers; do not get down near animals or try to approach a rhino or gaur, which can charge.
- Keep quiet, do not feed or bait wildlife, and switch phones to silent.
- Carry out all litter; single-use plastic is discouraged across the Dooars forests.
- Do not fly drones over the park without written forest-department permission, and check India’s civil-aviation drone rules separately.
- Wear muted colours and respect village communities around the park — they are hosts, not part of the sightseeing.
Practical tips
Come prepared for a warm, low-altitude forest with patchy mobile coverage. Networks and data can be weak inside the forest and reliable in Lataguri and Malbazar; carry cash because ATMs are limited near the park, though UPI works in towns. The nearest full hospitals are at Malbazar and in the Jalpaiguri–Siliguri belt, so keep a basic kit and any regular medicines with you.
- Booking: reserve safaris and government stays well ahead for the October–February peak; carry photo ID.
- Timing: morning drives generally give the best sightings; dress in layers for cool winter mornings.
- Packing: light cottons and a sun hat for March–June; a fleece and windcheater for winter mornings; closed shoes, insect repellent and binoculars year-round.
- Solo women travellers: Lataguri and the organised safari system are generally straightforward; stick to registered stays and shared or booked transport, and keep to daylight drives.
- Cash: keep enough for safaris, tips and small purchases, as card acceptance is limited at counters and village stays.
Nearby places
Gorumara works best as part of a short Dooars loop. The table below lists easy add-ons with approximate distances from Lataguri; distances are indicative, as of October 2026.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary | ~20 km | Elephant and rhino habitat adjoining Gorumara |
| Murti | ~15 km | Riverside stays and quiet forest walks |
| Samsing / Suntalekhola | ~40 km | Forested foothills, streams and orange orchards |
| Jaldapara National Park | ~70 km | West Bengal’s largest one-horned rhino herd |
| Jalpaiguri town | ~45 km | District headquarters; river and heritage |
| Malbazar | ~20 km | Transport hub, tea gardens, services |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gorumara National Park?
Gorumara National Park is in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, in the Dooars region on the floodplains of the Murti and Raidak rivers. The usual gateway is Lataguri town. The nearest railheads are New Mal Junction (about 18–20 km) and New Jalpaiguri, and the nearest airport is Bagdogra, roughly 70 km away.
What animals can I see in Gorumara?
The headline animal is the Indian one-horned rhinoceros; a 2025 West Bengal Forest Department census estimated 58–63 rhinos here. You may also see gaur (Indian bison), Asian elephant, chital, sambar and other deer, and rich birdlife including the great hornbill. Leopard is the only resident big cat. Sightings are never guaranteed.
How do I book a Gorumara jeep safari?
Jeep safaris and watchtower visits are booked only through the West Bengal Forest Department, at counters near Lataguri; no private agent can book on its behalf. Carry photo ID to collect tickets. Vehicles run on a daily quota, so reserve early, especially in the November–March peak. Fees and shift timings are indicative and must be reconfirmed locally.
When is Gorumara National Park open, and when is it closed?
Gorumara is open from roughly mid-September to mid-June and closes every monsoon, with the closure usually given as about 16 June to 15 September. The best window is October to February, when the weather is dry and cool and sightings are clearest. Reconfirm the exact closure dates for the year you travel.
Which Gorumara watchtower is best for seeing rhinos?
Jatraprasad is the most popular watchtower for rhino, gaur and elephant, thanks to a salt lick that draws animals, with Rhino Observation Point close by. Chandrachur (Old Khunia) overlooks grassland near Murti, while Chukchuki is mainly a birding point. Tower access depends on your booked safari slot.
Do I need a permit to visit Gorumara?
No Inner Line Permit is needed for Gorumara; it is open to Indian and foreign tourists through the forest department’s ordinary safari system. You only need a booked safari or watchtower slot and photo ID. Standard protected-area rules apply inside the park, including no feeding of wildlife and no drones without written permission.
Last updated and sources
Gorumara suits anyone who wants a short, well-organised introduction to the one-horned rhino and the Dooars without a long or strenuous trip. Go between October and February for the best weather and sightings, and build in a day for a neighbouring forest.
Last updated: 17 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia, Gorumara National Park (area, designations, flora and fauna; used to locate primary facts); News On Air (Government of India), West Bengal one-horned rhino census, March 2025; Mongabay, West Bengal rhino census 2019; West Bengal Tourism, Jalpaiguri district. Accessed October 2026.
