In 2009, Gorumara National Park was declared the best wildlife protected area in India by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests. This 100 sq. km. forest crisscrossed by Jadhaka and Murti rivers is teeming with rhinos, elephants, bisons, leopards, deer and more than 100 species of birds and a healthy population of snakes and insects.
Landscape of Gorumara National Park
Characterised by the typical Terai-Duars ecozone, the Gorumara National park boasts tropical and subtropical deciduous forests with grasslands and shrublands.
Flora and fauna in Gorumara National Park
The usual forest cover comprises Common Teak (Sal), Bombax (Shimul), Rain tree (Shirish) and occasional Bamboo groves with a coverage of flood plain grasslands. The moist weather also helps numerous wild tropical orchids to grow in abundance.
Gorumara’s mammal population is very impressive. Large herbivores like Indian Bison (Gaur), Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant and large carnivores like leopards and illusive Bengal Tigers make most of it. Also, Sambhars, Barking Deer, Civets, Mongooses, Pygmy Hogs, Giant Squirrels and the endangered Hispid form a major part of the animal population in Garumara.
The impressive winged residents of Gorumara include woodpeckers, sunbirds, pheasants, minivets, flycatchers, peacocks, drongo, Indian hornbills and others. Migratory birds like Brahminy ducks and Teals start appearing in December. The reptilian population includes the Indian python – one of the largest snakes in the world and the King Cobra – the world’s largest venomous snake which feeds on other snakes.
Things to do in Gorumara National Park
Elephant safaris and Jeep safaris are the best ways to enjoy the wildlife here. They are organized by the Forest Department, twice daily in mornings and evenings. Also, cultural shows are organised by the resorts in the evenings. Surely, birding, angling, tribal tours are some other activities guests can enjoy.
Things to see in Gorumara National Park
Wildlife spotting from the watchtowers is the best option here. These towers are near water bodies where animals come for a drink. The animals also love a salt lick during hot summer months and so small heaps of salt are arranged by the authorities to attract them. There are over half a dozen watchtowers like Medhla, Jatraprasad, Rhino Observation Point, Chandrachur or Chukchuki Bird tower and many more. Apart from wildlife spotting, guests can rejuvenate in nearby riverside destinations like Murti, Jhallong, Bindu and Rocky Island. If you want to cool-off in nearby hills, then you can visit, Kumai, Samsing and Dalgaon. You can also visit the nearby tea factories and take long drives along the scenic tea estates.
Guests can also visit the Lataguri Nature Interpretation Centre that showcases the natural history of the eco-system here.
How to reach Gorumara National Park
Express trains stop at New Mall Junction (NMZ) just 14 kms away. However, a new railway station have come up at Lataguri too (the main entry point of Gorumara National Park), where local trains presently halt. Although the major railhead is New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) just 50 kms away, which is very well connected by NH31 to Lataguri. Guests can hire cars from NJP and NMZ Railway Stations to reach Lataguri. The nearest airport is Bagdogra around 70 kms. from where guests can hire cars to reach Lataguri.
Accommodation near Gorumara National Park