When does the jungle stay closed?
All jungles in Dooars (Gorumara, Chapramari, Buxa, Jaldapara, Chilapata etc.) stay closed from 15 June to 15 September every year. No forest safaris are organised during this time of the year. Also, every Thursday the National Parks and Sanctuaries stay closed and Elephant safaris as well as car safaris are not held on Thursdays in any of the jungles.
From where do I get the Permits for safaris?
Jungle safaris are organised by the Forest Department. Permits for Dooars Jungle safari are issued on the spot by the Forest Department and limited number of permits are issued every day from the Entry gates of the respective forests. Discretion of issuing permits for jungle safari in cars or elephants, solely depend on the Forest Department.
How can I get the Permits for these safaris?
Tourists would need to submit the necessary documents, pay the fees and get the Permits from the respective counters at stipulated timing. Permits are issued from Lataguri Counter for Gorumara and from Madarihat and Salkumar Counter for Jaldapara Car Safari and Elephant Safari.
What documents do I need to submit for the issuance of Entry Permits and safaris in Dooars?
Indian Nationals would need to submit photocopies of any Government ID like Voter’s ID / PAN Card / Driving License, etc. for the issuance of Entry permits to the forests. All international guests would need to submit photocopies of their Passports with details of Passport Number, Name, Country, Date of Expiry, etc.
Can I change the timings, cancel and get a refund after my permits are issued?
NO. Permits are non-transferable and all Entry permits once issued cannot be cancelled. Timings will remain unchanged and fees once paid cannot be refunded.
How many tourists are allowed in each car during car safari?
Car safaris are held in Forest Department authorised cars and only 6 persons are permitted in a car. All cars are assisted by Department Registered Armed Forest Guides.
Where can I get Elephant safari and what are their timings?
You can get elephant safari in Jaladapara National Park and Chilapata Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Elephant safari timings at Jaldapara National Park as on 15 June 2016 is:
- First shift: 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM
- Second Shift: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Third Shift: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
The Elephant safari timings at Chilapata Wildlife Sanctuary as on 15 June 2016 is:
- First shift: 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM
- Second Shift: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Third shift: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Fourth shift: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Please note timings of elephant safari may change without any prior notice.
Where can I get Car safari and what are their timings?
You can get car safaris in most of the jungles of Dooars region like Gorumara, Chilapata, Buxa and Jaldapara.
The car safari timings at Jaldapara National Park as on 15 June 2016 is:
- First shift: 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM
- Second Shift: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Third Shift: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The car safari timings at Gorumara National Park from March to September as on 15 June 2016 is:
- First shift: 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM
- Second Shift: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
- Third Shift: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
- Fourth Shift: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
The car safari timings at Gorumara National Park from October to February as on 15 June 2016 is:
- First shift: 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM
- Second Shift: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Third Shift: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
- Fourth Shift: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
The car safari timings at Buxa Tiger Reserve as on 15 June 2016 is:
- First shift: 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM
- Day shift: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (anytime for 02 hours)
- Afternoon shift: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The car safari timings at Chilapata Wildlife Sanctuary as on 15 June 2016 is:
- First shift: 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM
- Second Shift: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Third Shift: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Please note timings of car safari may change without any prior notice.
What are Do's and Don'ts of Forest Safari
- Please make sure that your vehicle is accompanied by a Government authorised Nature Guide.
- Use of plastics is strictly prohibited within the National Park / Sanctuary. Please do not carry any sort of food or food packets or litter bottles inside the Protected area. Violation would attract penalty from Park Authorities.
- Playing music or musical instruments of any type within the National Park / Sanctuary is strictly prohibited and will attract penalties from the authorities too.
- Please maintain silence within the National Park / Sanctuary.
- Do not smoke or drink during your safari. It will attract penalties from the authorities too.
- Always wear dresses with dull and earthy colours – it will not distract the animals and birds of the forest and you would get better chances of spotting.
What essentials do I need to carry?
Any regular medicine you take, documents to prove your Indian identity, some basic medications like pain sprays, water bottles, some dry food items, chocolates and most importantly your camera, mobile charger, binoculars, power banks and camera chargers.
What is the temperature like in this region?
The Dooars region of Teesta and Torsa River Valleys are hot and humid during the summer months of April, May and June. However, with heavy rains from July to September, the Dooars region experiences a dip in the temperature. The winters are cool and comfortable. The hilly regions of Western Dooars have an average altitude of around 2000 to 2500 feet and experiences a soothing temperature.
What type of accommodation do I get in the various destinations during our Dooars Trip?
Our accommodations vary from luxury resorts to simple village home stays. We have accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. Please check the photos and facilities of the accommodations in every destination page before booking.
What type of food do I get in the various destinations during our Dooars Trip?
Food charges are not included within your package. You can choose the type of food you like and pay directly to the resort / hotel / homestay. All our accommodations have arrangements for good and healthy food.
What type of transport would be provided to us?
Standard SUVs like Bolero, Sumo or Maxx is provided within the package rates. Luxury category SUVs like Xylo / Innova or Scorpio can also be arranged but would attract extra costs.
What is your cancellation policy?
PACKAGE BOOKING
- 30 days or before arrival date: Full refund after deducting Processing Fees
- 29 to 15 days before arrival date: 50% of Package Cost to be deducted
- 14 to 07 days before arrival date: 75% of Package Cost to be deducted
- 06 to arrival date: No refund
ROOM BOOKING
- 30 days or before arrival date: Full refund after deducting Processing Fees
- 29 to 15 days before arrival date: 50% of Room tariff to be deducted
- 14 to 07 days before arrival date: 75% of Room Tariff to be deducted
- 06 to arrival date: No refund
POSTPONEMENT and RE-SCHEDULING
Postponement and re-scheduling of Package or room booking can be availed within six months of the booking date subject to availability. Request of postponement and re-scheduling should be informed by guest at least 30 days before the date of arrival. Postponement or re-scheduling would invite extra 10% of the total Package Cost or Room Tariff.
What does my package include?
Your package includes room tariff and transport charges as per your preference and the itinerary decided.
What is not included in my package?
The package does not include: Jungle Entry Permit Charges, Jungle Safari Costs, Guide Charges, Boating Charges, Car Parking Charges, Camera Charges and other optional costs like Campfire arrangements, cultural program charges, room heater charges, etc. The package cost do not include any facilities or services other than the ones mentioned in the booking slip we issue.
Can I use the vehicle in my Package tour as per my discretion?
No, the vehicle will be instructed to follow the itinerary on “point to point” basis. It will cover all spots mentioned in the itinerary but won’t be available at the guest’s disposal.
I do not want to book a package. I just want to book rooms in some destinations. Can I do that?
Surely, you can book only rooms in your selected destinations. There is no compulsion for going into package with us.
Can I customise my package?
Yes, you can customise your package completely with destinations as per your choice and we can arrange your itinerary accordingly. Please visit the following link to customise your trip: http://e7uf4.hosts.cx/contact-us/
Do I need to pay the whole Package amount to you in advance?
No, 75% of the package cost is to be paid by you in advance at Kolkata. The remaining you can pay on arrival.