Murti is a small town located in the popular tourist region of the Dooars in West Bengal, India, on the foothills of the great Himalayas. This town is on the banks of River Murti, from which it gets its name. This river flows from the Kalimpong hills through the Chapramari Forest and Gorumara National Park.
Murti is close to Batabari village near Gorumara National Park, about 8 kms from Chalsa. It has been a popular picnic spot with a forest rest house overlooking the river. A walk over a small bridge over the river leads to the thick, green Chapramari forests on the other side.
Elephants are often spotted here taking a dip in the Murti River. Moorti River is around 80 kms long. Other wildlife here are Gaur (Indian Bison), and Deer. Now, this place is more than just a picnic spot, with many good tourist accommodation facilities overlooking the riverbed of Murti River, this has become a recluse for nature lovers.
Things to do at Murti, Dooars
Picnics are a great fun activity here. You can either have a picnic on the banks of Murti River or cross the river for a picnic at Panjhora River on the other side. This is an ideal site for winter-time picnics. Bird watching is another fun thing to do here, as Moorti becomes home to migratory birds in winters. However, Moorti also boasts of a very healthy population of residential birds. You can also enjoy hiking and camping. A walks along Moorti Riverbed skirting the Chapramari Forest area can help you spot some interesting wildlife of the area.
Things to see at Murti, Dooars
There are many watchtowers overlooking river Murti like Chukchuki, Medla and Jatraprasad. You can also visit Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary from Moorti. Day trips can also be taken to Bindu, Jhalong, Jaldhaka, Samsing, Suntaleykhola, Paren and more. You can visit these to see the wildlife and the rich fauna around.
How to reach Murti, Dooars
Closest railway station is Malbazar, around 45 minutes from Moorti and the nearest roadway is National Highway 31. Chalsa 20 minutes from Murti. You can take a train to Chalsa railway station and then take a bus from there. Lataguri is around 27 kms. There are regular and frequent bus services available from Siliguri to Chalsa, as well. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is 80 kms. Since there are few trains to Chalsa or Malbazar, so it is often easier to travel via New Jalpaiguri.
Best time to visit Murti, Dooars
The winter months are ideal for outdoor picnics. Mid-October to mid-March are the best tourist seasons. The area remains closed from 15th June – 15th September due to heavy rainfall.
Accommodation at Murti, Dooars
LOCATION: Beside Murti River
FACILITIES: Lawn, Gazebo, Parking, Generator, Campfire arrangement, Driver’s accommodation, Attached western bathroom, Geyser, TV in room, Dining Hall.
ROOM TYPES: Double Bed Cottages, Four Bed Cottages.
LOCATION: Beside Murti River
FACILITIES: Lawn, Gazebo, Parking, Generator, Campfire arrangement, Driver’s accommodation, Attached western bathroom, Geyser, TV in room, Dining Hall, Wardrobe.
ROOM TYPES: AC Double Bed, Non AC Four Bed.
LOCATION: In village near Murti River
FACILITIES: Lawn, Gazebo, Parking, Generator, Driver’s accommodation, Attached western bathroom, Geyser, TV in room, Dining Hall, In-house restaurant, Conference facilities.
ROOM TYPES: Double Bed AC rooms, AC Suite rooms.
Murti Photos