West Bengal, a vibrant state in eastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Nestled within its enchanting realms lies Lataguri, a beautiful tourist spot. Surrounded by lush green tea gardens and dense forests, Lataguri offers a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. With its proximity to the renowned Gorumara National Park, visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to witness majestic elephants, elusive rhinoceroses, and many exotic bird species. Whether exploring the mesmerizing wilderness, indulging in local delicacies, or immersing in the vibrant local culture, Lataguri promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller venturing into the heart of West Bengal.
Places To Visit
Gorumara National Park
Around 4 km from the city centre, the National Park issues entry passes in Lataguri itself. The beautiful scenery is best enjoyed if you hire a tour guide with a jeep to avoid walking and fatigue. Situated on the banks of rivers Murti and Raidak in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, the Gorumara National Park is a site that you cannot miss to afford on your next trip. Spread over an area of 80 sq. km. It sits prettily at the foothills of the Great Himalayan mountains and has a large variety of flora and fauna. Full of riverine grasslands and moist deciduous forests, the place is especially famous for its Asiatic one-horned rhino and also houses many other mammals, reptiles, insects and birds, including the majestic Asian elephants, the royal Bengal tigers and the Great Indian Hornbill.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Located about 20 km from the Gorumara National Park, this Wildlife Sanctuary is another spectacle of nature's magnificence. With Kanchanjungha and other Himalayan peaks painted across its backdrop, tourists can see various animals like elephants, gaur, and leopards in their natural habitat. Overnight accommodations are also available in the Rest House.
Murti river
In the middle of a thick forest, some 9 km away from the main township of Jalpaiguri, one can often spot wild animals like Elephants, Rhinos, Deer, etc., who come down to the river bank to satisfy their thirst. However beautiful the sight is, one needs to be careful around the lake.
Jaldhaka
One of the lesser-known places, around 18 km from the city centre, Jaldhaka, Jalbong and Bindu are the perfect getaway if you want to make the most of your trip. A mere 50 km drive transports you to stunning hills, valleys and sceneries. The place offers an incredible landscape, Dooars in its very core. The best time to drive down is monsoons when the sky itself seems to be awake.
Buxa Fort
The Buxa Fort has quite a vibrant history that it is known for. Built centuries ago, the Buxa Fort came under British India after the 2nd Dooars War (1865) between Bhutan and the British.
It has parallel histories. It is believed that during the China- Tibet disturbances back in the 19th century, many Tibetan monks hid at the fort. Later, during the freedom struggle of the 1900s, the fort was a refuge for many freedom fighters. Today, however, the Buxa Fort is in ruins. The worn-down stone structure has overgrown marshes covering the place. It is the perfect place to see nature reclaim its land.
Places To Stay
Jaldapara offers a range of accommodation options, including government-run establishments. Jaldapara Tourist Lodge, managed by West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC), provides comfortable rooms and cottages near the wildlife sanctuary. Hollong Tourist Lodge, operated by West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC), offers scenic rooms within the Hollong Forest area. For an eco-friendly experience, Jaldapara Jungle Camp provides cottages and tents close to the national park. Sinclairs Retreat Dooars presents upscale rooms, cottages, and various amenities like a swimming pool and spa. Toto Eco Resort offers spacious cabins and tents near the Torsa River, along with guided nature walks. Each option provides a unique experience for visitors to Jaldapara.
The Information
Distance from Darjeeling 103 km
Best Time To Visit November to March
Getting There
By flight The nearest airport to Lataguri is the Bagdogra Airport at Siliguri, which caters to only domestic flights to and from the region. Besides this, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati is an international airport connecting the destination with various overseas locations.
By road There is a regular bus service from Siliguri to Lataguri, which is approximately 40 km away. The communication is smooth enough, from AC and Sleeper to Volvos to non-AC buses, owing to the private and state-run buses ( South Bengal State Transport Corporation). Bus services from adjoining towns and cities like Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Malbazar, Chalsa, and Kolkata are also available. Alternatively, you can also drive down to Lataguri from nearby cities like Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri and even Kolkata, which is located 467 km away. The road network is smooth and perennial.
By train With a dense frequency of trains from all over India, New Jalpaiguri serves to be the heart of Lataguri, catering for the railway network needs of Lataguri. It connects all the major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Cochin, Chennai, etc. You can hire a taxi or a bus from the station to head to Lataguri, located 50 km away.
Cover photo credit Shutterstock
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