Dooars Lataguri Quietly Turning Into North Bengal’s Wildlife Capital
Gorumara safaris start at Dooars Lataguri and this October’s forest closures revealed how dependent forest-edge homestays are on access. What’s changed, what to see and how to get there.
October saw events unfold in the Dooars.
The Dooars forests, closed for the monsoon, opened on September 16 and hotel owners said bookings were picking up. Buxa and Jayanti were then closed from September 30 to October 9 after a tigress from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve entered the sanctuary on October 2.
It hit roughly 76 homestay operators, 19 safari vehicle owners and nearly 30 guides, with local stakeholders saying about 8,000 people depend on tourism there. On October 10, a restricted reopening was ordered.
This is Buxa, not Gorumara. It still indicates the degree of Dooars incomes’ dependence on access to forests.
Why is Gorumara based in Dooars Lataguri?
Lataguri is the gateway town to Gorumara National Park and permits for entering Gorumara and Chapramari are given from here. Resorts, homestays and ticket offices along the roadside approaching the park gate.
Already dubbed the tourism hub of the Dooars by local businesses. If you are looking for wildlife first treks across Dooars North Bengal, that’s hard to beat.
If you want to know more about the region beyond the safari days, check out this travel guide to Dooars Lataguri.
Which tourist place in Lataguri, Dooars should you visit first?
Lataguri tourism spot list is limited and forest driven:
- Gorumara National Park: Jeep safaris and watchtowers like Jatraprasad, Chukchuki, Medla, and Chandrachur
- Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: The similar permit system exists in the vicinity.
- Popular add-on stops are Murti, Samsing, Suntalekhola and Jhalong.
What to do in Lataguri wildlife sanctuary?
Lataguri wildlife park also known as Gorumara National Park is spread over an area of around 80 sq km.
- rhinoceros: March 2025 census: 61 (range 58 to 63) one-horned rhinoceros
- Closed annually from June 15 until September 15
- Thursdays: safaris are often closed; check before booking
How to Book a Safari in Dooars Lataguri?
Tickets for safari and watchtower are sold at the counters in Lataguri, near the Nature Interpretation Center.
In the park, only forest service vehicles are authorized and private cars are not allowed to enter the woodlands. Weekends and holidays sell out fast, so book early as spaces are limited.
What is the distance between Lataguri and Siliguri?
From Siliguri to Lataguri, distance is roughly 55 km via Gajaldoba and about 85 km via Sevoke, Malbazar and Chalsa, from NJP station.
- Via Gajaldoba: approx. 53 to 55 km, approx. 1.5 hrs
- Via Sevoke, Malbazar and Chalsa: Around 85 km, around 2 hours
- From Bagdogra Airport: less than 70 km via Gajaldoba
- By Train: Nearest station is New Mal Junction in Malbazar, significant trains halt here, 20 km distant
When should you visit Lataguri in the Dooars?
The best time to visit Dooars North Bengal is from November to March. Avoid mid-June to mid-September, when Dooars forests are closed.
Tour providers say the best time to view them is frequently February to April, when the animals come to water. Book early in advance for Puja week since it gets packed.
So what does this mean for travelers and buyers?
The community is based on forest access, resorts & home-stays. Check the reopening status before booking. If you’re looking for a stay-based investment, check how forest orders affect occupancy.