Dooars – Jaldapara Wildlife Safari

Dooars – Jaldapara Wildlife Safari

One-Horned Rhinos, Elephant Safaris & Jungle Rivers

3N/4D West Bengal Easy 300 ft (plains)
Duration3N/4D
Start / EndNJP / Bagdogra
Group Size2–15 persons
Best TimeOct–May (park closed Jun–Sep)
Places covered: LataguriGorumara National ParkJaldapara National ParkJayantiMurti River

Overview

The Dooars — the gateway to Bhutan — is a lush, green belt of tea gardens, grasslands, and riverine forests teeming with Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and exotic birds. This tour includes an elephant-back safari in Jaldapara National Park, a jeep safari in Gorumara, tea garden walks in Lataguri, and river crossings through the Torsa and Jaldapara rivers. A completely different side of Bengal that most travellers never discover.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Pick up from NJP/Bagdogra. Drive to Lataguri — the base for Gorumara. Check in to a jungle resort. Afternoon Jeep Safari in Gorumara National Park — spot Indian bison (gaur), elephants, deer, and hornbills. Evening nature walk along the Murti River.

100 km 3 hours 300 ft Dinner Jungle resort, Lataguri
Day 2

Early morning drive to Jaldapara National Park for the Elephant Safari — ride through tall grasslands looking for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Spot wild elephants, peacocks, and deer. Afternoon: tea garden walk with plucking demonstration and tasting. Evening bonfire at the resort.

60 km 1.5 hours to park Breakfast, Dinner Jungle resort, Lataguri
Day 3

Excursion to Buxa Tiger Reserve area. Visit Jayanti — a small riverside settlement on the Bhutan border with crystal-clear waters and smooth boulders. Walk the Jayanti river bank. Visit Buxa Fort ruins if time permits.

80 km 3 hours Breakfast, Dinner Jungle resort, Lataguri
Day 4

Morning bird-watching walk along the Murti. Breakfast and drive to NJP/Bagdogra.

100 km 3 hours Breakfast

What's Included

Inclusions

  • Hotel/lodge accommodation
  • All meals (Breakfast & Dinner daily)
  • Airport/station pickup and drop (NJP/Bagdogra)
  • All sightseeing by private vehicle
  • All applicable permits
  • Driver allowance & parking
  • All applicable taxes
  • Jeep safari in Gorumara
  • Elephant safari in Jaldapara

Exclusions

  • Airfare / train fare
  • Lunch during sightseeing
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Adventure activities (optional)
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  • Elephant ride fee at Jaldapara (paid at forest counter, ~₹1,200)

Things to Carry

Binoculars for bird/wildlife spotting Light cotton clothing (plains climate) Mosquito repellent Sunscreen Walking shoes Camera with zoom lens

Frequently Asked Questions

Rhino sightings are very common in Jaldapara — it has one of India's highest rhino densities. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Success rate is approximately 90% for elephant safari participants.

Gorumara and Jaldapara are closed during monsoon season (mid-June to September). We strongly recommend October–May.

Our partner resorts are eco-lodges with attached bathrooms, hot water, and fan/AC rooms. They're comfortable but simple — the jungle experience is the star!