NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

Gorumara National Park is situated in the Terai region of the Himalayan foothills in the northern West Bengal. It is quite popular for its population of Indian Rhinoceros. The park is located on the banks of river Raidak and Murti.

About the park
The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1949 and was deemed a National Park in 1992. In 2009 the Ministry of Environment and Forests declared it as the greatest among the protected areas in India.

Flora
The park is covered with sal forests and includes trees such as rain tree, teak, Shimul, etc. The park is also covered with terai grassland vegetations, Bamboo groves and tropical riverine reeds. One can also find several tropical orchids in this park.
 
Avian-fauna
Asian paradise suncatcher, scarlet minivet, Indian hornbill, peafowls, etc. are prominent birds of Gorumara National Park.

Fauna
The important mammals of the park include Asian elephant, Indian rhinoceros, sambar deer, leopard, tigers, pygmy hog, hispid hare, giant squirrels, chital, sloth bear, etc. Wild boar is quite prominent here.

Tourist information
Accommodation is available in Forest bungalow, maintained by the State Forest Department.
Powerful binoculars with special night vision features are helpful for viewing the wildlife from the watch towers. Some important watch towers in the park are Rhino Observation Point; Chandrachur Watch Tower; Jatraprasad Watch Tower; & Chukchuki Bird-watching Point. Hiking is allowed on metalled roads. Ethnic tribal dance held in evenings in Budhuram Forest village.

Getting there
Lataguri is the only entrance to the park. It is well connected with Guwahati and Siliguri by national highway NH31. Nearest railway station is at New Alipurduar and New Jalpaiguri. The closest airport is located at Bagdogra in Jalpaiguri.

General information
Address: Gorumara National Park, Terai Region, Himalayan Foothills, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, 735101, India.
Contact number: +91-3561-224907

Best time to visit: November and March (Closed: 16 June to 15 September - monsoon season)
Entry timings: 5:30 am - 6:00 pm (summer) & 6:00 am - 5:00 pm (winter)
Entry fee applicable