The 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival & The Gateway to Gorumara
- Morning: Arrive at NJP or New Mal Junction. Transfer to Lataguri (the base for Gorumara).
- Afternoon: Check into your resort and have a traditional Bengali lunch.
- Evening: Enjoy your first Jeep Safari at Gorumara National Park (famous for One-Horned Rhinos).
- Night: Overnight stay at Lataguri/Murti.
Day 2:
The Offbeat Valleys (Jhalong & Bindu)
- Morning: Drive to Jhalong to see the Jaldhaka Hydel Project on the Indo-Bhutan border.
- Afternoon: Visit Bindu (the last village of West Bengal) and Samsing/Suntalekhola for lush tea gardens and orange orchards.
- Evening: Relax by the Murti River bank.
- Night: Overnight stay at Lataguri/Murti.
Day 3:
Wildlife Transition to Jaldapara
- Morning: Check out and drive towards Jaldapara (approx. 2.5 hours).
- On the Way: Visit the South Khayerbari Leopard Rescue Centre.
- Afternoon: Check into your lodge at Madarihat (Jaldapara).
- Night: Overnight stay at Jaldapara.
Day 4:
Into the Tall Grass (Jaldapara & Chilapata)
- Early Morning: Elephant Safari at Jaldapara (Note: Book early; these are high in demand).
- Afternoon: Post-lunch excursion to Chilapata Forest. Visit the ruins of "Nalrajar Garh" deep inside the jungle.
- Evening: Optional visit to Phuentsholing (Bhutan border town) if time permits.
- Night: Overnight stay at Jaldapara.
Day 5:
The Land of White Pebbles (Buxa & Jayanti)
- Morning: Drive to Rajabhatkhawa (entry point for Buxa Tiger Reserve).
- Afternoon: Visit Jayanti, known as the "Queen of Dooars." Explore the Jayanti Riverbed and the Buxa Fort (requires a 3km trek) or Pokhri Hill.
- Evening: Enjoy the serenity of the Bhutan hills overlooking the river.
- Night: Overnight stay at a homestay in Jayanti or a resort in Rajabhatkhawa.
Day 6:
Departure with Memories
- Morning: A final stroll by the river or an early morning safari at Buxa.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Alipurduar Junction or Hasimara station for your return train to Kolkata.
💡 Important Pro-Tips
- Forest Closures: All forests in Dooars remain closed from June 15th to September 15th due to monsoon/breeding season. Plan your trip between October and May.
- Thursday Holiday: National Parks (Gorumara/Jaldapara) usually remain closed for safaris on Thursdays.
- ID Proof: Always carry original Aadhaar/Voter cards; they are mandatory for safari permits.
- What to Pack: Light woolens for winter mornings (Nov–Feb) and earthy-colored clothes (avoid bright reds/whites) for safaris to blend into the forest.