Lataguri, sitting right at the edge of Gorumara National Park, is a perfect spot for a family vacation. It ain’t just about the wildlife safaris—there’s nature walks, cultural experiences, adventure, and plenty of moments that’ll stick with you. You got kids? Grandparents? A mix of both? Doesn’t matter. There’s something here for all ages.
1. Gorumara Jeep Safari – Not Just About the Rhinos
If you think it’s just rhinoceroses, then buddy, you’ve barely scratched the surface. The jeep safari in Gorumara National Park is a real adventure where you see wild elephants, barking deer, peacocks, leopards, and even a bison if luck’s playing on your side. Best time to head out? Early morning or late afternoon, when the jungle feels most alive.
📌 Tip: Kids under 5 aren’t allowed on the jeep safaris, but no worries—there’s a watchtower safari alternative. Your little ones can still get a feel of the wild, minus the bumpy ride.
2. Murti River Picnic – Water, Sand & Snacks
A few kilometers from Lataguri, Murti River is where families can just chill. Water’s shallow enough for kids to splash, you got soft sands, and the entire vibe’s like something out of a painting (if paintings had random herds of deer walking past). Pack some snacks, mats, and tea flasks—that’s all you need for a lazy afternoon by the river.
🔹 Fun Fact: During winters, you might spot migratory birds from Siberia resting here. They fly thousands of miles, only to end up chilling in your picnic backdrop.
3. Bichabhanga Tea Garden – Sip & Walk
What’s a trip to North Bengal without walking through endless green tea fields? Bichabhanga Tea Estate, barely a 15-minute drive from Lataguri, lets you stroll through rows of tea bushes while explaining how those tiny leaves turn into the drink everyone loves. Some places even let you pluck a few leaves yourself (kids love this part) before offering fresh organic tea tasting.
☕ Best part? You can buy tea directly from the estate—fresher than any store-bought pack you’ll ever get.
4. Medhla Watchtower – Elephants, Deer & a Boat Ride
Nope, it’s not just another watchtower. Medhla is different. Why? You reach it by boat. Instead of driving, you float through the Murti River to get there, with kingfishers, turtles, and water buffaloes doing their thing along the banks. Once you get off, the view from the tower itself is full of spotted deer, wild boars, and herds of elephants wandering near the salt pits.
🚣 Why kids love it? The boat ride makes them feel like explorers, even if they’re just sitting there munching on biscuits.
5. Lataguri Nature Interpretation Center – Learning That’s Not Boring
Now, you could just drive past this thinking it’s just some boring info board spot. But slow down. This place actually teaches kids (and adults) how the wildlife ecosystem in the region works—without making it feel like a school lecture. Interactive displays, real-life animal calls, conservation info, and a butterfly garden make it way more engaging than it sounds.
🎒 Best time to visit? Before heading for a safari—gives a solid background on what to look for in the jungle.
6. Tribal Dance & Bonfire Evenings
You can’t say you’ve seen Lataguri if you haven’t watched a local tribal dance performance. In the evening, some resorts and local communities arrange Chhau, Santhali, and Rajbanshi dance performances—with bonfires and folk music under the open sky.
💃 Why it’s great for families? Kids get to see something unique, while the elders just soak in the vibe with a cup of hot tea in hand.
7. Samsing & Suntalekhola – The Offbeat Trail
Most people stick to the wildlife side of Lataguri, but drive a bit further and you get Samsing & Suntalekhola—two small villages surrounded by cloud-kissed hills, orange orchards, and tea gardens. Families love these spots because there’s no rush, no crowd, just nature.
🌿 Things to Do Here:
✅ Walk through the hanging bridge at Suntalekhola.
✅ Spot butterflies bigger than your palm.
✅ Breathe the cleanest air you’ll inhale in months.
8. Khunia Watchtower – Quiet & Less Touristy
Want a safari without the tourist crowd? Khunia Watchtower is the one. It’s got a thick jungle vibe and a lesser-known safari route, making it perfect for spotting leopards, hornbills, Malayan giant squirrels, and yes, even the great Indian one-horned rhino.
🚶♂️ Why families love it? Less crowded = peaceful wildlife spotting experience without a hundred people talking over each other.
9. Butterfly Garden at Gorumara – Colors Everywhere
Tucked away inside the Gorumara National Park premises, this place is straight-up magic for kids. Hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter around, landing on flowers, rocks, and sometimes even on people’s shoulders.
🦋 What’s cool? It’s not just butterflies—you’ll also see small tree frogs, dragonflies, and rare insects in a habitat that feels straight out of a nature documentary.
10. Jaldhaka & Paren – A Short Drive, A Big Change
Sometimes, the best family trips happen when you just drive with no strict plans. Jaldhaka & Paren are two lesser-known places about 2 hours from Lataguri, perfect for a day trip. You’ll find:
🏞️ Jaldhaka River & Hydel Project – A scenic spot with small waterfalls and a river dam.
🏕️ Paren’s Hidden Cottages – Wooden cottages in the hills, where all you hear is birds & the rustling of leaves.
Final Thoughts
Lataguri isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you experience. Every family finds their own rhythm here. Some go for the safaris, others spend hours by the Murti River, while a few just sit under a tree with a cup of fresh tea and let the jungle’s sounds do all the talking.
No two trips are ever the same. And that’s the best part.