Lataguri, a small but vibrant town on the fringes of Gorumara National Park, got more than just safaris and dense jungles. If you ever think it’s just about spotting rhinos and elephants, rethink. This place got an odd mix of wildlife, rural culture, scenic rivers, and some locations so untouched they almost feel forbidden.
Now, let’s get real. Most guides just throw the same 5-6 places at you. That ain’t gonna work here. You need the actual gems, not the same old beaten paths. Here’s a list that brings the known and the not-so-known—so your visit don’t feel like just another checklist trip.
1. Gorumara National Park – The Obvious, But Unmissable
There ain’t no way you visiting Lataguri and skipping Gorumara. That’s like going to Agra and ignoring the Taj Mahal. It’s THE place where you take jeep safaris and probably spot Indian Bison, leopards, wild boars, and a whole orchestra of deer species. The watchtowers? They offer some killer views, especially Jatraprasad Watchtower.
📌 Pro Tip: If you book the evening safari, the sunset through the dense forests will stay in your head longer than you expect.
2. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary – Like Gorumara, But Wilder
Why this place don’t get as much hype as Gorumara is beyond logic. Chapramari got the same kind of wildlife, but the crowd? Way lesser. You get wild elephants, massive Indian Gaur (Bison), and if luck’s slightly on your side, a tiger or a leopard.
Also, the Murti River cuts right through, making it look like a jungle painting come to life.
📌 Best Time to Visit: October to March. Rest of the time, the heat makes animals lazier than a Sunday morning.
3. Murti River – Sit, Chill, Forget Time Exists
No fancy entry fees, no long walks. Murti River is where you go when you’re done chasing animals and just wanna sit and let the world be. The river is crystal clear, flows through the forests of Gorumara, and on some afternoons, you might just see a herd of elephants taking a casual bath.
Oh, and if you enjoy a bit of camping, there are some hidden spots along the riverbank where you can set up a small tent (just make sure you ain’t blocking an elephant’s route, because good luck surviving that).
4. Bindu – Last Indian Village Before Bhutan
Most people don’t even realize how close Bhutan is to Lataguri. If you got a thing for borders and remote places, Bindu is for you. It’s the last Indian village before Bhutan, and the vibe here? Completely different from the rest of Bengal. The Jaldhaka River, flowing between India and Bhutan, is insanely photogenic.
📌 What’s Special?
- You get Bhutanese food at some local joints.
- Jaldhaka Hydroelectric Project is nearby (not everyone’s thing, but if you like dams, it’s worth a quick stop).
- No commercial madness. It’s as peaceful as it gets.
5. Jhalong – Birds, Fishing, & Absolute Silence
You ever wanted to just hear birds and not human voices for a few hours? Jhalong is the spot. Nestled along the Jaldhaka River, it’s known for birdwatching—especially if you’re into rare Himalayan species. It’s got zero touristy chaos, so if peace is what you need, this place delivers it on a platter.
Also, locals fish here all the time. If you got a fishing rod, give it a shot. If not, just watch an old man pull out a fish that’s probably bigger than his arm.
6. Buxa Tiger Reserve – Because Gorumara Ain’t Enough
About 2.5 hours from Lataguri, this one’s for the serious jungle explorers. Buxa’s terrain is way more rugged, making it harder to navigate, but it has more tigers than Gorumara and Chapramari combined.
What makes Buxa crazy different from other reserves? The Buxa Fort, an old British prison that now stands abandoned inside the jungle. Some say it’s haunted, but let’s be honest, every abandoned place in India is rumored to be haunted.
7. Samsing & Suntalekhola – The Tea Garden Escape
Alright, time to switch things up from jungles to hills. Samsing & Suntalekhola are two back-to-back destinations that offer something different—rolling tea gardens, tiny villages, and forested paths with wild orchids growing outta nowhere.
If you got a bike, the ride from Lataguri to Samsing is worth it just for the curvy, misty roads. And if you like short hikes, the Suntalekhola trails offer some of the best mist-covered forest paths you’ll see in North Bengal.
8. Rocky Island – Perfect for Adventure Junkies
A place called Rocky Island in the middle of a jungle? Sounds odd, but this one’s a trekker’s paradise. It’s filled with massive boulders, gushing river streams, and some jungle trails that lead to hidden waterfalls.
People come here for rappelling, rock climbing, and bonfire nights by the river. Not many proper resorts here, just some eco-huts and camps, so if you like that kind of raw nature stay, this place will hit right.
9. Neora Valley National Park – Feels Like Another Planet
If Bengal had an Amazon jungle, this would be it. Neora Valley is a dense, misty rainforest with zero commercialization. The moment you step in, the air feels different. If you love offbeat jungle trekking, there’s a trail here leading to Rachela Pass, which touches the borders of Sikkim and Bhutan.
Notable residents of Neora Valley?
- The Red Panda (if you see one, consider yourself incredibly lucky).
- Clouded Leopards (rare but present).
- Hundreds of weird, unknown bird species.
Final Thoughts – How Many Days Do You Need?
If you wanna JUST see Gorumara, 2 days is fine. But if you wanna actually explore Lataguri and beyond, give it at least 4-5 days.
📌 Best Months to Visit?
- October to March → Peak season, best for wildlife.
- July to September → Rainy but magical (also, no safaris during this time).
Whatever you do, don’t rush Lataguri. This place ain’t meant for just a quick safari and back to the hotel. Slow down, take the detours, and find places nobody told you about.