Gorumara and Jaldapara safaris in 4 nights

Day by day

The timetable

1. Day1

   Siliguri to Lataguri

   ≈ 80 km · 2–2.5 hLataguriDinnerLataguri guide

   We pick you up at Bagdogra, NJP or a Siliguri hotel and drive east over the Coronation Bridge at Sevoke, built from 1937 to 1941, then through the Mahananda forest and the tea gardens around Odlabari and Malbazar. Lataguri is a one-road town at the edge of Gorumara, with the safari counter, lodges and dhabas side by side. After lunch and a rest, take an evening walk to the river or along the main road to watch the forest go dark. Tea gardens close to visitors after dusk, so we save them for later. Dinner is often fish curry, rice and dal.

2. Day2

   Gorumara watchtowers

   ≈ 40 km in safari jeepsLataguriBreakfast, dinnerGorumara National Park guide

   Gorumara runs fixed safari slots from morning to late afternoon, each taking a jeep to one watchtower. We aim for two: a morning session at Chukchuki for birds, and an afternoon one at Jatraprasad or the Rhino Observation Point, which look over salt licks where gaur, elephant and the occasional rhino come to the water. Sit still and stay quiet. Each jeep holds up to six; a full jeep with a watchtower costs about ₹2,500–3,500, indicative 2026. Gorumara safaris are usually closed on Thursdays, so we plan around that; check current status before you travel. In the evening a local troupe may perform Rajbanshi or Adivasi dances at your lodge.

3. Day3

   Tea country to Madarihat

   ≈ 95 km · 2.5–3 hMadarihatBreakfast, dinnerJaldapara National Park guide

   An early start for the Medla watchtower near Murti, where the forest department runs a short bullock-cart or jeep ride from a forest village to the tower, if this slot is open. Then we drive east through the Chalsa tea gardens and over the Jaldhaka and Diana rivers, past Banarhat and Birpara, to Madarihat at the gate of Jaldapara. The garden sections are lined with shade trees; you see pluckers at work from March to November. Check in, rest through the hot afternoon and visit the South Khayerbari rescue centre if time allows. Early night: tomorrow starts before sunrise.

4. Day4

   Dawn safari in Jaldapara

   ≈ 30 km in safari jeepsMadarihatBreakfast, dinnerJaldapara National Park guide

   Jaldapara's first jeep safari leaves around sunrise into tall grass and riverine forest along the Torsa. Rhinos graze in the open in the cool hours, and you may see gaur, hog deer, wild boar and peafowl. A jeep for up to six costs about ₹2,800–4,000, indicative 2026. Back for breakfast and a nap. In the afternoon take a second safari, or drive 21 km to Totopara with a local guide for a respectful half-day visit to the Toto community; ask before every photograph. Elephant rides have been offered in some seasons, but not reliably; check current status before you travel.

5. Day5

   Back to Siliguri

   ≈ 125 km · 3–3.5 hBreakfastSiliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) guide

   After an optional early bird walk on the lodge grounds, we drive back west along the highway past Birpara, the tea gardens and the Coronation Bridge to Siliguri. Allow 3–3.5 hours without stops, more on market days at Birpara and Malbazar. For a flight from Bagdogra, pick one leaving after 2 pm; for an evening train from NJP you have time for lunch in Siliguri. If you are heading on to Bhutan, Phuentsholing is only about 40 km east of Madarihat, an hour or so by car.