Official announcement in 1949 recognized Garumara as a Wildlife Sanctuary for the Rhinoceros. In 1994 it was declared as Indian national Park and the original 7 sq km area today has enlarged into 80 square kilometers incorporating the nearby lands.
It is located in the Malbazar Sub-division of Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal in India. Physically it is in the Terai region.
Two important rivers around Garumara is Murti River and Raidak River, Jaldhaka. This park is quite close to the Jaldapara. Another Wildlife Reserve, Chapramai is very close to it.
The park has recorded fifty species of mammals, 193 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 types’ turtles, and 27 kinds of fishes. The mammals include Sambar Deer and Chital and Asian Elephant.
You can see Wild Boar and Hog Deer, Barking Deer. Though it is not a home for Tigers occasionally they can be spotted. The only type of big cat that can be regularly spotted is Leopard. The significant and diversified bird population includes Sunbird, Spangled Drongo.
This park is a noted flyway for various migratory birds. The park also is a home for Indian Python Peacocks of rare species that are found in winter.
From forest bungalow, it is one and a half kilometer to spot Jatraprasad Watchtower on the bank of Murty river. It is named after everyone`s favorite Kunki elephant. This tower is an ideal spot to watch wild animals.
Home of one horn rhino can be spotted from Garati Watchtower. Another Interesting spot of Garumara is the Chukchuki bird observation centre. Kalamati forest is also adjoining to Garumara.
Viable breeding of Indian Rhinoceroses has become difficult because of the poor male-female ratio which was previously 1:3 turned to 1:1 thus causing fights among the male population and deaths.
Poaching was a major concern in this regard during the 70s and 80s but today it is one of the parks which is least threatened by poaching because of the presence of adequately equipped rangers.
History of Gorumara National Park
There is no such history of the habitat and the park and it is very interesting that the well-maintained logbook of the forest of bungalows, data backs in the British Raj, makes interesting reading.
However, Gorumara is surrounded by various ethnic villages and more than 10,000 villagers make out their living by way of being forest employees and engaging in eco-tourism.
Climate
The temperature varies from 10 to 21 degrees C from November to February, 24 to 27 degrees C from March to April and then 27 to 37 degrees C from May to October. Rainfall typically occurs between mid-may to Mid-October.
Flora
The typical flora include Sal forests with common teak, Rain Tree and Silk cotton trees, one has to mention bamboo groves, terai grassland vegetation, and tropical riverine reeds. This park is also home to tropical orchids.
Fauna
The park has recorded 50 species of mammals, 193 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, 7 types’ turtles, and 27 kinds of fishes. The mammals include Gaur, Asian Elephant, Sambar Deer, and Chital.
The smaller include Barking Deer, Wild Boar, and Hog Deer. Though it is not a home for Tigers occasionally they can be spotted. The only type of big cat that can be regularly spotted is Leopard.
The significant and diversified bird population includes Sunbird, Spangled Drongo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, and Great Indian Hornbill.
This park is a noted flyway for various migratory birds including the rare Brahminy Duck. The park also is a home for Indian Python and King Cobra.
Gorumara National Park Conservation
The major focus in this regard is to maintain a viable breeding community of Indian Rhinoceroses but somehow lack of large predators is resulting in the poor male-female ratio which was previously 1:3 turned to 1:1 thus causing fights among the male population and deaths.
Poaching was a major concern in this regard during the 70s and 80s but today it is one of the parks which is least threatened by poaching because of the presence of adequately equipped rangers.
Various Watchtowers
The best way to watch wildlife at the park is to use powerful binoculars with night vision facilities from the numerous watchtowers which include Jatarprasad watchtower named after a legendary elephant, Rhino observation point, Chandrachur Watch Tower(near Murti forest bungalow) and Chukchuki bird watching tower.
The park is closed during the rainy season and the best time to visit is November to March. One can have the taste of tribal life by visiting the nearby villages and one can visit the Lataguri Nature Interpretation Centre for having a look at the comprehensive exhibits of the local natural history.
How to Reach Gorumara National Park
The nearest airport is Bagdogra in Siliguri and one can approach the park by road from Siliguri. Also, the tourists can enter by availing flights from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
On the other hand, the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri Railway station. The nearest town is Lataguri and the city is Jalpaiguri.
Also, read Dooars Travel Guide
The Park and the Safari
It takes about two hours from Jaldapara by car to reach this park via Birpara and Binaguri. In fact, Lataguri is the entry point of Gorumara and a large area of forest and tea gardens with the river from the Chalsa viewpoint on the way to Gorumara.
The sight of plucking of tea leaves and the roaring sound of the streams make the perfect ambiance for the ultimate leisure in serenity. There are two types of safaris available; one can be accessed from the car safari booking counter and the other way to arrange it is from the office of the ranger.
The distribution of the vehicles among the tourists is based on the first-come serve criterion and in each car six passengers, a guide, and driver are allowed, the cost of safari being around Rs.850.
In the winter the safari timing is 2 PM-5 PM, during the summer one can avail the morning Safari from 6 AM- 9 AM. Another type of safari can be availed which takes the tourists to the various watchtowers as mentioned above.
Hiking is permitted on the metal road but it may involve some risk in case of intrusion by elephants. The tourists can avail of the ethnic opportunity to enjoy the traditional tribal dance in Budhurm Forest Village.
Accommodation
River Wood Forest Retreats, a 4-star resort overlooking the Gorumara national park and Murti River is a wonderful place to enjoy every bit of tranquil leisure.
State governments built cottages nearby around Kalipur village are also comfortable and the location is premium due to the proximity to the park.
Arayanya Resort is located quite conveniently on the National Highway passing through Lataguri and it is also quite near to the park. The tourists can avail of various amenities including the arrangement of tribal dance. The room tariff varies from INR 1200/- to INR 2200/-
Panchavati gorumara is a nice little resort opposite the Gorumara nature interpretation centre. Its prime location makes Panchavati the centre of tourist activity. The room rates range from INR 1200/- to INR 1900/-
Originally it was Kakur Bari resort located In Dhupjhora, which popularized this place as a tourist destination. Garumara Elephant camp is another mentionable accommodation.
Sinclair Dooars is the classy accommodation even offering conference facilities and spread over 20 acres of land and 66 cottages are available.
