Dooars

Dooars: Where Nature Takes the Lead

Most travellers come to Dooars for its wildlife safaris, but it offers much more than national parks. Think forest roads, tea gardens, calm rivers, and sightings of elephants, rhinos, and bison in the wild. Set in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Dooars spans northern West Bengal and connects Bhutan and Northeast India. From Jaldapara and Gorumara to Samsing, Murti, Jayanti, and Buxa, every place shows a different side of this green region.

Things to Know

Location

Northern West Bengal, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas

Popular Areas

Lataguri, Jaldapara, Gorumara, Murti, Samsing, Jayanti, Chilapata, Buxa

Nearest Airport

Bagdogra Airport (IXB), approximately 75–150 km (depending on the destination)

Nearest Railway Stations

New Mal Junction, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Alipurduar Junction & Hasimara

Best For

Wildlife safaris, nature lovers, birdwatching, tea, gardens, photography and family holidays

Ideal Trip Duration

3–5 Days

Languages Spoken

Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, English, Rajbanshi

Famous For

National parks, forests, rivers, tea gardens and one- horned rhinoceros safaris

Best Time to Visit Dooars

October to February

Pleasant weather, clear skies and the best time for jungle safaris, sightseeing and birdwatching.

March to May

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, with higher chances of spotting elephants, Indian bison and one-horned rhinoceroses during safaris.

June to September

The monsoon transforms Dooars into a green paradise, though most national parks remain closed for safaris due to heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Dooars

By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport, with taxis and private transfers available to all major destinations in Dooars.
By Rail: New Mal Junction, Alipurduar Junction, Hasimara and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) are the nearest railway stations with good connectivity.
By Road: Dooars is well connected to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok and nearby destinations via a well-maintained road network.

Top Places to Visit in Dooars

Gorumara National Park

One of the most popular wildlife destinations in Dooars, known for jeep safaris, Indian bison, elephants and the one-horned rhinoceros.

Jaldapara National Park

Famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, elephant safaris and rich biodiversity.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

A paradise for nature lovers, offering dense forests, trekking trails, waterfalls and the historic Buxa Fort.

Chilapata Forest

A peaceful forest known for wildlife safaris, birdwatching and its close connection to Jaldapara National Park.

Murti

A scenic riverside destination ideal for relaxing, nature walks, picnics and photography.

Samsing

A beautiful hill village surrounded by tea gardens, forests and panoramic mountain views.

Suntalekhola

A quiet nature retreat famous for its hanging bridge, forest trails and crystal- clear streams.

Jayanti

Located beside the Jayanti River, this picturesque village is perfect for nature lovers, trekking and peaceful stays.

Lataguri

The main gateway to Gorumara National Park, offering easy access to safaris, resorts and local attractions.

Rocky Island

A popular riverside getaway near Samsing, known for its rocky landscape, camping and scenic surroundings.

Things to Do in Dooars

  • Go on a Jungle Safari: Explore Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park and Chilapata Forest to spot rhinos, elephants, bison and other wildlife.
  • Visit Tea Gardens: Walk through lush tea estates, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and learn about tea cultivation.
  • Enjoy Birdwatching: Discover a variety of resident and migratory birds across the forests and wetlands of Dooars.
  • Relax by the Rivers: Spend time at scenic spots like Murti, Jayanti and Rocky Island, perfect for picnics and photography.
  • Explore Nature Trails: Take short walks through forests, villages and riverside paths while enjoying the region's natural beauty.
  • Experience Local Culture: Visit nearby villages to experience the traditions, cuisine and warm hospitality of the local communities.

Food & Culture

A trip to Dooars is as much about its culture as its landscapes. Home to diverse communities like the Rabha, Toto, Nepali, Rajbanshi and Adivasi tribes, the region offers a unique blend of traditions, festivals and warm hospitality.

Don’t miss local favourites like momos, thukpa, bamboo shoot dishes, fresh river fish, traditional Bengali cuisine and a refreshing cup of Dooars tea while exploring the region.

Travel Tips for Visiting Dooars

  • Book your jungle safari in advance, especially during weekends and peak tourist season.
  • Carry light woollens during winter and rain gear if travelling in the monsoon.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for safaris, nature walks and sightseeing.
  • Follow forest regulations and avoid disturbing wildlife during safaris.
  • Start your day early to make the most of sightseeing and wildlife spotting.
  • Keep your camera ready-you never know when you might spot an elephant, rhinoceros or exotic bird.

Our Dooars Tour Packages

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

October to February is the best time for pleasant weather, wildlife safaris and sightseeing. March to May is also ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve,
Chilapata Forest, Murti, Samsing, Suntalekhola, Jayanti and Lataguri are among the top attractions.

Both are worth visiting. Gorumara is known for its scenic forest safaris, while Jaldapara is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros and elephant safaris.
A 3 to 5-day trip is perfect for exploring the major attractions, national parks and tea gardens.

Yes. Jeep and elephant safaris are available at selected national parks, subject to forest department regulations and seasonal availability.

You can reach Dooars via Bagdogra Airport (IXB), New Jalpaiguri (NJP), New Mal Junction, Alipurduar Junction or Hasimara, followed by a road journey.