Explore Dooars (Part 1): Must Visit Spots & Travel Guide

Nested in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Dooars is North Bengal’s Gateway into the wilds. Derived from the term “Duars” which means door as it’s the doorway into the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas. Dooars is a mosaic of lush tea gardens, thick forests, clean rivers, and vibrant tribal villages. 

This part of the Dooars tour follows the route from New Mal Junction (NMZ) to New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), covering must-visit spots and experiencing the beauty of this hidden gem of India. 

How to Reach

• By Train(Most Convenient): The New Mal junction is the perfect entry point for Lataguri, Gorumara, and Murti. NMJ has proper connectivity with trains from Sealdah, Howrah, and NJP.
• From Kolkata, take trains like Kanchankanya Express, Teesta Torsa Express, and Darjeeling Mail to reach New Mal Junction or NJP. From Siliguri/NJP, take a local train or rented vehicle to reach Lataguri, Malbazar, and Chalsa. 
• By Road: From NJP/Siliguri, take NH-31 or NH-17 via Sevoke and cross Teesta River to reach Dooars hill stations. 
• By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and other cities. Hire a cab/taxi from the airport and reach Lataguri/Murti (2-3 hour drive). 

When to Visit Dooars

Dooars is beautiful throughout the year but each season offers a different atmosphere. 

• October to March(Best Season): This season has cold weather and clear skies, making it ideal for wildlife sightings, particularly elephants, rhinos, and guars. 
• April to June: This season offers lush greenery all around with fewer tourists. Must visit Murti and Jaldhaka during this season for super refreshing Dooars nature tours. 
• July to September (Suggested to avoid Monsoon): Forests are at their greenest and rivers are in full flow but many safari zones stay closed.

Best Places to Visit In Dooars

1. Lataguri

Gateway to Goumara and other spots of Dooars. This small town offers forest safari bookings, stay options(resorts), and a nature interpretation center to learn about the Dooars wildlife.

2. Gorumara National Park

This national park is famous for the Indian one-horned rhino. You can also get to see elephants, gaurs, and more. Take a jeep safari to explore Dooars wildlife or stay at any nearby resort for a better experience.

3. Murti River

A serene riverside surrounded by dense forest. Perfect for sunsets, nature walks, and picnics with your friends/family. Wild animals can usually be seen near the banks in the early morning or evenings. 

5. Jhalong & Bindu

Jhalong and Bindu Dooars offbeat destinations and hidden gems. Explore the serene Bindu River, the Jaldhaka Hydel Project, and lush tea gardens. The last village on the Indian side is Bindu. 

6. Jaldhaka

This is among the most peaceful and unexplored parts of Dooars. Perfect for riverside relaxation and Dooars birdwatching tours.

7. Samsing & Suntalekhola

This place offers to explore the misty hills, orange orchards, and beautiful tea gardens. Perfect for short treks and nature camping.

8. Jayanti

“Queen of Dooars”- a picturesque forest village along the Jayanti River in the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Famous for the Jayanti Mahakal Caves, forest walks, and peace.

9. Apple Stone

An off-the-beaten-path picnic spot along the Murti River surrounded by boulders that look like apples. Perfect for some relaxation. 

Dooars Itinerary(For 4 Days/3 Nights)

Day 1: Arrival in NMJ and transfer to Lataguri

Check in to your hotel in Lataguri. Visit the Lataguri Nature Interpretation Center and explore local areas.

Day 2: Explore Gorumara National Park Safari & Murti River

Early Morning: The journey begins from a jeep safari to Medhla, Jatraprasad, or Chukchuki Watch Towers. You can spot rhinos, bison, elephants, peacocks, and deer from these towers.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars to get a better sight of the wilds. 

Afternoon: Visit Murti River, one of the Dooars' most peaceful and photogenic rivers. This spot is perfect for picnics and you can get to see elephant herds in the early morning or during the sunset. 

Day 3: Explore Jhalong, Bindu, Apple Stone & Jaldhaka

Early Morning: Jhalong- The Journey begins with a drive along the beautiful hilly tea gardens to this Indo-Bhutan trade village. Don’t skip the Jaldhaka hydro project, (India’s first hydro project).

Apple Stone- A giant boulder in the center of the Jaldhaka River, forming natural water pools. This spot is regularly visited by locals for picnics. This Dooars scenic spot is perfect for riverside photography. 

Late Afternoon: Bindu- Located just a few kilometers from Jhalong at the border of Bhutan. The main attractions of Bindu are the breathtaking view of the Bhutan hills and the meeting point of 3 Bundu rivers. 

Jaldhaka- A peaceful riverside destination near the Bhutan border. It’s perfect for birdwatching, scenic beauty, and a calm gateway away from crowds. 

Day 4: Explore Samsing, Suntalekhola, Jayanti, and Return to NJP/ New Mal Junction

Morning: Samsing & Suntalekhola: Last day of the trip. Starts with exploring the foggy forest roads, tea gardens, and hanging bridges in Samsing & Suntalekhola. Walk along the stream and hanging bridge in Suntalekhola and trek in the forest. 

Jayanti: A magical riverside village near Buxa Tiger Reserve. Have a short trek to see the ruins of Buxa fort, and Mahakal cave. Visit the Jayanti River to see the beautiful white-stone dry riverbed.  

It is a perfect spot for overnight camping. 

Evening: Return to New Mal Junction/ NJP

Dooars Tour Cost Guide (Per Person)

This cost guide is based on a 4-day/3-night stay in Dooars. If you are planning for a shorter or longer trip and would like a complete cost breakdown, feel free to drop a comment below. 

Note: Price might vary depending on accommodation, season, and other factors. 

Travel costs

• By Train(Kolkata to New Mal Jn): Rs.350-1,200 (One way)
• By Car/Shared Vehicles: Rs.1,000-3,000 (Depending on the group size)

Accommodation

• Budget Stay(Homestay/Basic Hotel): Rs800-1,200(Per Night)
• Mid-Range(WBFDC,Private Stay): Rs1,500-2,500(Per Night)
• Luxury Resorts: Rs.3500+(Per Night)

Safari and Entry Fees

• Gorumara Safari(Jeep+Permit): Rs350-700(Shared Safari)
• Guide Fee(Compulsory): Rs100-150 (Per Safari)
• Watchtower entry fee: Rs100-200(Per Person)
• Jayanti Entry+Buxa Trek: Rs.150-250(Per Person)

Food

• Meals: Rs250-Rs800+(Per Day) 

Misc.

• Apple Stone Day Trip: Rs 500-800(Shared Vehicle cost)
• Snacks/Shopping: Rs.500-1,000(Optional)

Total Estimated Cost

• Budget Trip: Rs.6,500-8500
• Mid-Range Trip: Rs.9000-12,000
• Premium Experience: Rs14,000-18,000

Stay Options

Lataguri/Murti:

• Budget Stay: Resort Trimurti, Dreamland Hotel
• Mid-range: Banani Forest Resort(WBFDC), Olive Village
• Premium: Riverwood Forest Retreat, Aranya Jungle Resort

Jhalong/Bindu

• Local Homestays, WBFDC River Camp

Samsung/Suntalekhola

• Rocky Island Ecp camp, WBFDC Nature Resorts

Jayanti

• Bonante Homestay, Jayanti Forest Bungalow (WBFDC), Rovers Inn Jayanti

What to Carry

1. Government-issued ID card (mandatory for forest entry)
2. Comfortable walking shoes, raincoat or umbrella(during monsoon), light clothing (visiting during March-June), Warm layers (Nov-Feb)
3. Sunscreen and insect repellent, a torch/flashlight, power bank
4. Camera & Binoculars

Dooars is a vast and diverse region with abundant hidden gems and picturesque treasures to fit into one blog. In part 2 of Dooars Explore, we will guide you through the rest of the must-visit destinations. Stay tuned for more adventure places to explore.