Dooars is the gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Bhutan. Famous for its tea gardens, forests and the River Teesta, it is ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The region is known for its wildlife sanctuaries where one can spot herds of deer, one-horned rhinos, elephants, guars and reptiles. The bird population here is an ornithologist's delight. An added attraction is the Tiger reserve. White water rafting, trekking and jungle safaris are must dos.
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Gorumara National Park
Located on the banks of river Murti, it is renowned for the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros and the King cobra. Other animals include elephants, bisons, leopards and reptiles. Trees like Teak, Simul, Siris, Khair and Sal abound in the forests with numerous birds.
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Safari Timings: 5.30 AM till 8.30 AM & 3 PM till 6 PM
Entry Fees: Rs.35
Guide Charges: Rs. 150 per vehicle
Distance from hotel: 14kms
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Buxa Tiger Reserve
A sanctuary set up to preserve the Royal Bengal Tiger; it is the crown gem of Dooars.
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Distance from hotel: 104kms
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Chapramari Wildlife Park
Famous for its elephants, gaur, spotted cheetah and sambar. One of the few places where the pangolin proliferates successfully. Sought-after birds include the green magpie, scarlet minivet, hill mayna, Indian treepie and white-breasted kingfisher.
Timings: 6 AM till 7.30 AM / 8.30 AM till 10 AM / 1.30 PM till 3.00PM / 4.00 PM till 5.30 PM
Entry fees: Rs.70 per head
Guide Charges: Rs.100 per vehicle
Vehicle entry fee: Rs.1,400
Distance from hotel: 1kms
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Neora Valley National Park
Located in a woody forest area, abundant species of orchids crowd the park. Wild animals like red panda, Himalayan black bear and wild dog can be found here. The park is also a popular picnic spot. Adventure seekers can trek to Rechela Danda, the highest peak in the park.
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Distance from hotel: 58kms
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Samsing
Known for its orange orchards and cardamom plantations. The tea estates on the way to Samsing are a visual delight.
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Distance from hotel: 15kms
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Phuntsholing
The gateway to Bhutan from India, it offers scenic vistas. On the way to Phuntsholing, one can stop at Kharbandi Gompa, a monastery built by Bhutan's Queen Mother.
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Distance from hotel: 103kms
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Lava – Lolaygaon
Lava is a forest village with a popular Buddhist monastery that is known as Lava Monastery. It is a bird watcher's delight.
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Lolaygaon is higher up than Lava. From Jhandi Dara (wooded hilltop), one can enjoy a brilliant view of the sunrise.
Distance from hotel: 100kms
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Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife forest has the largest concentration of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros in India after Kaziranga. Another must watch is the Royal Bengal tiger. Reptiles like the Indian python, fresh-water turtles and geckos can also be found here. Elephant and jeep safaris inside the forest can be organised.
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Car Safari Timings: 6 AM till 9 AM / 3 PM till 4.30 PM
Entry Fees: Rs.60
Vehicle entry: Rs.250 per trip
Guide Charges: Rs.200
Gypsy Hire charges: Rs.750
Video camera: Rs.200
Elephant Safari: 5.30 AM to 8.30 AM
Entry fees: Rs.60 per head
Vehicle entry: Rs.250 per trip
Elephant ride fee: Rs.600
Video camera: Rs.200
Day Safari: 9 AM to 2 PM
Entry fees: Rs.60 per head
Vehicle entry: Rs.250 per trip
Parking fee: Rs.25 per vehicle
Video camera: Rs.200
Distance from hotel: 82kms