Dooars Wildlife Trail – A Grand Journey Through the Forested Arc of Eastern Himalayas
The Dooars Wildlife Trail is one of India’s most fascinating eco-regions—an expansive belt of emerald forest, riverine grasslands, tea estates, and Himalayan foothills stretching along the northern edge of West Bengal. Known historically as the gateway to Bhutan, the Dooars region offers a rich tapestry of biodiversity, tribal heritage, scenic drives, and unmatched wildlife experiences.
This detailed guide brings together extensive research, local insights, geographic references, and practical travel guidance to help visitors understand the full grandeur of this lesser-explored region. From dense sal forests to floodplains shaped by the Teesta, Torsa, Raidak, and Jaldhaka rivers, each bend of Dooars unfolds a new layer of natural wonder.
Overview of the Dooars Landscape
The word “Dooars” originates from the Assamese/Bengali word “Duars”, meaning “door” or “gateway”. This aptly describes the region’s historical role as the passage between India and Bhutan. It comprises a chain of plains lying between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Brahmaputra basin to the south. The average elevation of these plains ranges from 90 to 175 metres above sea level, creating a fertile belt that nurtures vast wildlife habitats.
Dooars is broadly divided into Eastern, Central, and Western zones—each replete with dense forest cover, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, grasslands, and tribal settlements. It is a crucial ecological corridor forming part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. According to the West Bengal Forest Department, the region is home to major protected habitats such as Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary.
Major Wildlife Zones Along the Dooars Trail
Gorumara National Park
Located in the Western Dooars region near Lataguri, Gorumara National Park is famed for its thriving population of one-horned rhinoceros. The park stretches across the floodplains of the Murti and Jaldhaka rivers, featuring a mosaic of sal forests, broadleaf woodlands, tall grasslands, and wetland habitats. Wildlife sightings commonly include Indian gaur, elephant herds, sambar, spotted deer, hog deer, and numerous species of raptors.
Jaldapara National Park
One of India’s finest rhino habitats after Kaziranga, Jaldapara is a spectacular expanse of riverine grassland. The Torsha River cuts through its terrain, creating rich forage zones for elephants, rhinoceros, and swamp deer. The elephant safari in Jaldapara is globally famous for offering close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers particularly enjoy sightings of the Bengal florican, pied hornbill, and crested eagle.
Buxa Tiger Reserve
Buxa is the most rugged and extensive wildlife zone of the Dooars Wildlife Trail. It comprises dense forested hills, high-altitude ridges, limestone caves, and abandoned British-era forts. Home to leopards, elephants, clouded leopards, rare butterflies, and diverse avian species, Buxa also links with the forests of Assam and Bhutan, forming a vital transboundary corridor.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the oldest sanctuaries in India, Chapramari lies adjacent to Gorumara and is separated only by the Murti River. The sanctuary is famous for elephant sightings, as these gentle giants frequently move through the riverine grasslands. The scenic Chapramari Watchtower is ideal for observing wildlife movements during dusk.
Neora Valley National Park
Though technically part of the Kalimpong district, Neora Valley is often included in the extended Dooars Wildlife Trail. It represents one of the last remaining virgin forests in the Eastern Himalayas. The elusive red panda, Himalayan black bear, and rare butterflies thrive in these cloud-kissed forests.
For further ecological and regional understanding, visitors may refer to the comprehensive information available on the Dooars Wikipedia page.
Important Places to See During the Dooars Wildlife Trail
1. Murti Riverbank
The banks of the Murti River offer one of the most serene landscapes in Dooars. With forests on one side and distant Himalayan foothills on the other, it is perfect for riverside walks and birdwatching.
2. South Khayerbari Leopard Rescue Centre
Located near Jaldapara, this center offers visitors an opportunity to understand wildlife rescue operations, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.
3. Jhalong – Bindu – Paren Belt
This beautiful stretch along the Jaldhaka River is filled with terraced villages, green valleys, and Indo-Bhutan border landscapes. Bindu’s hydroelectric dam and Jhalong’s riverfront viewpoints are especially popular.
4. Samsing and Suntalekhola
Samsing marks the entry point to Neora Valley and is surrounded by lush tea gardens. Suntalekhola is known for its hanging bridge, forest trails, and peaceful homestays.
5. Buxa Fort & Lepchakha Village
A trek to Buxa Fort reveals a remarkable chapter of colonial history. From the nearby village of Lepchakha, visitors can view the entire Dooars plain like a stunning green tapestry below.
Major Distances to Note
- Bagdogra Airport to Lataguri (Gorumara): approx. 68 km
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Jaldapara (Madarihat): approx. 115 km
- Hasimara to Jaldapara: approx. 12 km
- NJP to Buxa (Rajabhatkhawa): approx. 160 km
- Lataguri to Jhalong: approx. 32 km
- Jhalong to Bindu: approx. 12 km
- Samsing to Suntalekhola: approx. 4 km
How to Reach Dooars
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), offering direct connectivity to major Indian cities. From the airport, taxis and private cars are available to reach various wildlife zones of the Dooars region.
By Train
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the primary railhead. Other important stations include New Mal Junction, Hasimara, Alipurduar, and Birpara. These stations offer access to different segments of the Dooars Wildlife Trail.
By Road
The National Highway 17 (formerly NH31) runs through the heart of Dooars. Scenic forest roads connect Siliguri with Chalsa, Lataguri, Hamiltonganj, Madarihat, and Alipurduar. Private cars, shared jeeps, and buses operate frequently.
Travelers interested in extending their wildlife exploration across Bengal’s ecosystems can also refer to this recommended link on Sundarban Tour.
Staying Options Along the Dooars Wildlife Trail
Dooars offers a diverse range of accommodation options—from eco-resorts and forest bungalows to riverside cottages and tea garden stays. While no contact numbers are shared, the following regions provide abundant choices:
Lataguri (Near Gorumara National Park)
This is one of the most preferred zones for travelers. Resorts on the fringes of Gorumara offer forest views, watchtower access, and safari arrangements. Many properties provide thematic cottages designed with bamboo and wooden elements.
Madarihat (Near Jaldapara National Park)
Madarihat is ideal for elephant safari access. Resorts here typically feature large lawns, tribal dance performances, and open-air dining spaces under the forest canopy.
Rajabhatkhawa (Near Buxa Tiger Reserve)
Rajabhatkhawa offers nature resorts surrounded by dense greenery. Its proximity to Buxa Fort, Jayanti Riverbed, and Bhutan border villages makes it a scenic base.
Samsing – Suntalekhola Belt
This zone offers homestays, eco-lodges, and small boutique cottages nestled amidst tea gardens and cloud forests. Perfect for birdwatchers and slow travelers.
Jhalong – Bindu
Riverside properties overlooking the Jaldhaka make this zone ideal for peaceful stays, especially for those seeking scenic tea-garden trails.
Experiences to Seek on the Dooars Wildlife Trail
Forest Safari
Multiple wildlife zones offer jeep safaris, each unfolding a different terrain. Sightings often include bison, elephants, rhinos, and avian treasures. Safaris are operated by the West Bengal Forest Department and require advance booking.
Bird Watching
With over 650 recorded species, Dooars is a paradise for ornithologists. Grasslands, riverbanks, tea gardens, and wetlands create diverse habitats for kingfishers, eagles, hornbills, and migratory birds.
Tribal Cultural Interactions
Dooars is home to numerous indigenous communities such as the Rava, Toto, Mech, and Oraon tribes. Their handicrafts, musical traditions, and folk dances enrich the cultural fabric of the region.
Trekking & Riverside Activities
The riverbeds of Jayanti, Buxa foothills, and Neora Valley ranges offer several short treks. The landscape is dotted with hanging bridges, waterfalls, birding trails, and natural pools.
Best Time to Visit the Dooars Wildlife Trail
The best period to explore the Dooars Wildlife Trail is **October to April**, when the weather is pleasant, visibility is high, and forest safaris are operational. Winter months (December–February) offer the best chances of wildlife sightings around water bodies.
The monsoon season (mid-June to mid-September) brings heavy rainfall, lush greenery, and flooding in certain pockets. Many protected areas remain closed during this period.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Maintain silence during safaris to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Do not litter inside the forest zones.
- Respect local communities, their traditions, and their forest-based livelihoods.
- Avoid feeding wild animals.
- Choose eco-friendly accommodations wherever possible.
Conclusion
The Dooars Wildlife Trail is a grand journey into the living heart of the Eastern Himalayas. Its immense forests, ancient rivers, mist-laden valleys, tribal heritage, and rich biodiversity make it one of India’s most extraordinary natural corridors. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, wildlife encounters, or cultural insights, Dooars offers a landscape that remains forever etched in memory.
For travelers who cherish nature-based journeys, the Dooars Wildlife Trail stands as an invitation—wild, authentic, and timeless.