West Bengal
Jungle safaris, rivers and tea at the foot of the hills.
The Dooars are the forested foothills where the Himalaya meets the plains, between the Teesta and the Sankosh rivers. You come here for wildlife: the one-horned rhinos of Jaldapara, the elephants and gaur of Gorumara, plus rivers, tea gardens and riverside stays at places like Murti, Samsing and Jhalong.
October to mid-June is the season. West Bengal's national parks close for the monsoon, usually from mid-June to mid-September, so there are no safaris in that period. The hot months just before the monsoon are good for spotting animals near waterholes.
Jalpaiguri averages 24°C by day and 11°C at night in January; heavy rain falls from May to September. Dooars weather by month →
Bagdogra or NJP are about 2 to 3 hours by road to Gorumara and Lataguri, and Jaldapara is further east near Madarihat. New Mal Junction, Hasimara and Alipurduar are the railway stations closer in.
Best known for the one-horned rhino. Jeep safaris run in season, and elephant safaris run subject to forest department availability.
Visitors go to the watchtowers here (Jatraprasad, Chandrachur, Medla and others) to watch rhino, gaur and elephants. Entry is in time slots.
Good for forest walks and treks to Buxa Fort, and for staying in forest villages.
These are quiet riverbanks and hill villages, good for a slower day between safaris.
Book safari and watchtower slots only through the official West Bengal forest department booking or through your stay, with a proper receipt.
Elephants cross the highway through the forest corridors, especially at dusk and at night. Don't stop, honk, use flash or take selfies near them. Keep your distance and follow your driver's lead.
Wear muted clothes and stay quiet, and never feed or call out to animals.
The forested lowlands have mosquitoes all year, so use repellent and long sleeves, especially at dusk.
West Bengal's national parks usually close for the monsoon from mid-June to mid-September. Check the forest department's announcement for the exact dates each year.
Jaldapara and Gorumara both have one-horned rhinos. Sightings are likely in season but never guaranteed.
Last reviewed September 2026. Permit rules, park dates, fares and road conditions change, so confirm locally before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
