Situated at the Himalayan foothills, Lataguri forms a part of the greater Dooars forest. It is roughly a 2 hours away from Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway station. Once you reach Lataguri first thing that you notice is the cleanliness of this place. Surrounded by dense forest, here you find yourself away from all the city noise and pollution. The most intriguing part however is the professionally guided jungle safari. The dense wilderness here is home to various species of birds and animals such as the One horned Rhino, the Asiatic Elephant, Indian bison, Common Leopard, Peafowl and various species of birds. Here the density of the One horned Rhino is second largest after Kaziranga National Park is Assam. The sightings are not so rare and tourists flock to this place through year.
Activities
Wildlife safari: You can go for wildlife safari tour in the adjacent Gorumara National Park. This National Park is home to famous One horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Indian Gaur (Bison), Leopards and many more species. Here the the density of famous one horned Rhino is second largest after Kaziranga National Park which is in Assam. Not only wildlife, Doaars forests have their unique ambiance which is very special.
Local Tribal culture: The Dooars region is enriched with various tribal cultures. A nice evening can be spent in your resort courtyard watching their dance and music while enjoying their homemade brewer – Haaria.
A day with Elephant: You can spend your day with Elephants who stays at nearby Pilkhana (stable of Elephants). You can feed them and walk with them to the nearby river and help the Mahut to bath them.
Excursion to Kalimpong: Enjoy a day long excursion trip to Kalimpong and enjoy the places of interest in the nearby areas. This sightseeing tour program can be customized to your needs. Some of the places of Interest are Durpin Dara, Deolo Hills, Flower Nurseries, Thongsa Gompa, Tharpa Choling Monastery, Durpin Monastery, Golf Course and many more.
Excursion to Phuentsholing (Bhutan): Enjoy a day long excursion trip to Phuentsholing (Bhutan) and enjoy the places of interest in the nearby areas. You can see famous Dooars Tea plantation on your way to Phuentsholing. This sightseeing tour program can be customized to your needs. Some of the places of Interest are Phuentsholing Monastery, Crocodile Park, Bhutan Gate etc.
*Please note that this excursion trip is for Indian tourists only. Foreign tourists (Except Indian and Bangladesh nationals) can’t enter into Bhutan without VISA. However, Indian nationals can enter into Bhutan and go to a certain point without permit. Indian tourists need to carry valid id proof with them for this tour.
Places to Visit: Gorumara National Park, Kalimpong, Phuensholing (Bhutan), Chalsa, Samsing, Suntalekhola, etc.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Lataguri varies from season to season. In summer sometimes the mercury touches 35°C but as the area falls in sub-tropical rain forest zone, occasional shower keeps the atmosphere comfortable. During winter season temperature drops down to 6°C sometimes and weather becomes foggy. During monsoon this area gets good amount of rainfall.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Nomos-Kaar, Yes: Hya, No: Naa, Little bit: Olpo, Thank you: Dhan-yo-baad, Road: Raas-taa, Shop/Store: Do-kaan, Market: Baa-zar, Medicine: O-shoodh.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Gorom jol, Cold Water: Thaan-daa jol, Rice: Bhaat, Lentils: Daal, Vegetables: Sab-jee,
Emotions: Good (Food): Daa-roon, Not Good (food): mota-mooti, Good (Place,things): Soon-dor, Not Good (Place,things): Bhaa-lo na.
Time: Morning: Sokaal, Noon: Doo-poor, Afternoon: Bee-kel, Evening: Son-dha, Night: Raat-ree.
Relationship: Elder-brother: Dada, Brother: Bhaa-e, Elder Sister: Dee-Dee, Sister: Bon.
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Bagdogra airport (IXB). It is well connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and metro cities of India.
The nearest big railway station name is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) which is 49 km away from here. It’s well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and other metro cities of India. There is another railway junction which is the nearest from here. The station name is New Mal Junction (NMZ) and it’s 30 km away from here. But there are only few trains that connects this station with Delhi, Kolkata and other cities.
Lataguri is well connected by roads with West Bengal and rest of the India.
Permit
Indian and foreign tourists don’t need any permit to visit this place. For further query please contact us.
Custom
While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. It is also advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask before taking any picture.
Safety
Lataguri is a safe place for tourists but for any safety concern you can share your query with local police station (dial 100 only) or reach to the nearest tourist information center. Remember if you are going for wildlife safari then pay heed to your guide. It’s not advisable to go outside of your hotel/resort premises as it is a forest area.
Health
The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at everyplace.