Gorumara National Park is located in the Dooars region of West Bengal, known for its rich wildlife and scenic beauty. Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to this popular wildlife destination. This route is commonly traveled by nature lovers and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from city life.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Gorumara. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival, making your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Kolkata to Gorumara – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for reaching Gorumara from Kolkata. It offers comfort and scenic views, with several trains connecting Kolkata to nearby stations close to Gorumara.

• The nearest major railway stations to Gorumara are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Malbazar. NJP is about 70 km away and well-connected to Kolkata by multiple daily trains, including the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express.

• Train journey from Kolkata to NJP takes around 10 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from INR 300 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC classes, depending on the train and booking time.

• Trains are usually punctual but can get crowded during festivals like Durga Puja and summer holidays, so booking tickets early through IRCTC is advisable.

• From NJP or Malbazar station, you can hire local taxis or shared jeeps to reach Gorumara, which takes about 2 to 3 hours on National Highway 31 and NH 717.

• Food options on trains vary; it is best to carry some snacks and water, as station food stalls at NJP and Malbazar offer decent local cuisine.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for travelers who prefer road travel and want to experience the local landscape en route to Gorumara. Several bus services operate between Kolkata and Siliguri or Malbazar.

• State-run buses by SBSTC and private operators run from Kolkata’s Esplanade bus terminal to Siliguri and Malbazar, with journey times ranging from 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 400 to INR 700 for non-AC and AC buses respectively, with overnight buses available for convenience.

• From Siliguri or Malbazar bus stands, you can take local shared taxis or jeeps to Gorumara, which is about 60 to 70 km away and takes 2 to 3 hours by road.

• Road conditions on NH 12 and NH 717 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches, so plan accordingly during June to September.

• Bus frequency is higher during peak tourist seasons and weekends, so booking tickets a few days in advance is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Gorumara offers flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic Dooars region at your own pace. The route is well-connected by national highways and state roads.

• The distance from Kolkata to Gorumara is approximately 560 km via NH 12 and NH 717, with a typical drive time of 11 to 13 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Major toll plazas on this route include Barasat, Malda, and Siliguri, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Rest stops with food and fuel are available at towns like Bardhaman, Malda, and Siliguri, offering local Bengali and North Indian snacks.

• Driving during early morning hours helps avoid city traffic in Kolkata and Siliguri, making the journey more comfortable and faster.

• During monsoon, some stretches near the Dooars can be slippery and prone to landslides; check weather updates and road conditions before starting your trip.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Gorumara, but flying to nearby airports can save travel time for some travelers. This option suits those who prefer air travel combined with road transport.

• The nearest airport to Gorumara is Bagdogra Airport, around 65 km away, which has regular flights from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

• Flight duration from Kolkata to Bagdogra is about 1.5 hours, with fares ranging from INR 2000 to INR 5000 depending on booking time and airline.

• From Bagdogra airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Gorumara, which takes about 2 to 3 hours by road.

• Bagdogra airport has basic amenities and taxi counters; it is advisable to book your onward taxi in advance during peak tourist seasons.

• Flights may be affected by fog during winter months (December-January), so check flight status and plan accordingly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Gorumara, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure preferred timings and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If taking the train, choose a train arriving at New Jalpaiguri or Malbazar in the morning to have ample daylight for the onward road journey to Gorumara.

• Upon arrival at NJP or Bagdogra, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to book your ride to Gorumara, ensuring fair pricing and safety.

• Carry light luggage and water bottles, as the road journey to Gorumara can take 2 to 3 hours with limited stops for refreshments.

• Inform your accommodation in Gorumara about your expected arrival time so they can arrange pickups if available, especially during late hours.

• Keep a physical or digital copy of your tickets, ID proofs, and emergency contacts handy throughout your journey for smooth verification and assistance.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during local transfers.

• Carry sufficient drinking water and light snacks, especially if traveling by train or bus, as food availability en route may be limited or of variable quality.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 2 weeks in advance during peak seasons like winter holidays and Durga Puja to avoid sold-out situations.

• Use local transport options like shared jeeps or taxis for last-mile connectivity from NJP or Malbazar to Gorumara; negotiate fares beforehand or confirm app-based rates.

• Pack light and waterproof luggage during monsoon months, as sudden rains and muddy paths are common in the Dooars region.

• Be cautious about wildlife and avoid traveling after dark near forest areas; follow park guidelines and local advice for a safe visit.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Gorumara is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains and slippery roads.

Traffic can increase significantly during major festivals and school holidays, so plan your departure times to avoid peak congestion and ensure a comfortable journey.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja and Christmas holidays when trains and roads are crowded, leading to higher fares and limited availability.

• Winter fog in December and January can delay early morning flights and trains, so allow extra time for connections.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause roadblocks and landslides on NH 717; check weather and road updates before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help avoid city traffic and provide a smoother start to your journey.

Arrival at Gorumara & What to Expect

When you arrive near Gorumara, you will likely reach either Malbazar or Lataguri, the main towns serving the park area. These towns have basic amenities and local transport options for reaching the park gates.

Local commute options include shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and taxis that can take you to the park entrance and nearby resorts. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are less common here, so negotiate fares carefully. Popular areas to stay include Lataguri and Chalsa, which offer a range of budget and mid-range accommodations.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Gorumara is straightforward with multiple options like train, bus, car, and flight combined with road transport. The train to New Jalpaiguri followed by a taxi is the most efficient and popular choice for most travelers due to comfort and connectivity.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right travel season, and arranging local transport in advance will make your journey smooth. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Gorumara and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of this wonderful destination.