Lataguri is a small town located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It serves as the gateway to the famous Gorumara National Park and is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Many travelers visit Lataguri to explore the rich flora and fauna of the Dooars region.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Lataguri from major nearby cities and towns. You will learn about the main transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, or driving yourself, this article covers everything you need for a smooth journey.

Getting from Nearby Cities to Lataguri – Main Options

Train

Traveling to Lataguri by train is convenient for those coming from major cities like New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. The nearest railway station is New Mal Junction, about 15 km away, which connects well to Lataguri by road.

• New Mal Junction is the closest station to Lataguri, approximately 15 km away, with frequent local transport options like shared jeeps and taxis to cover the last mile comfortably.

• From New Jalpaiguri (NJP), a major railway hub 55 km from Lataguri, you can take local trains or buses to New Mal or directly hire a taxi for a 1.5 to 2-hour journey, depending on traffic.

• Train fares from Kolkata or Delhi to New Jalpaiguri range from ₹500 to ₹1500 in sleeper and AC classes, offering a comfortable overnight travel option for long-distance travelers.

• During monsoon, train services may face minor delays due to fog or track maintenance, so plan accordingly and check IRCTC updates before booking.

• New Mal Junction has basic waiting rooms and food stalls, but it is advisable to carry water and snacks for the onward road journey to Lataguri.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to reach Lataguri from nearby towns like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. State-run and private buses operate regularly on this route.

• From Siliguri, MSRTC and private buses run frequently to Lataguri, covering around 65 km in 2 to 3 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.

• Buses depart from Siliguri New Bus Stand and Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, with fares typically between ₹100 and ₹200, making it a budget-friendly option.

• During peak tourist seasons, buses can get crowded, so booking tickets a day in advance or arriving early at the bus stand is recommended.

• The route passes through NH17 and NH31, with several toll plazas and small towns where buses stop for refreshments and short breaks.

• In the rainy season, roads can become slippery and slow, so expect longer travel times and carry rain gear if traveling by bus.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Lataguri offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore the Dooars region at your own pace. The roads are generally good but can be narrow in some forest areas.

• Lataguri is well connected by road via NH17 and NH31, with a distance of about 65 km from Siliguri and 55 km from Jalpaiguri, taking 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

• Self-drive or taxi options are available from Siliguri, with car rentals costing around ₹1500 to ₹2500 per day depending on vehicle type and season.

• The drive passes through scenic tea gardens and forested areas, but watch out for wildlife crossings and occasional potholes during monsoon.

• Toll plazas on NH17 and NH31 require cash payments; keep small change handy to avoid delays.

• Parking is available near main hotels and the entrance to Gorumara National Park, but it can get crowded during weekends and holidays.

Flight

There is no airport in Lataguri, but the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, which connects to major Indian cities. From Bagdogra, you can continue by road to Lataguri.

• Bagdogra Airport is approximately 70 km from Lataguri, with taxi and cab services available for a 2 to 2.5-hour drive through NH17 and NH31.

• Flights to Bagdogra operate from Kolkata, Delhi, and other metro cities, with fares varying seasonally between ₹2000 and ₹6000 one way.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Bagdogra Airport, but booking in advance during peak tourist seasons is advisable.

• Public buses from Siliguri to Lataguri run frequently, so you can take a taxi from Bagdogra to Siliguri and then a bus for a cheaper option.

• Road conditions from Bagdogra to Lataguri are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Lataguri, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and preferred timings, especially during holidays or weekends.

• From New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra Airport, arrange a taxi or shared jeep to New Mal Junction or directly to Lataguri; pre-booking helps avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by bus from Siliguri, reach the bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to get a seat, as buses can fill up quickly during tourist season.

• Carry a small daypack with water, snacks, and rain gear, as local transport may have limited stops and weather can change suddenly in the Dooars region.

• On arrival in Lataguri, use local auto-rickshaws or shared jeeps to reach your hotel or Gorumara National Park entrance; negotiate fares beforehand to avoid confusion.

• Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be spotty in forested areas around Lataguri.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Lataguri to prevent stomach issues, as safe drinking water is limited outside hotels and resorts.

• Use prepaid taxis or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber when available, especially at Bagdogra Airport and Siliguri, to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Book train tickets through IRCTC and bus tickets via official MSRTC counters or apps to avoid scams and last-minute cancellations common in tourist areas.

• Pack light but include rain protection such as umbrellas or raincoats, as the Dooars region experiences heavy monsoon showers that can disrupt travel plans.

• Carry insect repellent and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore Gorumara National Park or nearby forests to avoid insect bites and slippery trails.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid displaying valuables openly in crowded bus stands or railway stations to reduce the risk of theft.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Lataguri is between October and May when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Monsoon season brings heavy rains that can affect road and rail travel.

Winter mornings can be foggy, especially in December and January, causing minor delays in train and road transport. Planning your departure after 9 AM can help avoid fog-related issues.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Christmas in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, as transport options become crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rainfall, leading to slippery roads and occasional landslides on NH17, so travel cautiously or postpone if possible.

• Early morning departures between 7 AM and 9 AM are ideal to avoid traffic jams and enjoy daylight driving through scenic routes.

• Winter fog from late November to early February can reduce visibility on roads and railways, so allow extra travel time during these months.

Arrival at Lataguri & What to Expect

Upon arriving in Lataguri, you will find a small town with basic facilities catering mostly to tourists visiting Gorumara National Park. The town is peaceful with limited local transport options.

Local commute is mainly by shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Most hotels offer pick-up services from bus stands or taxi points. Staying near the park entrance or main market area is convenient for easy access to food and transport.

Prepaid taxi counters are not common in Lataguri, so negotiate fares in advance or use trusted hotel-arranged transport. App-based cabs are rare here, so plan accordingly. Food options include local eateries serving Bengali and North Indian cuisine, with some hotels offering multi-cuisine menus.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Lataguri depends on your starting point and travel preferences. For long-distance travelers, taking a train to New Jalpaiguri followed by a taxi or bus is comfortable and economical. Those seeking flexibility may prefer driving or hiring a taxi from Siliguri or Bagdogra Airport.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging reliable local transport will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Lataguri and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the Dooars region without hassle.