Plan a Summer Trip to Jaldapara, Gorumara and Darjeeling
By Tushar- [10/May/24] The northern part of West Bengal is undoubtedly a mesmerising region to beat the heat during the summer season. With the commencement of summer vacations, unlimited destinations are browsed through for a quick escape from the scorching and humid heat and the daily routine. Mostly, hill stations are the most favoured locations, but how about a dose of wildlife adventure along with the cool breeze and mesmerising sight of Mt. Kanchenjunga? This summer vacation, plan a trip to Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park and Darjeeling for the blend of nature, thrill and adventure simultaneously.
Detailed Guide to Execute Your Travel Plan
Day 1. The tour begins by arriving at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport from your home town.
Once arriving at the railway station or the airport, hire a cab to reach Jaldapara National Park. The national park is 128 km from Bagdogra Airport and 16 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Therefore, in both cases, it will take from 2&½ to 3 hours to reach Jaldapara National Park. Reaching the park, get into a resort and get some rest. Enjoy the untamed beauty of Jaldapara National Park by embarking on an evening jeep safari from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Spend the rest of the day in leisure at your resort in Jaldapara.
Day 2. Experience Elephant Safari at Jaldapara and transfer to Gorumara National Park.
Sitting on the back of an elephant facilitates distant views, hence, you can easily spot wildlife by riding these huge animals. The elephant safari starts early in the morning from 5:30 am to 8:30 am in three slots. Try and embark on the earliest slot. Imbibing the morning ambience of the forest while enjoying an elephant is simply unrivalled. Returning from the elephant safari, have breakfast and check out from Jaldapara to Gorumara National Park. Gorumara is located at a distance of 77 km from Jaldapara National Park. Reaching Gorumara, you can opt for a visit to Samsing Tea Garden. After lunch go for an evening jeep safari at Gorumara National Park.
Day 3. Turn your gear towards Darjeeling, the ‘Queen of Hills’.
Wrapping up the wildlife tour, it is time to meet the hills. Darjeeling is 115 km away from Gorumara National Park. Start early from Gorumara National Park to head towards Darjeeling involving a 4-hour drive. Try and reach Darjeeling by 12:00 pm. Complete the check-in formalities and unwind yourself for some time. Spend the evening at Chowrasta, exploring the small stores selling souvenirs.
Day 4. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing at Darjeeling
Rise before the sun to watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill. Watch the magical moment of the first rays of the sun touching the peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and reflecting a golden glow. This is the very reason why Mt. Kanchenjunga is nicknamed the Golden Mountain. Relish a hearty breakfast at the Keventers and visit the Peace Pagoda, Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. Spend the sunset at the Observatory Hill View Point and the rest of the evening is free for you to explore local street food or shopping in Darjeeling.
Day 5. Check out from your hotel and board a toy train to Jalpaiguri
This is the day of departure. But before bidding goodbye to Darjeeling you must experience the toy train ride that has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Check out from the hotel and after breakfast board the toy train that departs from Darjeeling and takes you to New Jalpaiguri embarking you on this joy ride for 7 hours. The rain is scheduled every day at 9:00 am and reaches New Jalpaiguri at 4:30 pm. From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station either you board a train back home, or further transfer to Bagdogra International Airport to board a flight.