If you are on a trip to North Bengal, a visit to Lataguri is a must. Located just outside the Gorumara National park in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, this small town is strategically positioned which gives tourists easy access to some of the major attractions of the area. There is the Gorumara National Park, Chapmari Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Tiger Reserve and some exceptionally stunning scenic spots like Murti, all located a stone’s throw distance from Lataguri. Accommodation facilities are available for tourists you can explore the adjoining areas from Lataguri. It is well accessible and fairly well connected. During one’s stay here, people can indulge in a number of popular activities.

When you are in Lataguri the first job is to undertake forest safaris. The town is located close to Gorumara National Park and Chapmari Wildlife Sanctuary. Both these forests are known for their rich flora, fauna and grasslands that cover them. They are homes to a large number of wild animals like elephants, gaur, bison, Asiatic one-horned rhino, Indian wild dogs and many more. They are a natural habitat for different species of insects, reptiles, and birds and it is an experience spotting these animals in their habitat, roaming around freely. Jeep and elephant safaris are both extremely popular. Elephant safaris are conducted early in the morning and they take tourists deep into the jungle to places where jeeps cannot reach. Jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening and if you are lucky you will lay eyes on some of these animals.

Gorumara and Chapmari are dense forest areas that are abounding with flora and fauna. The dense green cover means that they are home to not only wild animals but also to avian creatures. For bird lovers and photographers both the forests offer a brilliant opportunity to spot some rare birds. In Gorumara they will come across submontane forest birds like sunbird, spangled drongo, Asian Paradise flycatchers, Indian hornbill, etc. Pheasants and woodpeckers are found aplenty. Spotting migratory birds like brahminy duck is not uncommon. In Chapmari too birders can spot a large species of birds like black stork, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Dollarbird, Asian Barred Owlet, Thick-billed Green Pigeon and many others.

For trekkers, there is an opportunity for trekking during their stay in Lataguri. From here they can travel to Jayanti Mahakal Caves. This is located on the banks of River Jayanti near Buxa Tiger Reserve. With beautiful Sinchula hills at the backdrop, this is a picturesque little place. It also offers an interesting trekking trail that extends from Buxaduar to Jayanti and it passes through the dense forests of Buxa Tiger Reserve. The 15 km trek is an enjoyable one and takes trekkers through some stunning scenic spots.

If tourists have time on their hands and are willing to drive down 50 km to a scenic spot for the day, there is no better place to go than Jaldhaka Jalboong and Bindu. Jaldhaka is a valley town located on the banks of River Jaldhaka. The river originates in the East Sikkim area and passes partly through Bengal and partly through Bhutan. It has become a popular tourist destination because of its scenic beauty. Jhalong, Bindu are some of the important villages of Jaldhaka. This is a great place to explore the villages and enjoy a great day out.

Muri River flows down from the Neora Valley National Park between Chapmari Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National Park. Surrounded by dense forests on all sides, it is a beautiful place to spend some precious moments in solitude. Strolling along the banks of the river, spotting animals now and then and soaking in the gorgeous ambiance is among the best things to do during one’s stay in Lataguri. During winter, the riverbank becomes a favored picnicking spot for tourists.

For tourists, Lataguri is a great place to be in terms of food. The place offers a wide variety of cuisines. Hotels, dhabbas, and other eateries are available aplenty. While the chief attraction may not be food, given the stunning places there are to visit in the vicinity, nevertheless, the food is not a disappointment here at all. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are both available here for tourists. Some of the popular places to eat here are Aranya Jungle Resort, Tripti restaurant, and Rose Valley Lataguri Forest Retreat. The food is deliciously cooked in hygienic conditions.