Lataguri is a small town located on the hilly terrains of the Dooars. Lying in close vicinity to some of the popular tourist attractions like Gorumara National Park and Chapmari Wildlife Sanctuary makes Lataguri a great place to witness the beauty of Mother Nature. It is the ideal place to enjoy local traditions, culture and festivals. Loaded with attractions and accommodation facilities make Lataguri a rather interesting place to stay and plan tours to the neighboring areas. Let us take a quick look at some of the places to visit in and around Lataguri.

Sprawled across an area of 80 sq. km on the banks of River Murti and Raidak is the very popular Gorumara National Park. Located at the foothills of the stunning Great Himalayas, Gorumara boasts of a rich and varied flora and fauna, characterized by deciduous forests and riverine grasslands. Gorumara is famous as the home to the Asiatic one-horned rhinos. Apart from these, tourists are also treated to other wild animals, reptiles, birds and insects like the Asian elephants, royal Bengal tigers, Indian Wild Dogs, Wild Boars, python, cobra, woodpeckers, Great Indian Hornbill and many others. Tourists can take jeep and elephant safaris to venture deep into the jungles for animal and bird spotting.

Located a mere 20 km from the Gorumara National Park is the Chapmari Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an opportunity to witness Mother Nature at its best. It presents a gorgeous spectacle with Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the backdrop. Chapmari is the home to diverse species of animals like leopards, gaurs, and elephants who have made the sanctuary their natural habitat. Like Gorumara, here also tourists can take jeep and elephant safaris to explore the wilderness and go spotting animals.

Located on the banks of River Jayanti, the Jayanti Mahakal Caves is a popular trekking destination for the enthusiasts in this part of Bengal. The caves form a natural border with the gorgeous Sinchula hills which lie in the backdrop of the caves. The ancient ruins of the caves are also a major attraction for the tourists. There are forest bungalows located close to the caves where tourists can stay to enjoy the tranquillity and peace of the beautiful environment. This lies close to the Buxa Tiger Reserve and the 15 km trek from Buxaduar to Jayanti is very popular.

Buxa Tiger Reserve is a 2 hours’ drive from Lataguri. As the name suggests, it is a tiger reserve which also houses other wild animals like the elephants, cheetah, sambar, leopards, chital deer, bison and many more. Bordering Bhutan and Assam, this is the country’s 15th tiger reserve and the forest which constitutes the reserve is alluvial floodplains and is the largest in Dooars. The landscape is truly breathtaking and a visit to the tiger reserve can a full day out from Lataguri but is completely worth it. Soak in the warmth and the gorgeous surroundings and come back rejuvenated.

This is another interesting site close to Buxa Tiger Reserve. It is popularly known as the land of rare birds. Rovers Point is located on a hilltop which gives the tourists a fascinating aerial view of the surrounding forests that are spread out across acres. It gives a bird’s eye view of Buxa Reserve. A must-visit destination for bird lovers and bird photographers; Rovers Point is frequented by both to sight rare birds and their activities. They can spend hours watching the winged beauties and capturing them in their lenses.

This fort is located on top of Buxa Hill. It is believed to have provided shelter to refugee monks, who, during the Tibetan crisis following the Chinese invasion had escaped to India. This fort is also believed to have been the primary bone of contention between the Cooch Kings and the king of Bhutan but was later captured by the British in the 18th century. The fort which was originally made of bamboo was converted into a stone structure by the British. Revolutionaries were imprisoned in this fort during the British rule in India.

This place epitomizes peace and tranquillity. The quiet surroundings are intoxicating and beyond peaceful. The Murti River which flows down from the Kalimpong Hills lies between the Chapmari Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National park. Surrounded by thick forests on all sides, the sparkling waters of the rivers, the complete silence pierced by the chirping of birds or call of the animals presents nature at its very best. Spend some leisurely hours sitting or strolling along the banks of the river soaking in the natural beauty is the defining moment of a trip to the area.

The Jaldhaka River Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal. The river originates in East Sikkim from Kupup Lake and flows partly through Bhutan and partly through Bengal. The river valley is surrounded by hills and villages of tribal people. A visit to the valley is recommended not only for the beauty but also to witness the cultural heritage of the tribal people.

Bindu is a small village on Indo-Bhutan border that is known for its cardamom plantations. It has become a popular attraction for tourists who visit to view the plantations and the scenic landscape.