Thursday, October 19: Kolkata to Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Morning: Start your journey from Kolkata to Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush green landscapes and tea gardens. Explore the sanctuary's diverse flora and fauna, including the famous Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
For breakfast, head to The Chaiwala for a traditional Indian breakfast experience. This cozy cafe offers a variety of chai (tea) options along with delicious local delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
For lunch, stop by Himalaya Restaurant, which serves authentic Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. This restaurant is known for its momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup). The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, dine at Madhuban Restaurant, known for its delectable Bengali cuisine. Enjoy dishes like macher jhol (fish curry) and kosha mangsho (spicy mutton curry). The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Friday, October 20: Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary to Buxa Tiger Reserve
Morning: Embark on a thrilling safari in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary to spot more wildlife. Afternoon: Journey to Buxa Tiger Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Explore the reserve's dense forests, trek to the historic Buxa Fort, and enjoy the tranquility of Jayanti River.
Buxa Tiger Reserve: Cost - Entrance fee: INR 20 per person. Estimated time: Full day.
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is Café Hochland, known for its delicious pastries and hearty breakfast options. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to the Jaldhaka River's edge and dine at Riverside Fast Food, offering a range of local and Indian cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, visit Mughal Garden Restaurant in Buxa Tiger Reserve, offering a mix of North Indian and Mughlai delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
Saturday, October 21: Buxa Tiger Reserve to Gorumara National Park
Morning: Depart from Buxa Tiger Reserve and head to Gorumara National Park, famous for its population of Indian rhinoceros and elephant herds. Enjoy a thrilling jeep safari to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Afternoon: Visit the nearby Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary for more wildlife sightings.
Gorumara National Park: Cost - Entrance fee: INR 100 per person. Estimated time: Full day.
For breakfast, you can try out Cafe Coffee Day, located near Buxa Tiger Reserve. They offer a range of breakfast options including sandwiches, muffins, and coffee. The average cost for a breakfast here is about 150 INR per person.
To satisfy your hunger for lunch, head to Jungle Cafe. It is a family-friendly restaurant located near Gorumara National Park. They serve delicious Indian and Chinese cuisine. The average cost for a lunch here is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Green Oasis, a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Dooars. They offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for dinner here is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, October 22: Gorumara National Park to Jhalong
Morning: Depart from Gorumara National Park and travel to Jhalong, a picturesque village situated on the banks of the Jaldhaka River. Enjoy the serene surroundings and visit the Jaldhaka Hydel Project. Afternoon: Explore the nearby Bindu, known for its beautiful cardamom plantations and the Bindu Dam.
Jhalong: Cost - No entrance fee. Estimated time: Half day.
Bindu: Cost - No entrance fee. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
Restaurants
For breakfast, you can head to the quaint Jhalong Cafe which offers a variety of freshly baked goods and delicious coffee. An average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 150 per person.
For lunch, try out the popular Jaldhaka Dhaba where you can savor authentic Bengali cuisine, including fish curry and rice. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 250 per person.
For dinner, The Bindu Riverside Restaurant is a great choice, offering a stunning view of the river. Indulge in their mouthwatering Tibetan and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 400 per person.
Monday, October 23: Jhalong to Lataguri
Morning: Start your day by traveling from Jhalong to Lataguri, the gateway to Gorumara National Park. Enjoy a thrilling elephant safari in the park to get up close with wildlife. Afternoon: Visit the Lataguri Nature Interpretation Center to learn more about the region's biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Gorumara National Park Elephant Safari: Cost - Safari fees vary. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
Head to Sunrise Cafe for a delicious breakfast with a view. They serve fresh coffee, fluffy pancakes, and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Green Leaf Restaurant which offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Their thali meals are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a tasty dinner, visit Pepper's Bistro which specializes in Indian and Chinese cuisine. Their paneer tikka and chili chicken are popular choices. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Lataguri to Kolkata
Morning: Depart from Lataguri and head back to Kolkata, concluding your journey through the enchanting Dooars region. Reflect on the wonderful memories and the natural beauty you have experienced during your trip.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring the Dooars region, don't miss out on visiting the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Siliguri. It is a paradise for nature lovers and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Take a boat ride on the Teesta River and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding tea gardens. The sanctuary is less crowded compared to other attractions in the area, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful family outing.