What are your plans about spending this weekend? Would you like to stay indoor and watch the rain pouring from your balcony/window panes or move out of the four walls to experience the thrill of the monsoon drizzle on the lap of open nature in Lataguri. I would suggest pack-up and get ready, even if, it means packing your gumboots, umbrella, raincoat, torches, etc. But, before you get ready and set yourself steady, let's find some must have details about this monsoon weekend destination.
Attractions and Activities
Chalsa located 10 kilometres away from the New Mal Railway Station. After turning right from Chalsa and crossing the Batabari, Lataguri locates within 20 kilometres distance. While on the way for Lataguri, entrance of the Gorumara Forest Reserve locates on the left side. However, the Forest remains close for visitors from 16th of June to 15th of September, every year. Now coming back to the point, the Gorumara National Park has the four main beats namely, the Gorumara, the Medhla, the Chuk Chuki and the Khunia. Among these, you may visit the Medhla during the monsoon. Before doing so, you need to take permission from the Ramsai. Touring Medhla in the monsoon both interesting and captivating for the visitors. While going there you would notice that the way to the right of the Lataguri Wildlife Range Office leads to the Medhla. However, once you reach the entry point you need to leave the Gypsy and ride on a bullock cart.
 |
| Herd of elephant crossing road, Lataguri |
Two well-known rivers, the Murti, and the Jaldhaka meets here. After enjoying an hour ride on the cart, you would reach Medhlabadi Watch Tower. You would notice herds of cows crossing the adjacent grassland and rivers to reach the other side in the forest. Moreover, the view of rain coming from the distant zone towards the rivers and showering on the natural greenery may leave you spellbound for sometime. During the monsoon, the entire region of the Dooars wear a new fresh look.
Mahakal Nath, located left of Dhupjhora, and the Lataguri get wet with the incessant monsoon showers.
In the morning, you may walk towards the Murti river and take a bath in the running waters of the river. In the evening, you may visit Maynaguri to watch the Jalpesh Temple and the Jatileshwar Temple through the wet roadways. Next morning, move towards the Jhalong-Bindu way. If rains stop you in the midway, make sure to watch the cinchona plantation and the showers of rain. Finally, plan a visit to Suntalekhola and the Rocky Island.
How to reach
Board the Kanchenjunga express at 8:30 pm from the Sealdah Station, Kolkata. Next day at 9 am get down at the New Mal Junction. Next, hire a cab for the Lataguri. Trains also available from the Howrah Station, Kolkata. Trains like the Kamrup express departs the Howrah Station at 5:35 pm and reach the Maynaguri Station at 9:26 am. Next, hire a car for the Lataguri located 18 kilometres away from the Station.
Lodging/Stay
You may stay at the Malbazar Tourist Lodge at the Malbazar. Rent for room ranges from RS 1200 to RS 1500. Besides, the Hornbill Guest House of the Lataguri State Forest Development Corporation available for suitable lodging. The room rent is RS 1300.
Moreover, you may also plan to stay near the Murti River located 13 kilometres from Lataguri. Here, Banani Bungalow of the Forest Development Corporation available for suitable lodging. Besides, some other lodgings of Lataguri with rents given:
Aranya: Rent for the double beds range from RS 1050 to RS 1500
Orchid Resort: Rent for the double beds RS 1000, triple beds RS 1500,
Tuskers Den Forest Resort: Rent for the double beds ranges from RS 600 to RS 1500.
Resort Pasakha: Rent for the double beds ranges from RS 1000 to RS 1500
Green Touch Dooars Eco Resort: Rent for the double beds range from RS 1800 to RS 2500