Ecotourism is giving a new face to Indian tourism. Ecologically sustainable and nature-based tourism focuses on the economic benefit of the local people. Kalipur Eco Village is one such instance of ecotourism, also known as Gorumara Eco Village. Located in Lataguri, inside the Gorumara National Park, Kalipur Eco Village is maintained by the Forest Department officials of Jalpaiguri Division II. You can reach the resort either from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Station, and the rest of the route has to be covered by road.
If you want to know more about this fascinating destination then the upcoming words are worth a read. Here you go!
Picturise an image of a chain of cottages in the lap of mother nature and you are deeply engrossed in exploring the Gorumara National Park riding on the back of an elephant. Can you feel the pumped-up adrenaline rush within you? That’s what expected. Let's get acknowledged more about the place.
The subtropical forest filled with wilderness encloses the Kalipur Eco Village. There are four hut-shaped cottages constructed on concrete stilts and all of them are well furnished with attached bathrooms and all the necessary amenities. Mouth-watering meals are also served in these bungalows, thereby smoothening the stay in the property. The peak season of tourism in Gorumara starts from mid-October to mid-March. Therefore experiencing a stay in the cottages of Kalipur Eco Village requires compulsory prior booking.
Coming to what are the engagements to indulge in -
Going for an elephant safari gives an opportunity to experience the exotic wilderness of Gorumara National Park in its natural habitat. You can also go for a jeep safari in the mornings. And in the evenings enjoy the enthralling tribal performances by the local residents.
If you are choosing to stay at Kalipur Eco Village, you should also get acquainted with Gorumara National Park.
To start with, there are about 50 species of mammals, 22 species of reptiles, 7 species of turtles, 193 species of avifauna, 27 species of fish, and many more in the greenwoods of Gorumara. The national park is closed during the monsoons, from mid of June and is reopened in the middle of September. Gorumara was declared a wildlife sanctuary and then a national park in 1949 and 1992 respectively. The national park has gained fame for being the abode of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. There are 5 watch towers placed on 5 corners of the park for the visitors to enjoy the sight of wilderness from a safe distance. Some of the other fauna members other than the One-Horned Rhino include Asian Elephant, Sloth bear, Chital, Sambar Deer, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare and many more.
The Medhla Watch Tower is in the closest vicinity of Kalipur Eco Village and the most intriguing part of the watch tower is the bullock cart ride that takes you to the watch tower. Medhla Watch Tower stands adjacent to the Murti River and climbing the top of the tower gives the inner view of Gorumara National Park. If luck favours, then Mt. Kanchenjunga will also be part of the view from the watch tower on a clear day.
Other than soaking in the treasures of Gorumara National Park, you can also plan a trip to Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling from Kalipur Eco Village. Also, do not miss a leisurely stroll in the nearby tea plantations surrounding the beautiful property.
