Best budget & luxury hotels & resorts in Dooars

 
 
 

What to expect

 
Vast majority of tourists visiting Dooars would stay at or near Gorumara or Jaldapara National Parks, and many would also stay close to Buxa Tiger Reserve depending on the places they are visiting. Quite commonly you can see that many tourists stay at more than one such locations because they visit more than one national parks, and therefore need overnight lodging at each such location.  
 
 
 
Sometimes you may need to stay more than one nights at a location depending on what you want to see and do. For example unless you stay at the Hollong Lodge inside the jungle of Jaldapara National Park, it may not be easy to confirm an elephant safari on a day you want. Limited such safaris take place on a day and you need to wait for one or two days till your turn comes. 
 
If you are luxury class traveler, you need to note that there are no 4 or 5 star properties in Dooars. However there are several very nice budget as well as mid-priced hotels, lodges as well resorts that offer great accommodations in terms of amenities, ambience and convenience. Some of them have sprawling compounds in scenic settings and some are nestled in forests. 
 
Based on tourist demand and popularity, below I have discussed the best budget and mid-priced hotels & resorts in locations such as Gorumara, Jaldapara, Buxa and even Samsing (Suntalekhola): 
 
Category Budget:       Price Range Rs. 1,500 - 2,500 for a double room. 
Category Mid-Priced:  Price Range Rs. 2,500 - 4,000 for a double room. 
 

Hotels/Eco Lodges in Gorumara

 
Main locations to stay for visiting Gorumara National Park are Murti and Lataguri because the entry gates for visiting various watchtowers and taking Jeep safaris of Gorumara and Chapramari are near these two locations. New Mal Junction near Malbazar is the nearest major railway station which is about 17kms from Murti and 30kms from Lataguri via Chalsa. 
 
There are several private as well as state government operated hotels, resorts and lodges here. The private hotels are mostly located at Lataguri while state government resorts are in Murti. The state government hotels belong to either West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) or West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDCL). 
 
The Reserve, Gorumara 
(Mid-Priced) 
This is arguably the best mid-priced private hotel in Gorumara. It's located close to Lataguri where the ticket counters are located for safaris and watchtower visits. The hotels is a two-storied property with a nice garden setting and paved pathways. There is a large lawn in front for families and kids to enjoy. 
 
The Reserve, Gorumara 
 
 
It has several kinds of rooms from standard to deluxe, super deluxe and even family rooms. The rooms are very well equipped with modern amenities like wall TV, air-conditioning, in-room tea/coffee maker, free internet wifi in the rooms, comfortable beds, western style attached bath with geysers, toiletries, slippers etc. The property is very well maintained and the rooms are clean. They can also organize campfire with barbecue, tribal dance performances etc on request. 
 
Deluxe room with balcony 
 
 
Another big plus point is the restaurant.... the food is excellent and they can cater to personal requests as well. The cuisine is Chinese and Indian (including Bengali dishes). All staff are very well behaved including the manager who goes an extra step to help out the guests. The hotel also organizes tours and transport. Plenty of auto rickshaws are available outside the property to take you to Lataguri which is a small township and the main hub of all safari related activities. 
 
Overall the property is a great value for money. 
 
Rates provided by booking.com 
 
Contact Info: 
Hari Sabha, P. Chawk Moulani, 
District, Jalpaiguri (W.B), Pin-735219, 
Mobile: 09733508600; 09733531888 
 
Banani - WBFDC Resort 
(Budget / Mid-Priced) 
This is the oldest resort in Murti and one of the best accommodations here operated by WBFDC. It's located on the bank of river Murti with Chapramari forest on the opposite side of the river. There is a main building having several rooms in both ground and upper floors as well as several nice cottages scattered around the premises offering more seclusion and privacy. 
 
Banani Lodge, Murti (WBFDC) 
Banani Lodge Murti 
 
There are rooms of different price range and can suit all pockets. Rooms are all named. The upper floor rooms in the main building (like Jaldhaka, Torsha, Murti, Myna etc) all have private balconies with nice view of the river (some rooms upstairs are garden facing though). There is a common balcony upstairs which has sweeping view of the river Murti and can be enjoyed by all. 
 
Several cottages with rooms in first floor too have great view of the river and the surroundings around. These cottages have a separate living room other than a spacious bedroom. All rooms in the resort have attached toilets, TV and basic amenities. 
 
You have choice of both AC and non-Ac rooms and cottages. The dining room and the kitchen is in the ground floor of the main building where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. The food is Bengali type, quite nice but may become monotonous due to lack of variety. 
 
A great advantage of staying at WBFDC lodge is that you can do the Gorumara & Chapramari safari bookings right from the reception counter (including the visits to watchtowers like Jatraprasad, Rhino Point etc). You don't need to go to the public ticket counter and queue up for hours to get your bookings. The Jeeps will come and pick you up from the lodge and drop you back. 
 
Visit Banani Lodge of WBFDC to get complete details including booking and contact information. 
 
Murti Tourist Lodge - WBTDCL 
(Budget / Mid-Priced) 
This is a large sprawling property, relatively new and managed by West Bengal Tourism Department. The resort is located in close vicinity of WBFDC Banani and is therefor very near to river Murti. In fact the river can be seen in its full flow just outside the main gate across the road. 
 
Murti Tourist Lodge (WBTDCL) 
Murti Tourist Lodge WBTDCL 
 
There several cottages spread around a large central lawn - some are standard semi-attached cottages while others are deluxe independent cottages. The best ones are with wooden structures with wood paneled rooms. All have attached baths and are well furnished with cable TV, AC and other basic amenities. While all cottages have front balconies with sitting arrangements, the deluxe ones have additional balconies at the back with some having wonderful views of paddy field. 
 
There are sculptures of animals on the garden including that of a large elephant at the center, bison etc. The dining area is in a separate building on one side of the garden with a conferencing facility upstairs. The reception staff can arrange for general Jeep safari at Gorumara National Park, however for visiting specific watchtowers, you need to go down to the public counters to buy tickets (which can take substantial time due to long queues and limited number of Jeeps allowed per shift). Chapramari booking counter is located quite close to the tourist lodge by the roadside. 
 
Visit Murti Tourist Lodge to get full details of the lodge including booking information. 
 
Eco Village & Camp Cottages 
(Budget) 
There are a few Eco village and camp cottages located deep inside the Gorumara forest which are managed by the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC)... an initiative by the forest department where limited staff in collaboration with the forest villagers run the cottages. 
 
These accommodations amidst nature offer an ideal way to experience the jungle and wildlife around. If you are lucky you can see elephants, bisons and deers right from your room or balcony. However you need to have an adventurous mind and love for nature. Accommodations are basic but clean, and food is simple and usually made in Bengali style. 
 
Some of such jungle accommodations include Gorumara Rhino Camp located at Ramsai village, Gorumara Elephant Camp at Dhupjhora village, and Gorumara Eco Village at Kalipur. 
 
Being located within the forest, guests at all these Eco accommodations have the rare advantage of availing elephant safaris to spot wildlife, and this facility is not available anywhere else in Gorumara including at Banani Lodge (of WBFDC) and Murti Tourist Lodge (of WBTDC). Other than views of forests, you can see lush greenery all around and even vast stretches of tea gardens nearby. 
 
Gorumara Rhino Camp (Ramsai) 
 
Photo: WBSFDA 
 
Gorumara Rhino Camp located at Ramsai village has 4 non-AC cottages on a row built on concrete pillars. A bungalow at the center houses an office and the dining room. Rooms are spacious (can accommodate up to 3) and bathrooms are clean with western style toilets and have geysers. 
 
The cottage room at Rhino Camp 
 
Photo: WBSFDA 
 
The cottages overlook a water channel and are surrounded by lush greenery and forests. There is a footbridge over the water channel that leads to the cottages. 
 
Ramsai offers wonderful view of Jadavpur Tea Gardens. 
 
The Gorumara Elephant Camp at Dhupjhora has seven non-AC cottages. All cottages are built on stilts, so you need to climb a flight of stairs to get to the cottages. Bathrooms are clean and have western toilets. However, there is no geyser in the bathrooms. Hot water is supplied in buckets. Food is simple (rice, daal, aloo bhaja and fish curry... all made in Bengali style). The dining area is a large cottage style gazebo with straw roof and open on all sides... a nice natural ambience. 
 
Gorumara Elephant Camp at Dhupjhora 
 
 
At Dhupjhora camp, there is also a wonderful Tree House (popularly known as Gach Bari) supported on a tree and this is the only tree house in Dooars. You will need to climb flights of wooden stairs to reach up to the cottage perched above. There is a bed for 2 plus an extra bed is also available. Tariff of the tree house is higher than the other cottages. 
 
Gorumara Eco Village which is also known as Kalipur Eco Village is located close to Ramsai village. There are 4 non-AC cottages built on pillars. With lust forest in the background, all the cottages face lush lawns and a water body in front. There is no geyser in the bathrooms. Hot water is supplied in buckets. 
 
Gorumara Eco Village (Kalipur) 
 
Photo: WBSFDA 
 
Packages are available for all the three types of Eco cottages mentioned above which includes stay for two persons with meals including tea & snacks, elephant safari, riding a bullock cart to visit the Medla Watchtower and watching tribal or ethnic dance performed by the local village girls and boys. Note that electricity is available in all cottages and power points are also provided for charging mobiles. 
 
Another great option is Neora Jungle Camp located near Lataguri which can be reached through a restricted jungle route from the main highway. There huts and cottages with double beds each. They have a kitchen and a few staff to make basic Bengali type food. The natural ambience around is excellent. There is a watchtower in the compound for sighting wildlife. This part of Gorumara is well known for resident elephants and bisons. 
 
Neora Jungle Camp, Gorumara 
 
 
From the vast grassy land behind the cottages you get wonderful view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks on a clear day. While elephant safari is not available here, you can avail a Jeep safari of Gorumara. Neora Jungle camp is managed by West Bengal State Forest Development Agency (WBSFDA). 
 
How to book eco camps/lodges in Gorumara 
You can book the above accommodations either online through the forest department's website (wbfdc.net/index.php/destinations/3) or manually by visiting the Divisional Forest Office at Jalpaiguri or contacting them over phone (you can collect the reservation slip at Lataguri office). 
 
Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife-II 
Old Court Campus, Jubilee Park, Aranya Bhavan, 
P.O. & District: Jalpaiguri, Pin-735101 
Phone: 03561-224907. Fax: 03561-220017 
Email: [email protected].   
 
Aranya Jungle Resort 
(Budget) 
Located in Lataguri and at a walking distance from the Watchtower visit Booking Counter, this is a wonderful landscaped property located at the fringe of Gorumara National Park. This privately owned property initially started with only three cottages once the owners closed their timber business in 1990. Now they have 11 wonderfully appointed AC and non-AC cottages in several categories - Premium, Super Deluxe, Deluxe, Family. The property is set up in a fairly large compound with jungle environment and lush plantations all around, lawn with swings for children and nice walkways. 
 
Aranya Jungle Resort, Lataguri 
 
 
They have also built a watchtower inside to view the jungle around. Rooms are all wood paneled to blend with the natural theme, have twin or queen beds, attached bath with geyser, wi-fi, wall fitted LED TV, intercom, wardrobes etc. Service is very friendly. The food at the restaurant is excellent and menu is quite good too - they are good at serving great Indian food. Room service is free. They can also arrange for campfire, cycling, forest trail walk, bird watching, sightseeing tours etc at extra cost. They have introduced Privilege Card for returning guests to avail discounts on room rates and food. 
 
Rates provided by booking.com 
 
Phone: +91 973 300 5454; 973 300 1237; Email: [email protected] 
 
Tuskers Den 
(Budget) 
This is a nice simple property located in Lataguri and right opposite to Gorumara watchtower visit booking counter. There are several cottages in a nice eco environment with lots of vegetation around along with flowering gardens and pathways. There are several categories of rooms (standard, AC and non-AC deluxe) with amenities that would meet your needs such as TV, intercom, wardrobe, attached bath with hot & cold water etc. There is also car park and luggage storage facility. 
 
Tuskers Den, Lataguri 
 
 
Due to plantations all around, there could be problems of insects although they do pest control. So you might need to keep you door closed. The restaurant serves nice Bengali type food (tryout the alu paratha at breakfast, fish curry (usually boroli fish) at lunch, tarka chicken or mutton at night). You need to order for your meals in advance though. The service is quite okay and friendly. 
 
Landline: +91-03561-266449; Mobile: +91-9932535334; Email: [email protected] 
 
Hotel Dreamland 
(Mid-Range) 
This is a large 3-storied property with a wonderful manicured and landscaped garden nestled deep in the forest having swimming pool attached with a baby pool, and lake for boating. In fact it is on the route of Gorumara Jeep Safari that starts from Lataguri, about 10 minutes into the jungle. So location is its main advantage if you are looking for a comfortable stay in the forest with greenery all around. 
 
The hotel has 68 double bedded AC deluxe rooms, suites and executive rooms - most having private balconies overlooking the forest and the compound below. Attached western style baths have geysers. Rooms have TV and other standard amenities. The in-house restaurant serves nice food including Bengali style (try out the betki paturi), north Indian, south Indian, Chinese etc. 
 
Hotel Dreamland, Lataguri 
 
 
In recent times the hotel is showing signs of lack of maintenance... some bathroom ceilings are damp and leaking, bed mattresses not properly maintained, aging furniture etc. However the staff are mostly very nice and cooperative. You can also enjoy a barbecue at lawn in the evening with cultural dance performed by local villagers or music on some nights (music can get very loud though). 
 
Hotel Dreamland, Kalamati Road, Purba lataguri, P.O-Lataguri, Jalpaiguri 
Phone: +91-3561203303; +91-9830043488 
 
Kolkata Office: 347 Shanti Pally, Kolkata 700107 (Kasba), Opp. Delhi Public School, Rajdanga 
Phone:  033-2226-0144; 2217-5584 
 

Hotels in Jaldapara

 
Most tourist accommodations for Jaldapara are available at Madarihat and this is where most stay. Since very few trains stop at Madarihat, you can get off at Hashimara station and take a short taxi ride (about 11kms). From Murti it takes around 1 hour 15 minutes (63kms) to reach Madarihat by car and around 1 hour (37kms) from Rajabhatkhawa (i.e. entry location of Buxa Tiger Reserve). 
 
Jaldapara Tourist Lodge - WBTDCL 
(Budget / Mid-Priced) 
This is a very popular resort in Madarihat and located off the main highway on a narrow road. It offers different kinds of accommodation units. Upstairs and on front part of the main building is the dining room. The main building is quite huge inside and L-shaped with a beautiful manicured garden at the center with sit-outs. This is where an audio visual is played every evening. There is a much larger lawn on the other side of the building with swings and several cottages are scattered around it. 
 
Jaldapara Tourist Lodge (WBTDCL) 
Jaldapara Tourist Lodge 
 
The first of the main building is the wooden block with wood finish from outside  (although inside the rooms have normal brick walls) while the second part of the building is a brick block. There are a/c deluxe double bedded rooms in both blocks as well as non-ac rooms in the brick block. There are also a/c suites in the main building. Among the cottages, there are standard and large a/c cottages. All rooms and cottages are well furnished with color TV. Free wi-fi service is also available but the signal drops quite often. Laundry and room service is also available. 
 
The restaurant (dining room) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (breakfast is included in room rate). They serve Indian (mostly Bengali type) and Chinese food - veg and non-veg. The food is moderately priced and nothing special. You can also order for tea/coffee and snacks. Overall the service is good. 
 
Jaldapara Tourisr Lodge is one of the best options to stay at Madarihat for taking safaris to Jaldapara National Park. You can book safaris right from the reception counter (although the safari booking counter is located in front of the lodge at a short walking distance). The lodge has limited quota for booking Elephant safaris, so book one as soon as you arrive at the lodge. During high tourist season, you might have to wait for one or two days to get your turn. 
 
Booking Office: 
Aranya Bikash, West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited 
KB19 Sector-III, Salt Lake, Ground - Floor, Kolkata - 700106 
Phone: +91 33 2335 0064; +91 7604044479  [Timings 10am - 5pm] 
Website: wbfdc.net 
 
Hollong Tourist Lodge - WBFDC 
(Mid Priced) 
Almost all tourists visiting Jaldapara National Park would have their eyes on the Hollong Lodge ... but alas there are only lucky few who get accommodation here. Why? Because the demands are huge almost round the year. Why So? Because it's located right at the core area of Jaldapara forest about 7kms inside the jungle and animal spotting including one-horned rhinos, elephants, bison and other wildlife from the room or premises is quite common. 
 
Hollong Tourist Lodge (WBFDC) 
Hollong Tourist Lodge (WBFDC) 
 
And there is another great advantage of staying here... being run by WBFDC (forest department), guests here get priority on elephant safaris which is the most coveted attraction at Jaldapara (daily 8 seats are reserved for the in-house guests while rest are released to other tourists staying elsewhere) and the safari leaves from Hollong Lodge entrance. 
 
There are 5 very large double rooms with twin beds, wall-fixed LCD TV, sitting area and most importantly with large windows to have a great views of the green forest around where wildlife can be spotted. Rooms are wood paneled, well maintained and have western style attached toilets. There is a dining room for the in-house guests. Mostly Bengali style food is served. 
 
Booking Office: 
Aranya Bikash, West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited 
KB19 Sector-III, Salt Lake, Ground - Floor, Kolkata - 700106 
Phone: +91 33 2335 0064; +91 7604044479  [Timings 10am - 5pm] 
Website: wbfdc.net 
 
Jaldapara Wild Hut Resort 
(Budget) 
This is a budget resort in Madhya Madarihat near Jaldapara National Park and located 12kms from Hasimara Railway Station. You can get ample taxis and buses at the station area to reach the resort which is located by the roadside (near NH317 and Rishi road junction). The resort comprises of 9 cottages with thatched roofs and in a setting of lush greenery with lots of plantations around. 
 
There three types of rooms - Standard Double (without AC), Deluxe Double (with AC) and one Family room. Each Double room has a king bed and also a queen bed for extra persons. Rooms are basic but clean with attached western style bathroom, TV, geyser, a small private balcony etc. There are sit outs in front of the cottages where you can relax and have a cup of tea. There is also internet service. This is a nonsmoking resort and the management even warns that smokers would be fined. 
 
Jaldapaa Wild Hut Resort 
 
 
The hotel is owned by a Bengali person and that is reflected in the food. You can buy food package covering all meals, evening snacks and tea, or order ala carte. Breakfast is usually omelet, toast & tea. In lunch and dinner they serve rice, dal, fries, sabji, fish or chicken, papad, chutney etc. 
 
Staff are friendly but mostly locally sourced. Medical store, tea stall, other small stores and even bus stop are all located within 50 yards of the resort. The resort organizes jungle safaris and helps in sightseeing tours. Overall a good budget stay. 
 
Phone : +91 3563 262712 
Mobile : +91 98320 48343 , +91 95937 11555 
 
The Mystic Forest 
(Budget) 
This is a budget resort located in Madhya Madarihat and near Jaldapara National Park. There are several simple cottage style buildings in a lush garden setting with many flowering plantations and trees around. There is a nice walkway between the rows of cottages. The resort is located within the Jayshree tea estate... so a wonderful tea garden views is also an added bonus. 
 
The rooms are simple with attached western style bathrooms with geysers, small wall TV etc but no air-conditioning. Ceiling fans are provided. Each cottage has a private balcony. There is a separate sitting area in each room with sofas and divans. 
 
The Mystic Forest 
 
 
There is a common dining room. The dining room has long tables in rows... so don't expect much dining privacy looking for separate table for your family. However the food is quite good... you can get both north Indian and Bengali style food here. The portions are large and variations are nice... try out the chicken served on bamboo boats... this is one of their specialties. The staff are nice and friendly, but all being mostly locals, you can't expect much professionalism. But they are simple natured. 
 
The resort is located about 15kms from Hasimara Railway Station... from NH317 you need to take Rishi Road that leads to Hollong Market. Along the way there is a right turn which is not clearly marked and finally you need to walk for about 100 meters at the end as cars can not reach right up to the gate. So the approach can be a bit confusing unless you are careful. 
 
Rates provided by booking.com 
 

Hotels in Buxa

 
The nearest major railway station close to Buxa Tiger Reserve is Alipur Duar Junction. However tourists mostly stay at a place called Rajabhatkhawa located near the entry to the reserve which is about 14kms from Alipur Duar station. You can get taxis from Alipur Duar to get to Rajabhatkhawa. However there is a small train station at Rajabhatkhawa as well, but very few trains stop here (an exception is Kanchankanya Express leaving from Sealdah, Kolkata). 
 
Buxa Jungle Lodge - WBFDC 
(Budget / Mid-Priced) 
This WBFDC run lodge is located in Rajabhatkhawa. As the name of the lodge suggests, it's nestled in a jungle environment in the buffer area of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. As soon as you enter through the main gate you will be charmed by the greenery, lush lawns and serenity of the resort. 
 
Buxa Jungle Lodge (WBFDC) 
Buxa Jungle Lodge (WBFDC) 
 
There is a large manicured central garden with lush plantations, swings on one side with sit-outs to relax. This is a great place to have your morning tea. There are three units having rooms. Rooms have basic amenities like attached western toilets, TV, AC etc. 
 
Unit-1 is the first one close to the entry gate and the oldest. Rooms here are comparatively smaller and not so attractive. This unit however houses the large common dining room. So this is where you will need to walk up to whichever unit you are staying at. You need to order for your meals in advance and only then they make it. Mostly Bengali style food is offered which is reasonably priced. There is usually no room service offered although a 10% service charge is levied on food orders. 
 
Unit-2 in my mind is the best and placed on one side of the large central garden. The common large veranda across the rooms overlooks the garden. Rooms are very spacious and well maintained. Unit-3 is a bit further away, more secluded and rooms there too are very spacious. However I found the rooms in unit-3 lacking adequate natural lights. Both Unit-2 and 3 are single storied buildings. Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL mobile towers work here. 
 
Visit WBFDC Buxa Jungle Lodge for details and booking information. 
 
Hotels at Jayanti (Buxa) 
There are numerous lodges, home stays and even budget resorts that have mushroomed in Jayanti which is part of core Buxa reserve. Many tourists preferred to stay at Jayanti because this is where the safari ticket counters and entry gate are located, and also because of lovely view of Jayanti river.  
 
However following a court order in September 2017 to close down all commercial accommodations in core Buxa reserve area, the fate of these lodges are in doldrums. In fact most are now operating with depleted resources and minimum infrastructure while counting down the numbered days. 
 
I would therefore not recommend that you plan your stay at Jayanti. However if you still want to go ahead and try out one of those lodges... go to the page Buxa & Jayanti and read the section under 'Where to Stay' where I have discussed several such hotels & resorts. 
 

Hotels in Samsing

 
Samsing or Suntalekhola is located about 30kms from New Mal Junction railway station (near Malbazar) via Chalsa and takes about 1 hour by car. If you come directly from NJP station, it's about 80kms via Gajoldoba (Teesta Barrage) and Odlabari, and takes about 2 hours by car. 
 
Samsing is located at the fringe of Neora Valley National Park and offers wonderful views of green forests full of birds and wildlife, vast stretching valleys, tea gardens, cardamom & strawberry plantation etc and ideal for tourists looking to spend a tranquil time in complete solitude away from crowd. 
 
There are several accommodations in Samsing (Suntalekhola), however the WBFDC lodge is the most popular here. There are few other private lodges here as well. 
 
WBFDC Suntalekhola Resort 
(Budget, Suntalekhola) 
This budget category forest lodge is also known as Suntalekhola Nature Education and Wilderness Resort. The car reaches up to the Hanging Bridge laid over Murti river and then you need to walk over the bridge to the other end where the entry gate of the lodge is located. As you enter through the gate, you are bound to be charmed by the greenery, manicured lawn with a small children's park, surrounding forests with the only sound of birds chirping and the river flowing by. 
 
Suntalekhola Resort (WBFDC) 
Suntalekhola Resort (WBFDC) 
 
There are total 8 cottages all separated from each other and scattered around the grounds. Each cottage has two single beds for two and basic amenities including geyser in the attached bathrooms. However there is no a/c in the cottages and power cuts are quite common here. 
 
Out of the 8 cottages, two are of suite types. Most cottages are showing signs of maintenance. Service is quite average. There are 3 to 4 staffs who take their turns to be a waiter, cook and even receptionist. You need to order your food in advance. Breakfast is not included in the rates. You get standard Bengali type meals like fish curry, chicken curry, eggs or vegetarian meals. Food is average and price is quite reasonable. There is a dining room. Tables are set up separately for guests in each room where your food would be placed and then you need to self serve. 
 
Booking Office: 
Aranya Bikash, West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited 
KB19 Sector-III, Salt Lake, Ground - Floor, Kolkata - 700106 
Phone: +91 33 2335 0064; +91 7604044479  [Timings 10am - 5pm] 
Online Booking: wbfdc.net 
 
Samsing Suntalekhola Homestay 
(Budget, Suntalekhola) 
This is one of the best home stays in the area (also known as Mayjhor Homestay). This 2-storied country house is located in a small village amidst lush greenery with views of forest and hills. The property is owned by a Gorkha veteran. There are four spacious bedrooms with attached bath in western style, double beds, chairs etc. Rooms are simple but well appointed, airy and clean. 
 
Samsing (Mayjhor) Homestay 
 
 
There is a long veranda on the upper floor covering two sides of the building. View of country roads, forest and the greenery from the veranda is wonderful. The living room is large and has a TV, sofa seating and a dining table on one side. Here you can dine with the hosts and fellow guests. 
 
A room at the homestay 
 
 
There is also a nice kitchen attached to the dining area. If you want you can cook your own food and share it with the owners family. Otherwise let the family treat you to some homemade local cuisine. The owner's family loves pets (in fact they have a couple of cats that play around). A stay here would give you a nice flavor of local culture and be hosted by a friendly family. 
 
Rates provided by booking.com 
 
WBFDC Samsing Forest Rest House 
(Budget, Samsing) 
This is a two-storied property located at Samsing and surrounded by tea gardens, forests and hills. The rooms are spacious and have two single beds, TV, cushioned wicker chairs with a small table, attached bath etc. There is a dining rooms. Food is simple and made in Bengali style. 
 
Samsing Forest Rest House 
 
 
Booking Office: 
Aranya Bikash, West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited 
KB19 Sector-III, Salt Lake, Ground - Floor, Kolkata - 700106 
Phone: +91 33 2335 0064; +91 7604044479  [Timings 10am - 5pm] 
Lodge Reception Phone - (+91) 8670693689 
Online Booking: wbfdc.net 
 
Rocky Island Adventure Camp 
(Budget, Rocky Island) 
A nomadic traveler Sukhen Biswas opened this campsite in 1998 out of his sheer passion for the place and adventure activities. This is a very basic campsite offering tent facilities such as Cottage Tents, Arctic Tents and Dome Tents. Although the amenities are quite basic, there is free wifi. The tents are located in a setting of many trees, large rocks and orange orchards. Training and adventure activities are offered such as rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, bird watching, river crossing, rope crawling. 
 
Rocky Island Adventure Camp 
 
 
Booking info: 
Nomadic, 38 Saradamani Road, Ashrampara, Siliguri 734001 
Phone: (+91) 9434012590 
 
 
 

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Visitors' Reviews/Comments

 
 
Koel Chaudhuri (October 2020) 
Hi Mr. Raj, hope you are doing well. Actually I wanted to know from you which accommodation would you recommend between Gorumara Eco Village, Rhino Camp and Elephant camp, in terms of beauty of surroundings as well as quality of accommodation. Many thanks in advance, 
 
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2020 
Hi, in terms of natural beauty, all three are great and have scenic settings. However, from an accommodation perspective, I like Rhino Camp over the others because it's better organized and has better amenities... for example bathrooms have geysers, while hot water is supplied in buckets in the other two. Rooms are also slightly better compared to the others, although all are quite basic.