Escape to Murti: The Serene Gateway to the Dooars
If you are looking to escape the concrete jungle of Kolkata and breathe in air scented by damp earth and tea leaves, Murti is your perfect getaway. Named after the crystalline river that flows through it, Murti is a tranquil hamlet nestled in the Dooars region of West Bengal. It serves as a peaceful retreat and a strategic base camp for wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore the surrounding national parks and sanctuaries.
Special Attraction: The Riverbank & Watchtowers
The defining charm of this destination is the Murti River itself. The riverbed, filled with smooth pebbles and shallow, clear water, is ideal for evening strolls or a refreshing dip.
The ultimate highlight of Murti is its proximity to prime wildlife watchtowers. Sitting quietly on the riverbank at dawn or dusk often rewards visitors with glimpses of wild elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and deer coming down to the water to drink.
Top Places to See Around Murti
Murti is surrounded by dense forests and vibrant ecosystems. Here are the must-visit spots nearby:
Gorumara National Park: Located just a few kilometers away, this famous park is renowned for its population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Book a jeep safari to explore its deep interiors.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: One of the oldest sanctuaries in West Bengal, Chapramari is excellent for birdwatching and spotting elephants and leopards.
Jhalong, Bindu, and Paren: A collection of scenic offbeat hamlets along the Indo-Bhutan border. Bindu features the Jaldhaka Dam, while Paren offers lush green landscapes and orange orchards.
Samsing, Suntalekhola, and Rocky Island: Perfect for nature lovers and light trekkers, these spots offer terraced tea gardens, winding streams, and suspension bridges over rushing mountain rivers.
Chukchuki & Medla Watchtowers: Excellent vantage points inside Gorumara that provide panoramic views of the forest canopy and local wildlife.
How to Reach Murti from Kolkata
Murti is well-connected to Kolkata by rail, air, and road.
By Train
Board a convenient overnight train from Sealdah (SDAH) or Howrah (HWH) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), New Mal Junction (NMZ), or Chalsa.
New Mal Junction is the closest station to Murti (about 18 km away), while NJP is about 75 km away.
You can easily hire a private cab or take a shared taxi from these stations to reach Murti.
By Air
Fly from Kolkata (CCU) to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri.
From Bagdogra, Murti is approximately 85 km away. You can rent a pre-paid taxi directly from the airport terminal, which takes around 2.5 hours via the scenic Sevoke road.
By Road
If you enjoy long drives, you can travel via the NH12 or NH19 route connecting Kolkata to Siliguri, and then proceed toward Chalsa and Murti. The total distance is roughly 620 km.