One of India's most exquisite yet relatively lesser-known tourism destinations is the Dooars region of North Bengal. The location is a popular destination for families, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts exclusively because of its rich tea gardens, lush forests, river streams, wildlife, some hilly terrains, and tranquil village life.
However, a lot of visitors come back disappointed because of preventable tour planning errors. This blog will help you steer clear of frequent Dooars travel mistakes and ensure a seamless, pleasurable, and unforgettable vacation, especially if it's your first time. To double your trip delight, make sure to book a jungle Dooars Lataguri Resort at The Firefly.
Choosing the Wrong Season to Visit Dooars
Not knowing the ideal time/ the seasons is one of the most frequent travel mistakes made by travelers.
The Best Time to Go to Dooars
- The ideal months for sightseeing, animal safaris, and beautiful weather are October through March.
- Forest enthusiasts will enjoy April through early June, but it can be hot and muggy.
- The monsoon season, which runs from July to September, causes landslides, leeches, heavy rains, and forest closures.
Due to rain, closed safari areas, and bad road conditions, many tourists who plan their vacation during the monsoon are forced to stay indoors.
Not Understanding That Dooars Is Not a Hill Station
Assuming Dooars is similar to Darjeeling or Kalimpong is another mistake sometimes made by tourists.
- Dooars is not a high-altitude hill station; rather, it is a foothills and woodland area.
- Expect forests, rivers, wildlife, warm days, and cold nights (in the winter).
- Insects, dampness, and fog are prevalent.
- Bringing only winter clothing or expecting expansive views of the mountains everywhere.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, bug repellent, rain protection, light cotton clothing, and a light jacket for winter evenings.
Overloading the Itinerary
Many travelers attempt to see too many locations in too little time, when in the Dooars.
- On maps, the distances in Dooars appear low, yet the routes go through villages and forests.
- In forest areas, travel after dusk is frequently prohibited.
- There is less time to enjoy nature when you rush.
In three to four days, try to cover Gorumara, Jaldapara, Chapramari, Buxa, Jayanti, Chilapata, Murti, and Lava. Try to choose two or three base areas and take your time exploring the surrounding sights, and enjoying Dooars at a leisurely pace is ideal.
Ignoring Safari Rules and Permit Requirements
Though wildlife safaris are a popular tourist destination in Dooars, many visitors are unaware of how they operate.
Crucial Safari Information
- Jeep safaris must be reserved in advance.
- The forest department controls and restricts entry permits.
- Elephant safaris are seasonal and frequently canceled for reasons related to animal safety or the weather.
Asking for forest officials or assuming you can make safari reservations right away is wrong. Make reservations for jungle safaris in advance through the forest department offices, authorized agents, or your hotel. Always have a legitimate ID with you.
Expecting Guaranteed Wildlife Sightings
Here, one of the most common myths about Dooars travel is this.
Facts:
- Sightings of wildlife depend on timing, luck, and animal movement.
- Sightings of tigers and rhinos are not guaranteed, even in the greatest safari areas.
If wildlife animals or forest birds are not seen, one may feel let down or blame the guides. Take pleasure in the forest, birds, scenery, and experience; not simply seeing animals.
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Choosing the Wrong Accommodation
Your Dooars experience can be made or broken by your accommodations.
- Making reservations at inexpensive hotels far from forest entrances.
- Failing to verify road accessibility.
- Disregarding cuisine, hygiene, and power backup reviews.
What to look for
- Closeness to access points into the forest
- Backup power source
- In-house menu items (Restaurants are few in many locations.)
The ideal combination of comfort and location is frequently found in mid-range nature resorts or forest lodges. To find the best Dooars Lataguri resort, try to book early in peak seasons.
Not Planning Transportation Properly
Another area where a lot of travelers make mistakes is transportation.
- Typical Transportation Problems.
- Using public transportation exclusively in isolated places.
- Ignoring early morning safari schedules.
- Employing drivers who are not familiar with forest routes.
Taxis are only booked for point-to-point trips; waiting times and forest regulations are not taken into consideration. Hire a local driver who is familiar with Dooars routes and forest restrictions, and it’s wise to start early every day.
Ignoring Local Food and Dining
Unlike metro areas, Dooars is not a center for cuisine tourism.
What you can expect:
- Few options for dining outside of towns
- Simple North Indian, Bengali, and regional cuisine
- Forest lodges with set mealtimes
Now, there are a few upscale cafes, late-night food delivery, and a wide variety of exotic cuisines. You can ask your hotel whether there are any meals available, and if you are going with kids, bring snacks.
Not Respecting Wildlife and Forest Rules
It is a sensitive ecological area.
Typical mistakes in responsible travel
- Playing loud music close to forests
- Littering in picnic areas and rivers
- Getting out of cars in prohibited areas
Fines, safari prohibitions, or hazardous wildlife encounters may result from such activity. Be sure to pay close attention to forest regulations. You can increase your chances of seeing animals by being quiet, patient, and respectful.
Inadequate Budgetary Planning
Many tourists either misjudge their expenses or overspend.
- Unreported Costs
- Safari costs
- Guide fees
- Permits for forests
- Long-distance fuel surcharges
Best not to think Dooars is incredibly inexpensive and not to set aside money for activities. You can create a reasonable budget that accounts for lodging, transportation, meals, safaris, and buffer costs.
Ignoring Basic Health and Safety Measures
Dooars is usually safe, but traveling in the outdoors requires planning.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Not keeping basic medications handy
- Ignoring insect protection
- During the monsoon, strolling close to rivers
What to bring:
- First aid supplies
- Repelling mosquitoes
- Sunscreen
- Prescription medications
Because of the strong currents, stay away from swimming in unfamiliar river locations.
A Dooars trip gives an opportunity for reestablishing a connection with nature, slowing down, taking in the fresh air, and listening to forest birds. Unrealistic expectations, hurried schedules, and a lack of basic study are the main causes of Dooars travel mistakes. So, explore with the right insights and planning. Don’t forget to book a cozy stay in Dooars Lataguri resorts to enhance your trip fun.
