Lataguri is a small village area located in the Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal. The region is known for its densely covered forest areas, green grasslands, and calm atmosphere. The region is home to a variety of flora and fauna which attracts nature enthusiasts. If you are looking for a family-friendly destination then Lataguri will be the best place for you. Here you can do various activities with your family members like nature walks, spotting wildlife, picnicking and many more. You can consider staying at the Firefly Resort, which is one of the best resorts in Lataguri.
The region is an ideal place for your kids as well. Here they can witness various wild animals including endangered species. You can also consider your kid’s interests and preferences so that they will not get bored during the trip. You can also consider nature walks, play outdoor games, and do other activities. This way they can get some valuable knowledge about nature.
1. Exploring Gorumara National Park
The Gorumara National Park is one of the famous tourist attractions in Lataguri. Located in the Dooars region, the place is famous for its Asiatic one-horned rhino, tigers, bison and other animals. Along with this, there are also varieties of other fauna including birds, amphibians, reptiles etc. One of the best activities to do here with your children is a Jungle safari. This way they can spot various kinds of wild animals.
Tips for wildlife spotting:
If you want to spot wildlife in Gorumara National Park then the best way is to book a safari ride. By doing a safari ride you can spot a variety of wild animals from a safe distance. You can choose the Lataguri route, which is best for spotting various wild animals including rhinoceroses, elephants, and many species of birds. Another route you can choose is Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary Route, which is good for spotting deer, elephants, tigers and other animals.
Age-appropriate safaris and safety guidelines:
There are some guidelines you need to follow while doing a safari ride. For a Lataguri NIC / Murti Safari, a maximum of six adults and two children (1-5 years) are allowed in one jeep along with a driver and a guide. For the watchtower safari maximum of six persons and two children (0-5 years) are allowed in one jeep.
The region has strict rules and guidelines to protect its wildlife and environment. The guidelines are as follows;
- The safari guides are trained professionals so you have to listen to your guide and follow their instructions.
- You should never step out from a vehicle unless and until a guide instructs. Staying in the vehicle ensures your safety and you can watch wild animals from a safe distance.
- You should not get too close to the wild animals as it can be dangerous for you as well as the animal.
- While visiting a national park you should not feed, touch or try to disturb the animals.
- You can wear light-colored clothing while visiting a national park.
So, these are some of the guidelines you need to follow while visiting a national park. This way you can explore the wildlife while ensuring your safety.
2. Bird Watching Adventures
Another activity you can do in Lataguri is Bird watching. The region is home to a variety of local and migratory bird species which is an ideal place for introducing kids to Bird watching. There are several watchtowers where you can do bird watching. This will help them to develop a connection with nature and learn important life skills.
Common bird species that kids can spot:
Since the region is covered with dense forests a variety of bird species can be witnessed here. Some common bird species that you and your kid can spot here are woodpeckers, Scarlet Minivet, Great Spangled Drongo, pheasants, Great Indian Hornbill and some of the rare birds.
Best times and spots for bird watching in Lataguri:
The best time to visit Lataguri to do bird watching is during the winter months from November to March. Various migratory birds from different parts of the region come to Lataguri during this season. The region is covered by dense forests and the weather remains pleasant which attracts these birds. There are several watchtowers in Lataguri from where you can spot the birds. Some of the famous watchtowers are Rhino Observation Point, Jatraprasad Watchtower, Chukchuki Birding Point, and Chandrachur Watchtower.
3. Nature Walks and Trails
Another activity to do in Lataguri is nature walks in the nearby forests. The region has a variety of flora and fauna which makes it an ideal destination to explore nature closely. While planning for a nature walk with kids you have to ensure a safe and easy trial. You can choose the right trial that matches your kid’s age. You can also make walking more fun by playing some games. This way you can ensure a safe and enjoyable nature walk with kids.
Educational opportunities to learn:
While doing this activity your kid can learn about plants, animals and insects. Nature walks are also necessary for kids because they help improve their physical health, enhance their creativity and improve their social skills.
4. Visit to Murti River
The Murti River in Lataguri is famous for its scenic beauty and various picnic spots. It is an ideal tourist destination, especially for bird and nature enthusiasts. Here you can do various activities like wading, picnicking, and exploring riverbanks.
Safety tips for visiting with children:
In order to ensure the safety of your children while exploring river banks you can follow some of the tips.
- You can check the weather and water conditions, and be aware of uneven surfaces.
- Obey the rules, especially the safety flags and signs.
- Ensure that there is an adult to supervise children during the riverside visit.
- Protect the children’s feet from sharp objects near water.
- Make sure that your kid stays away from harmful objects and insects.
These are some of the safety tips you can follow during the riverside visit with your children.
5. Local Cultural Experiences
You can introduce kids to tribal dances and traditions that are followed by local people. This helps the children to respect the individual’s diverse perspectives. Also when children are exposed to different traditions it makes them aware of a place.
You can also visit local markets for unique souvenirs for a local cultural experience. Souvenirs are often a representation of a place's culture, traditions, and heritage. They can be made by using both traditional and modern design which reflects the creativity of local people of an area. A souvenir also helps you to remember the travelling experiences and triggers memories.
6. Fun with Photography
You can encourage your kid to take photos of nature in various ways. You can give them their cameras for experimentation and learn from their mistakes. Nature photography is the best way for kids to connect with nature, which helps them to learn a variety of skills.
Tips for capturing wildlife and landscapes with simple cameras or smartphones:
To capture good wildlife photographs with simple cameras and smartphones you can follow some of the tips.
- Always avoid harsh and low light conditions while capturing an image.
- You can use a fast shutter speed to capture the activities of animals.
- Use the right camera settings that help you to get better photographs of nature and animals.
- So, these are some of the steps you can take to capture beautiful photos for a memorable journey.
7. Family-Friendly Resorts and Lodges
Choose accommodations with kid-friendly amenities:
Accommodation is one of the necessities during a trip. There are varieties of resorts available in Lataguri depending upon your budget and preferences. You can choose accommodation with kid-friendly amenities like playing areas, spacious rooms, safety for your children and other facilities. Some of the best family-friendly resorts in Lataguri are; the Firefly Resort, Aranya Jungle Resort, Resort Trimurti, Banyan Tree Resort and many more.
While staying at these resorts you can easily access the Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. Children can do various activities there like jeep safari, bird watching, picnicking and keep your kids engaged during the trip.
Tips for Traveling to Lataguri with Kids
Packing essentials for a family trip to Lataguri:
Before planning for a family trip to Lataguri you need to pack all the essentials. This helps in making your trip smoother and stress-free by ensuring you have everything you need. You can pack comfortable and light clothing, a medical kit, snacks and water bottles, sunscreen, insect-repellent creams, essential documents and many more.
Health and safety advice for kids during the trip:
You need to ensure the health of your kids during the trip since they can be affected by climatic changes. Some of the tips you can follow to ensure the proper health and safety of your kid are as follows;
- Before the trip you can research the location.
- Always make sure to carry the first aid kit with you.
- Beware of what your child is eating.
- Give information about the place to your child.
By doing this you can ensure their safety and make your trip memorable.
Conclusion:
Here we discussed how to plan a Lataguri trip when travelling with kids. Lataguri offers various adventurous activities like bird watching, safari rides, picnicking and many more. During the trip, your kid can learn various things which will be beneficial for him in the future. But before planning your trip always consider the safety measures and follow the necessary guidelines for a smooth and memorable trip.