Murti, West Bengal
Area : 127.22 Square Kilometres
Location : Kalimpong District, West Bengal
Nearest Town : Lataguri and Chalsa
Nearest City : Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri
Distance: 15 km from Lataguri town and about 18 km from Chalsa
The name Murti comes after the River Murti, which is flowing down from the Kalingpong hills. It is situated on the bank of the River Murti, besides the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National Park. West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) promotes it as a tourist destination. A very beautiful forest bungalow has been setup there for tourist accommodation. Also some private resorts are available with a reasonable price.
Attractions at Murti
Murti is situated near by the Chapramary Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National park. So, you can visit the interior jungle staying at Murti. With a sort distance there has another river, called Panjhora. In winter season many people comes here for picnic.
Besides that, Murti itself is a very nice tourist spot. In the river Murti, you can find out Gharials. Elephant are very much available from the Bungalow. So, don’t staying outside the bungalow after sunrise. Gour (Indian bison), various types of Deer and many other wildlife animals are also visible from the bungalow during the early morning and evening hours.
Transport
By Road : National Highway No.31 between Siliguri and Guwahati passes over Chalsa. From Chalsa to Murti have district road. A total road distance between Siliguri and Murti about 80 Km. North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Chalsa and Murti. You can also hire some taxi or private car. Journey time from Siliguri to Murti is about 2 hours and 30 munits.
By Rail : Nearest railway station to Murti is Chalsa. But all train is not arrived at Chalsa. New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Railway Station are main railway station in this area. You can change train from New Jalpaiguri or can follow the road journey from New Jalpaiguri to Murti or from Siliguri to Murti.
By Air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra. It is a domestic airport under Indian Army. All major air services are available from all over India. Distance between Bagdogra and Siliguri is 13 km. You can find out various vehicles to come in Siliguri, and then follow the above road route.
Accommodation
Murti (Banani) Eco-Tourism Centre at Uttar Dhupjhora, P.O: Batabari, P.S: Mateli is West Bengal Forest Department run bungalow to serve you. To contact, you may call reception at +91-9734927879; canteen at +91-9933768956; manager at +91-7797870810 / +91-7407368859. Food and lodging are available here. Some private hotel and lodge are also available at Murti.
To check the room availability and online booking in the resorts of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation click here.
Reservation Authorities :
(General & Special Division)
W.B.F.D.C. Ltd., Kalimpong
Phone: 03552-255783 / 255780
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar
Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403
Phone : (0353) 2511979 / 4, 2432561
Fax : (0353) 2511979, 2432561
6-A Raja Subodh Mullick Square
Arya Mansion, 7th Floor, Kol–700013
Phone: 033-22370060/22370061