forest bungalow · Murti
Murti Banani Eco-Tourism Centre (WBFDC)
The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation's cottages beside the Murti river at Uttar Dhupjhora, between Gorumara and Chapramari. Room categories from standard to premium, plus tents, and a riverbank that most guests never want to leave.
Banani has been the default Murti stay for Bengali families for a long time. Cottages sit in a wooded compound a short walk from the Murti riverbed, which is wide, stony and shallow for most of the dry season. The corporation lists several room grades and tents, a local menu, and an evening folk dance on some nights; ask what is running when you book.
It suits people who want a forest-edge base for both Gorumara and Chapramari safaris without the roadside resort strip of Lataguri. Food is charged separately on most plans. Book on the WBFDC website, and check current status before you travel, since the corporation revises tariffs and closes some properties for repairs after the monsoon.
Why we suggest it
- On the Murti river, between two parks
- Government tariff with several price levels, including tents
- Quieter than the highway resorts of Lataguri
We list rates as indicative ranges. We do not take commission from this property for being listed here. Check current status before you travel.
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Murti Banani from the Gorumara safari counters?
Murti is roughly 10–15 km from Lataguri, where the Gorumara watchtower tickets are usually sold, about 20–30 minutes by car. Chapramari is a similar distance in the other direction. Fix your safari slot first and then arrange a car or the safari jeep pickup with the counter or your driver.
Can we swim in the Murti river?
Paddling at the edge in winter is common, but the river rises fast after rain in the hills upstream, even when it is dry at Murti. Do not swim in the main channel, keep children within reach and leave the riverbed at once if the water turns brown or the level starts to climb.
Are meals included at Murti Banani?
Not on most plans. The corporation lists food as a separate charge, and recent tariffs have been about ₹500 per person a day at its smaller camps. Ask for the current meal plan when booking. There are a few small eateries near Murti bridge, but choice after dark is thin.
Trips that sleep here
On a ticket
Comfort
Dooars4 nights · Reserved car
Murti and Jaldapara with the family, by car
Murti · Jaldapara National Park
₹26,000per personabout ₹5,200 a day
Value
Dooars3 nights · Mixed
Three nights by the Murti river
Murti
₹13,000per personabout ₹3,250 a day
Comfort
Dooars5 nights · Reserved car
Dooars river valleys for birders, by car
Murti · Suntalekhola · Jhalong
₹26,000per personabout ₹4,350 a day
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