Murti – Where a River Becomes a Destination

Murti is not just the name of a river in the Dooars. Over the years, it has quietly transformed into one of the most loved nature destinations in North Bengal. Flowing out of the dense forests of Neora Valley National Park and finally meeting the Jaldhaka River near Ramsai, Murti may be modest in length, but its charm is anything but small.

What sets Murti apart from dozens of other rivers in the Dooars is not its size, but its journey. From misty forested hills to open plains dotted with tea gardens and wildlife corridors, Murti passes through landscapes that define the very soul of the Dooars. Today, when travellers say they are going to Murti, they usually mean not just the river, but an entire riverside holiday experience.

The Journey of the Murti River

The Murti River begins its journey in the pristine, forested heights of Neora Valley National Park. As it descends towards the plains, it reaches Samsing, a well-known tea garden area and one of the classic gateways to the eastern Dooars. Here, the riverbed spreads wide, filled with smooth pebbles and crystal clear water. This stretch is popularly known as Rocky Island, one of the most famous picnic and leisure spots for locals and tourists alike.

Further downstream, the Murti flows between two major forest blocks. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary lies on its eastern bank, while Gorumara National Park, the most popular wildlife destination in the Dooars, stretches along its western side. In this section, especially around North Dhupjhora, the river becomes the centrepiece of tourism. Resorts, lodges and forest stays line the banks, and the entire area has come to be known simply as Murti, turning the river’s name into a destination identity.

Continuing its journey, Murti passes through quieter forest and village landscapes before entering the Ramsai area. This stretch is less commercial, more intimate, and ideal for travellers looking for peaceful stays close to nature. Finally, near Jadabpur Tea Garden, Murti merges with the Jaldhaka River, completing a journey of roughly 70 to 80 kilometres.

Why Murti Is So Popular with Travellers

Murti’s popularity lies in its accessibility, safety and natural beauty. For most of the year, except during peak monsoon months, Murti is a safe river. Visitors can step into the shallow water, sit among pebbles, or simply relax on the banks listening to the sound of flowing water. Families with children, senior travellers and first-time visitors to the Dooars all find Murti comfortable and reassuring.

The riverfront throughout its course is lined with forests, tea gardens and open grasslands, offering uninterrupted views and a soothing environment. Early mornings are misty and quiet, while evenings bring golden light reflecting off the water, making Murti a favourite for photographers and nature lovers.

Murti Sightseeing and Things to Do

Murti is not about ticking off monuments or rushing through attractions. It is about slowing down. Riverside walks, pebble hopping, birdwatching, and simply doing nothing are the real experiences here. From Murti, travellers can also explore nearby destinations like Samsing, Suntalekhola, Chapramari, Gorumara National Park and Chalsa, all of which fit easily into relaxed sightseeing plans or customised tour packages.

Those staying near Dhupjhora often combine their Murti stay with jeep safaris into Gorumara or Chapramari, making it an ideal base for wildlife tourism without sacrificing comfort.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Murti

Murti enjoys a typical Dooars climate, shaped by forests and rivers.

From October to March, the weather remains pleasant, with cool mornings and comfortable days. This is the best time to visit Murti for sightseeing, forest safaris and riverside stays.

April and May are warmer, but mornings and evenings by the river are still enjoyable. This period is good for travellers who prefer fewer crowds.

During the monsoon months from June to September, Murti swells dramatically. While the scenery becomes intensely green and dramatic, water levels rise and stepping into the river is unsafe. Travel can also be disrupted due to heavy rainfall, so this season is best suited for experienced travellers who enjoy rain and solitude.

How to Reach Murti

Most travellers experience Murti at two main points. Samsing Rocky Island is around 17 kilometres from Chalsa crossing in the western Dooars. It lies roughly 100 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport and about 90 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, making it easily accessible by road.

The Dhupjhora Murti stretch is especially popular with travellers visiting Gorumara National Park. If Gorumara is part of your itinerary, Murti can be added as a sightseeing stop or, better still, as an overnight stay at a riverside resort. Well-maintained roads connect Murti with Chalsa, Lataguri, Malbazar and other Dooars hubs.

Where to Stay in Murti

Accommodation along the Murti River is spread across three main zones: Rocky Island, Dhupjhora Murti and Ramsai.

Rocky Island offers mostly basic lodges and budget stays, popular with picnic groups and short stay travellers. The Dhupjhora area has the largest concentration of resorts, ranging from comfortable mid-range properties to a few high-end resorts. This area also hosts properties run by West Bengal Tourism and West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, along with several reputed private hotels offering modern amenities and excellent river views.

The Ramsai stretch is quieter and less developed, with select government and private accommodations that appeal to travellers seeking peace and isolation. There are also smaller tourist stays at places like Panjhora, close to the national highway, suitable for short breaks or stopovers.

For updated information, best locations and the right hotel based on your travel style, expert advice makes a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Murti

Is Murti safe for families and children?
Yes, for most of the year, Murti is considered safe. However, during monsoon months, visitors should avoid entering the river due to strong currents.

How many days are ideal for a Murti stay
Two nights are ideal to enjoy the river, relax and explore nearby forests. Murti also works well as part of a longer Dooars tour package.

Is Murti close to Gorumara National Park?
Yes, the Dhupjhora and Ramsai Murti area lies very close to Gorumara and is often used as a base for forest safaris. The Murti River divides a continuous forest into Gorumara and Chapramari forests.

Are there good hotels directly on the riverbank?
Yes, especially in the Dhupjhora area, several resorts are located right on the Murti riverbank, offering excellent views and easy access.

Plan Your Murti Holiday with NBTT

Murti is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly. The more time you give it, the more it rewards you with silence, scenery and a sense of balance that modern travel often forgets.

NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited specialises in crafting well-paced Dooars tour packages that include Murti, Gorumara, Chapramari and the surrounding tea garden landscapes. From choosing the right riverside hotels to planning sightseeing and forest safaris, NBTT ensures your Murti experience is seamless and meaningful.

Call +919733300696 and let NBTT help you discover why Murti is not just a river, but the heartbeat of the Dooars.