To the north of West Bengal stand the East Himalayas as a natural backdrop. A vast texture of dense forests teeming with wildlife, unending tea gardens, Babbling rivers, interspersed with sleepy or busy settlements, constitute a fascinating tourist destination -
The Dooars: Not so much known to the world, the Dooars valley stretching from River Teesta on the west to River Sankosh on the east, over a span of 130 km by 40 km, forms a major part of Jalpaiguri district.
Derived from the word 'doors' (doors to Bhutan), this region also forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan & the North-Eastern states. The dense natural forests interwoven with lush green tea gardens are cries-crossed by Teesta, Raidak, Torsha, Jaldhaka, Kaljani and other rivers & their innumerable tributaries trotting and rolling down from the hills. The entire region is served with a network of motor-able roads running through the deep forests and tea gardens. A meter gauge railway service connects Siliguri and Cooch Behar via Alipurduar. A journey itself by rail or on road through this region gives immense delight to both the mind and the eyes. The Dooars valley is specially noted for its wildlife sanctuaries, the most notable of which are the National Park of Gorumara (75 km from Siliguri), Chapramari forests (68 km from Siliguri), the Buxa Tiger Reserve (200 km from Siliguri) and the Jaldapara Santuary (124 km from Siliguri)
Derived from the word 'doors' (doors to Bhutan), this region also forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan & the North-Eastern states. The dense natural forests interwoven with lush green tea gardens are cries-crossed by Teesta, Raidak, Torsha, Jaldhaka, Kaljani and other rivers & their innumerable tributaries trotting and rolling down from the hills. The entire region is served with a network of motor-able roads running through the deep forests and tea gardens. A meter gauge railway service connects Siliguri and Cooch Behar via Alipurduar. A journey itself by rail or on road through this region gives immense delight to both the mind and the eyes. The Dooars valley is specially noted for its wildlife sanctuaries, the most notable of which are the National Park of Gorumara (75 km from Siliguri), Chapramari forests (68 km from Siliguri), the Buxa Tiger Reserve (200 km from Siliguri) and the Jaldapara Santuary (124 km from Siliguri)
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National Park are habitats of the rare one-horned rhinoceros, the mighty bison, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, hog deer, reptiles, huge wild tuskers, wild boars and the rarest variety of animals and birds including plenty of peacocks. Elephant riding through the Jaldapa forest in search of wild animals, particularly the one-horned rhinos, has become a craze among the tourists to this area.
Other places of attraction in and around the region include –
Jayanti (30 km from Alipurduar), a beautiful spot encircled by Jayanti River and hills around; Bhutanghat (45 km from Alipurduar), famous for scenic beauty beside River Raidak bordering Bhutan; Buxa Fort (30 km from Alipurduar), famous for the ruins of the Detention Camp used by the British Government for detaining freedom fighters of our country;
Rajabhatkhawa (15 km from Alipurduar), attractive for the nature information centre;
Murti (72 km from Siliguri) beside Murti River, attractive for the forest resort;
Malbazar (52 km from Siliguri), attractive for tea gardens and scenic spots around and as a base of starting package tours to the hills and other places around;
Chalsa (61 km from siliguri), famous for scenic beauty and the star category resort; Teesta Barrage (57 km from Siliguri), emerging and being developed as a tourist attraction;
Samsing (81 km from Siliguri via Chalsa) beside Jaldhaka River, attractive for scenic beauty,
orange plantation and forest resort;
Toto Para (22 km from Jaldapara), a small village on the bank of River Torsha near Bhutan border, famous for the Dooars aboriginals - the Totos; Phuntsholling (161 km from Siliguri via Jaldapara), on the Border of Bhutan, a major gateway to Bhutan.
Chilapata Forest (20 km from Alipurduar), on way to Cooch Behar, a trip through the deep and dark Chilapata Forest is a pleasant and exciting experience.
Nalrajar Garh, the ruins of the fort named Nalrajar Garh dating back to the Gupta Age (4th to 6th century A.D.) hidden in the Chilapata Forest make it an attractive destination.
Hasimara Forest, Another pleasant and exciting experience is a trip through the Hasimara Forest.
More Details:
Well-equipped tourist lodges are run by WB Tourism Development Corporation / WB Forest Development Corporation at Malbazar, Jalpaiguri, Jaldapara, Hollong, Madarihat, Gorumara, Samsing and Jayanti. Besides, there are quite a good number of hotels, resorts, guest houses etc. at Malbazar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar & Cooch Behar.
Gorumara
Location : Located in the flood plains of Murti and Jaldhaka river of the dooars region in Jalpaiguri.
Approach & Access : It is 15 km from Lataguri, 10 km from Chalsa and 52 km from Jalpaiguri. It is recommended to hire vehicles from Chalsa or Lataguri to enter the National Park.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available at Gorumara Forest Rest House (Contact- DFO, Wildlife Divn.-II, Aranyabhavan, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-224907) and private resorts in Lataguri and Chalsa
Prime Attraction : The scenic landscapes, magnificent forests, tall elephant grasses and rippling streams are added to the nature of this park. The main attractions are Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Hornbill etc.
*Gorumara N.P. is closed during rainy season from 16th. June to 15th. Sept.
Location : Located in the flood plains of Murti and Jaldhaka river of the dooars region in Jalpaiguri.
Approach & Access : It is 15 km from Lataguri, 10 km from Chalsa and 52 km from Jalpaiguri. It is recommended to hire vehicles from Chalsa or Lataguri to enter the National Park.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available at Gorumara Forest Rest House (Contact- DFO, Wildlife Divn.-II, Aranyabhavan, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-224907) and private resorts in Lataguri and Chalsa
Prime Attraction : The scenic landscapes, magnificent forests, tall elephant grasses and rippling streams are added to the nature of this park. The main attractions are Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Hornbill etc.
*Gorumara N.P. is closed during rainy season from 16th. June to 15th. Sept.
Chapramari
Location : This wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in the district of Jalpaiguri.
Approach & Access : Can be approached by road from Siliguri or Jalpaiguri. Its 70 km from Jalpaiguri. This sanctuary is arround 20 kms away from Gorumara.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available at Chapramari rest house (Contact- DFO, Wildlife Divn.-II, Aranyabhavan, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-224907) and accommodation used to visit Gorumara may also be used to visit Chapramari.
Prime Attraction : It provides a breathtaking view of forests against the backdrop of the Kanchanjungha and other Himalayan peaks. It is the home to diverse avifauna and mammals like Elephant, Gaur, Leopard etc.
* Chapramari W.L.S. is closed during rainy season from 16th. June to 15th. Sept.
Location : This wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in the district of Jalpaiguri.
Approach & Access : Can be approached by road from Siliguri or Jalpaiguri. Its 70 km from Jalpaiguri. This sanctuary is arround 20 kms away from Gorumara.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available at Chapramari rest house (Contact- DFO, Wildlife Divn.-II, Aranyabhavan, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-224907) and accommodation used to visit Gorumara may also be used to visit Chapramari.
Prime Attraction : It provides a breathtaking view of forests against the backdrop of the Kanchanjungha and other Himalayan peaks. It is the home to diverse avifauna and mammals like Elephant, Gaur, Leopard etc.
* Chapramari W.L.S. is closed during rainy season from 16th. June to 15th. Sept.
Chalsa
Location :Located at a distance of 57 kms from Jalpaiguri and 7 kms from Malbazar.
Approach & access : One can hire vehicle from Jalpaiguri taxi stand or can avail bus from Santipara bus stand. On its way to Chalsa the motorable road passes through a deep forest and tea gardens of duars which is really a enjoyable journey.
Accommodation : There are two bungalows with four double bedded rooms at the hill top of Chalsa, run by PWD. For booking of accommodation one can contact Ex. Engineer, PWD, Nagrakata construction division, Malbazar, Ph:03562-255129.
Prime attraction : From the balcony of a room one can enjoy the scenic beauty of hills and tea gardens. The Kurti river flows down the small hillock and tea gardens.
Location :Located at a distance of 57 kms from Jalpaiguri and 7 kms from Malbazar.
Approach & access : One can hire vehicle from Jalpaiguri taxi stand or can avail bus from Santipara bus stand. On its way to Chalsa the motorable road passes through a deep forest and tea gardens of duars which is really a enjoyable journey.
Accommodation : There are two bungalows with four double bedded rooms at the hill top of Chalsa, run by PWD. For booking of accommodation one can contact Ex. Engineer, PWD, Nagrakata construction division, Malbazar, Ph:03562-255129.
Prime attraction : From the balcony of a room one can enjoy the scenic beauty of hills and tea gardens. The Kurti river flows down the small hillock and tea gardens.
Jaldapara
Location : Located in the flood plains of river Torsa in Jalpaiguri District.
Approach & Access : The main entry point is from Madarihat Town, situated adjacent to N.H.-31 in between Hasimara and Birpara. The nearest railway station, Falakata is 22 kms from Madarihat.
Accommodation : Accommodation is Available at Hollong Tourist Lodge (Contact : W.B.T.D.C, Hill Cart Rd. Siliguri. Ph. - 0353-2511974,2511979 or W.B.T.D.C., 6A, Raja S. C. Mallick Sq., 2nd. Floor, Calcutta-13 . Ph. 033-22370060,61 ) and Madarihat Tourist Lodge.
Prime Attraction : Largest population of Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros in West Bengal is found at Jaldapara. It also provides excellent habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger and other animals like Gaur, Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Hog Deer, Barking deer etc.
* Jaldapara W.L.S.. is closed during rainy season from 16th. June to 15th. Sept.
Location : Located in the flood plains of river Torsa in Jalpaiguri District.
Approach & Access : The main entry point is from Madarihat Town, situated adjacent to N.H.-31 in between Hasimara and Birpara. The nearest railway station, Falakata is 22 kms from Madarihat.
Accommodation : Accommodation is Available at Hollong Tourist Lodge (Contact : W.B.T.D.C, Hill Cart Rd. Siliguri. Ph. - 0353-2511974,2511979 or W.B.T.D.C., 6A, Raja S. C. Mallick Sq., 2nd. Floor, Calcutta-13 . Ph. 033-22370060,61 ) and Madarihat Tourist Lodge.
Prime Attraction : Largest population of Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros in West Bengal is found at Jaldapara. It also provides excellent habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger and other animals like Gaur, Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Hog Deer, Barking deer etc.
* Jaldapara W.L.S.. is closed during rainy season from 16th. June to 15th. Sept.
Murti
Location, Approach & Access : A place besides river Murti, around 8 km away from Chalsa and 60 km away from Jalpaiguri is famous for its scenic beauty. This place is located in between Gorumara and Chapramari.
Accommodation : 2 double bedded A.C. rooms, 2 double bedded non A.C. rooms and 2 non A.C. rooms with 4 bunks in each is available in the Murti bungalow. The rent of each A.C. room is Rs. 1000/- , rent of each non A.C. room is Rs. 650/-, rent of each bunk is 100/- and rent of a room with 4 bunks is Rs. 350/-. (Contact : W.B.T.D.C, Hill Cart Rd. Siliguri. Ph. - 0353-2511974,2511979 or W.B.T.D.C., 6A, Raja S. C. Mallick Sq., 2nd. Floor, Calcutta-13 . Ph. 033-22370060,61)
Prime Attraction : Excellent scenic beaury is the main attraction of this site. Both Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wild Life Sanctuary are very close to this place. One can get day visit pass from Lataguri Interpretation Centre to enter the National Park and Sanctuary.
Location, Approach & Access : A place besides river Murti, around 8 km away from Chalsa and 60 km away from Jalpaiguri is famous for its scenic beauty. This place is located in between Gorumara and Chapramari.
Accommodation : 2 double bedded A.C. rooms, 2 double bedded non A.C. rooms and 2 non A.C. rooms with 4 bunks in each is available in the Murti bungalow. The rent of each A.C. room is Rs. 1000/- , rent of each non A.C. room is Rs. 650/-, rent of each bunk is 100/- and rent of a room with 4 bunks is Rs. 350/-. (Contact : W.B.T.D.C, Hill Cart Rd. Siliguri. Ph. - 0353-2511974,2511979 or W.B.T.D.C., 6A, Raja S. C. Mallick Sq., 2nd. Floor, Calcutta-13 . Ph. 033-22370060,61)
Prime Attraction : Excellent scenic beaury is the main attraction of this site. Both Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wild Life Sanctuary are very close to this place. One can get day visit pass from Lataguri Interpretation Centre to enter the National Park and Sanctuary.
Jalpesh
Location, Approach & Access : This place is around 25 km away from Jalpaiguri town and 8 km from Mainaguri. Taxi is available from Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri to reach this place. One can also hire van rickshaw from Mainaguri to reach this place.
Prime Attraction : The temple of presiding deity (Shiva) established in the year 1665 by the cooch king Prannarayan is the main point of attraction of this place.
Location, Approach & Access : This place is around 25 km away from Jalpaiguri town and 8 km from Mainaguri. Taxi is available from Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri to reach this place. One can also hire van rickshaw from Mainaguri to reach this place.
Prime Attraction : The temple of presiding deity (Shiva) established in the year 1665 by the cooch king Prannarayan is the main point of attraction of this place.
Khuttimari
Location, Approach & Access : This place is 70 km away from Jalpaiguri town. A road through the forest from Gairkata will reach you at the forest bungalow of Khuttimari.
Accommodation : Two rooms are available at the forest bungalow of Khuttimari. ( Contact - DFO, Jalpaiguri Division, Arannya Bhavan, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-232016)
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty and sighting of wild life is the main attraction of this place.
Location, Approach & Access : This place is 70 km away from Jalpaiguri town. A road through the forest from Gairkata will reach you at the forest bungalow of Khuttimari.
Accommodation : Two rooms are available at the forest bungalow of Khuttimari. ( Contact - DFO, Jalpaiguri Division, Arannya Bhavan, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-232016)
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty and sighting of wild life is the main attraction of this place.
Buxa Tiger Reserve & Buxa Duar
Location, Approach & Access : Touching one state boundary and one international boundary lays the 'Buxa Tiger Reserve' in the eastern dooars of West Bengal. This tiger reserve is located near Alipurduar sub-divisional town of Jalpaiguri, wellconnected by train and road. "Buxa Duar" can be approached on foot from Santalbari.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available at forest rest house of Buxa Tiger Reserve (Contact - Field Director, BTR , Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri. Ph. - 03564-256005) and in a 16 beds dormitory at an altitude of 2600 ft, run by local Eco Development Committee for Buxa Duar.
Prime Attraction : The main Attractions of BTR is tiger, Leopard (Black Panther also), Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Gaur, Pangolin, and Python. Buxa Duar is famous for its prison fort.
Location, Approach & Access : Touching one state boundary and one international boundary lays the 'Buxa Tiger Reserve' in the eastern dooars of West Bengal. This tiger reserve is located near Alipurduar sub-divisional town of Jalpaiguri, wellconnected by train and road. "Buxa Duar" can be approached on foot from Santalbari.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available at forest rest house of Buxa Tiger Reserve (Contact - Field Director, BTR , Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri. Ph. - 03564-256005) and in a 16 beds dormitory at an altitude of 2600 ft, run by local Eco Development Committee for Buxa Duar.
Prime Attraction : The main Attractions of BTR is tiger, Leopard (Black Panther also), Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Gaur, Pangolin, and Python. Buxa Duar is famous for its prison fort.
Rajabhatkhawa
Location, Approach & Access : Rajabhatkhawa is 15 km away from Alipurduar town and located in between Alipurduar and Jayanti. This place is connected both by road and train from Alipurduar and Siliguri
Accommodation : Accommodation is available in both Leohouse (3 rooms with total 6 beds) and Tigerlodge (2 rooms with total 4 beds ) at Rajabhatkhawa. One will have to contact Dy. Field Director, Buxa Tiger Reserve (West), Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri. Ph. - 03564-255129.
Prime Attraction : A large variety of important flora and fauna exists in this area. Nature Interpretation Centre and Tiger Rescue Centre are points of interest of this place.
Location, Approach & Access : Rajabhatkhawa is 15 km away from Alipurduar town and located in between Alipurduar and Jayanti. This place is connected both by road and train from Alipurduar and Siliguri
Accommodation : Accommodation is available in both Leohouse (3 rooms with total 6 beds) and Tigerlodge (2 rooms with total 4 beds ) at Rajabhatkhawa. One will have to contact Dy. Field Director, Buxa Tiger Reserve (West), Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri. Ph. - 03564-255129.
Prime Attraction : A large variety of important flora and fauna exists in this area. Nature Interpretation Centre and Tiger Rescue Centre are points of interest of this place.
Jayanti
Location, Approach & Access : This forest village is arround 30 km away from Alipurduar subdivisional town of Jalpaiguri District and connected by road. One can also move here from Rajabhatkhawa.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available in a beautiful bunglow by the side of river Jayanti. 3 double beded rooms and a dormitory with 6 beds are available here. (contact - Ex. Engineer, PHE, Club Road, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-230659)
Prime Attraction : Jayanti is famous for its rich variety of wild life and exotic scenic beauty. A stalakite cave popularly known as 'Jayanti Mahakal' and 'Pookri Pahar' are well known destinations from Jayanti.
Location, Approach & Access : This forest village is arround 30 km away from Alipurduar subdivisional town of Jalpaiguri District and connected by road. One can also move here from Rajabhatkhawa.
Accommodation : Accommodation is available in a beautiful bunglow by the side of river Jayanti. 3 double beded rooms and a dormitory with 6 beds are available here. (contact - Ex. Engineer, PHE, Club Road, Jalpaiguri. Ph : 03561-230659)
Prime Attraction : Jayanti is famous for its rich variety of wild life and exotic scenic beauty. A stalakite cave popularly known as 'Jayanti Mahakal' and 'Pookri Pahar' are well known destinations from Jayanti.
Bodaganj, Ambari, Kathambari, Odlabari
Location, Approach & Access : All these places are at a distance of 25 km to 90 km from Jalpaiguri town. Bodaganj is 25 km away from Jalpaiguri in Shikarpur forest. Nearest station of Ambari is Ambari-Falakata in NJP - Haldibari route. Ambari is also accessable by road from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. Kathambari is around 50 km away from Jalpaiguri and is approachable by road. Odlabari is 90 km away from Jalpaiguri by road.
Accommodation : Two roomed forest bungalow is available in all these four places. (Contact - Div. Forest Officer, Baikunthapur Divn., Hospital More, Siliguri. Ph. 0353-2436436 ) .
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty of Forest and tea gardens, somewhere with a backdrop of hills is the main attraction of these locations. Tista barrage is very close from Ambari.
Location, Approach & Access : All these places are at a distance of 25 km to 90 km from Jalpaiguri town. Bodaganj is 25 km away from Jalpaiguri in Shikarpur forest. Nearest station of Ambari is Ambari-Falakata in NJP - Haldibari route. Ambari is also accessable by road from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. Kathambari is around 50 km away from Jalpaiguri and is approachable by road. Odlabari is 90 km away from Jalpaiguri by road.
Accommodation : Two roomed forest bungalow is available in all these four places. (Contact - Div. Forest Officer, Baikunthapur Divn., Hospital More, Siliguri. Ph. 0353-2436436 ) .
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty of Forest and tea gardens, somewhere with a backdrop of hills is the main attraction of these locations. Tista barrage is very close from Ambari.
Totopara
Location, Approach & Access : Totopara is a small locality in the northwest corner of Madarihat block in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district. Totopara is 22 km away from Madarihat town. This place is approachable by bus from Jalpaiguri and Siliguri via Madarihat.
Accommodation : Any person interested to stay at Totopara may contact with District Welfare Officer, Backward Classes Welfare, Jalpaiguri. Ph. 03561-230917
Prime Attraction : This place is inhabited by toto tribal community, one of the three recognised primitive tribes in West Bengal.
Location, Approach & Access : Totopara is a small locality in the northwest corner of Madarihat block in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district. Totopara is 22 km away from Madarihat town. This place is approachable by bus from Jalpaiguri and Siliguri via Madarihat.
Accommodation : Any person interested to stay at Totopara may contact with District Welfare Officer, Backward Classes Welfare, Jalpaiguri. Ph. 03561-230917
Prime Attraction : This place is inhabited by toto tribal community, one of the three recognised primitive tribes in West Bengal.
Nilpara, Chilabata, Kodalbosti
Location, Approach & Access : All these forest and teagarden areas can be approached from the Alipurduar town. Nilpara is 27 km away, Chilabata is 20 km and Kodalbasti is 22 km away from Alipurduar. Tourists will have to hire their own vehicle from Alipurduar to reach these places.
Accommodation : Two roomed resthouse at Nilpara (rent Rs. 150/- for each room), two roomed resthouse at Chilabata (rent Rs. 150/- for each room), and one room (rent Rs. 100/-) in the resthouse of Kodalbasi is available from Div. Forest Officer, Coochbehar Divn., P.O. + Dist. - Coochbehar, Pin - 736101. Ph.- 03582-222485, 222919.
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty is the main attraction of these places.
Location, Approach & Access : All these forest and teagarden areas can be approached from the Alipurduar town. Nilpara is 27 km away, Chilabata is 20 km and Kodalbasti is 22 km away from Alipurduar. Tourists will have to hire their own vehicle from Alipurduar to reach these places.
Accommodation : Two roomed resthouse at Nilpara (rent Rs. 150/- for each room), two roomed resthouse at Chilabata (rent Rs. 150/- for each room), and one room (rent Rs. 100/-) in the resthouse of Kodalbasi is available from Div. Forest Officer, Coochbehar Divn., P.O. + Dist. - Coochbehar, Pin - 736101. Ph.- 03582-222485, 222919.
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty is the main attraction of these places.
Raimatang, Nimati
Location, Approach & Access : At a distance of 45 km from Alipurduar, surrounded by rivers and hills, Raimatang is a nice place to enjoy the beauty of nature. One can reach Kalchini by bus and from there can hire personal vehicle to reach this place. Nimati is 17 km away from Alipurduar. Bus service is available for this location from Alipurduar.
Accommodation : Two roomed forest resthouse is available at both the places. ( rent Rs.150/- for each room). Booking of rooms is done by Dy. Field Director, Boxa Tiger Reserve (West), Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri. Ph. 03564-255129.
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty is the point of attraction of these places.
Location, Approach & Access : At a distance of 45 km from Alipurduar, surrounded by rivers and hills, Raimatang is a nice place to enjoy the beauty of nature. One can reach Kalchini by bus and from there can hire personal vehicle to reach this place. Nimati is 17 km away from Alipurduar. Bus service is available for this location from Alipurduar.
Accommodation : Two roomed forest resthouse is available at both the places. ( rent Rs.150/- for each room). Booking of rooms is done by Dy. Field Director, Boxa Tiger Reserve (West), Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri. Ph. 03564-255129.
Prime Attraction : Scenic beauty is the point of attraction of these places.
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