Derived from the word ‘doors' (doors to Bhutan).the Dooars valley also forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam the far East.The valley stretches across a vast span of 130 km by 40 km.The unending stretch of virgin forests interwoven with innumerable tea gardens is cris-crossed by Teesta,jaldhaka,Torsha and Sankosh rivers and their innumerable tributaries trotting and rolling down from the hills. Beautiful motorable roads cut through the deep forests teeming with wildlife.
The Dooars valley is specially noted for its wild life sanctuaries, the most notable of which are the National Park of Gorumara,the Mahananda Sanctuary, the Buxa Tiger Reserve and Jaldapara Sanctuary.These sanctuaries abound in a flora and fauna. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Garumara National Park are habitats of the rare one-horned rhinoceros, mighty bisons,spotted deer, barking deer,sambar,hog deer,reptiles,huge wild tuskers,wild boars and the rarest variety of animals and birds including plenty of peacocksElephant riding through the Jaldapara forest in search of wild animals,particularly one-horned rhinos,has become a craze among tourists to the area.
Other places of attraction in and around the region include Jayanti, Rajabthatkhawa, Jhalong, Bindu, Chalsa, Murti, Bhutanghat, Buxaduar and Phuntsholling on the border of Bhutan. Another major attraction is the ethnic culture of this region manifested in so many forms including folk songs, folk dances etc.
On way to KochBihar,a trip through the deep and dark Hasimara forest is a pleasant and exciting experience.Kochbihar also has a number of attraction for the tourists including the Royal Palace,the Madanmohan Temple,Sagardighi and Rasikbil.
A visit to the greenery of the Dooars and resting a few days nights in the midst of forests, rivers and wildlife will definitely instill new life and inspiration in a tourist forever.
TEA AREAS OF DOOARS
The area under tea in Dooars in West Bengal is about 68,000 ha and is located 89 0 to 89 0 9'N latitude and 26 0 3' to 26 0 8'E longitude. There are 163 tea gardens in Dooars producing over 115 million kg of made tea per year. It accounts for 20% of the tea area and 21% of tea produced in North India. The productivity of the region (1795 kg made tea / ha) is higher than Assam average but almost at par with the national productivity. A large part of the Dooars tea districts is on old alluvial red soils known as the Red Bank soils. These are loamy soils of great depth, contain high organic matter and are acidic. At the other extreme are the grey, sandy loam soils of Eastern Dooars, which have undergone very little weathering and are rich in bases and phosphate but low in organic matter and nitrogen. Soils of very different types and ages are found within these classes. One is Mal sand in Western Dooars, which consists of fine quartz accompanied by a large percentage of talc and potash mica. Dolomite rocks are found to the north of Central and Eastern Dooars and some limestone deposits also lie scattered in the foothills of this region. The ‘Plateau' soils of Western Dooars are fairly old deposits. In general, Dooars soils contain high organic matter compared to tea soils of Assam. The regions receive an average annual rainfall of more than 3000 mm but the distribution is highly uneven with 93% of total rainfall in May-October. The remaining 7% is distributed between November and April. The average maximum temperature ranges from 23.4 0 to 31 0 C and minimum 10.4 0 to 23.8 0 C.
BUXA TIGER RESERVE
General Information :
Area of the Reserve
:
761 Sq.Km.
Year of Establishment
:
1983
Area of declared Sanctuary
:
269 Sq.Km.
Area of the declared National Park
:
117 Sq.Km
Altitude
:
100m. To 1750 m. above MSL.
Longitude
:
89 0 20' E to 89 0 55' E
Latitude
:
26 0 30' N to 26 0 55' N
Rainfall
:
5000mm/year (average)
Temperature
:
6 0 C to 32 0 C
Monsoon
:
June to September.
Best time to Visit
:
November to March.
Nearest Railway station
:
New Alipurduar (3 Km),New Jalpaiguri (175 Km)
Nearest Airport
:
Bagdogra (175 Km), Coochbehar(30 Km)
Buxa Tiger Reserve,in the Alipurduar Sub-division of Jalpaiguri District,was set up as the 15th Tiger Reserve in 1983 at the north-eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam.This picturesque reserve with its Terai,Bhabar and hilly landscape upto an altitude of 1800 Mts. Is dissected by numerous rivers and rivulets.The area of the Reserve emcompasses 760.87 sq.km. having a sanctuary of 269 sq.km. and a national Park of 117.01 sq.km. of pristine forests.
Wilderness of BUXA TIGER RESERVE viewed from a satellite reveals to be the largest dense chunk of remaining forests in West Bengal.The varied flora and fauna of these wet forests having an annual downpour exceeding 5000mm.,attracts more than 20,000 tourists and nature lovers every year.
The special attraction of this area is historical Buxa Fort that was used for detention during freedom movement of India as a most rigorous prison next to Andaman Cellular jail.The dolomite caves locally called “Mahakal” attracts numerous tourists and pilgrims with its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Buxa Tiger Reserve is fringed by 34 tea gardens in its southern side which is a great attraction for tourists.This area is also encountered with ethnic diversity of people.
FLORA
Buxa Tiger Reserve, a multi-tier vegetation assemblage,can be classified as Moist mixed Tropical Forests.Eight(8) distinct types of forests constitute this reserve which extends upto an elevation of 1750 m.
The main crop is sal (Shorea robusta), Champ (Michelia Champaca), Chilaune (Schima wallichii), Chikrasi (Chukrassia tabularis), Bahera (Terminalia belerica), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Tun (Cedrela toona), Lali(Amoora wallichii) are main plants in areas adjoining the rivers.The hill forests species are Katus (Castanopsis indica),Mandane (Acrocarpus fraxinifolius), Bhalukath (Talauma hodgsoni), Phalame (walsura tabulata), panisaj (Terminalia myriocarpal), Gokul (Ailanthus grandis) etc. Tantari(Dillenia Pentogyna), jamun (Syzygium Cumini), Palash (Butea monosperma) and Kul (Zizyphus jajuba) are the features of the Savannah woodlands. Rare plants of about 25 variety in this region need special care for conservation.The following floral wealth of Buxa Tiger Reserve is so far Canes 6 species, Grasses-46 species, Medicinal plants-112 species, Orchids-144 species rich diversity of endemic and endangered orchids.
FAUNA
Buxa Tiger Reserve has a spectacular range of faunal variety.So far species of mammals,41 species of amphibians,33 species of fishes and 353 species of entomo-fauna are identified and listed.Out of which 21 species of mammals,7 species of birds,10 species of reptiles are endangered and included in schedule of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
The main carnivores are Indian Tiger,Leopard,Clouded Leopard,Hog Badger,Jungle Cat,Sloth Bear,Himalayan Black Bear,Fishing Cat,Civet Cat,Jackal,Mongoose,Fox,Wild Dog etc.The prominent herbivores are Elephant ,gaur,Sambar,Chital,Barking Deer,Hog Deer,Wild Pig,Hispid Hare etc.
Many other animals like Porcupines,Rhesus Macaque,Squirrels,Common Pangolin are also frequently seen in these forests.Small fishes like Chela,Hum,Puti,Boroli etc.Their bigger brothers like Mahaseer,Boal,Kalbaus,Mrigel,Chital,Shol are the wealth of the rivers and streams.
Tortoise,Lizards,Snakes like King Cobra,Russel Viper,Banded Crait,Indian Python and Reticulated Python,Chinese Pangolin etc. are the reptiles of this region.The avifauna comprises of Great Indian Pied Hornbill (Dhanesh),Jungle Maina,Indian Magpie Robin, Red Jungle Fowl, Woodpecker, Nightjar, Moonal Pheasant,various kinds of Teals & Duckes and Peacocks, Snake Bird,Grey Heron, Little Egret are the beauty of the water bodies.
ENDANGERED FAUNA
Clouded Leopard,Wild Dog,Chinese Pangolin and birds like Black-necked Crane,Ashy Minivet are rare and endangered.They can be found in this Reserve.Wild Dog was believed to be extinct but was spotted in 1998 in Tashigaon Block of this Reserve.This is not the case with Marbled Cat and Golden Cat.In recent years they have not been sighted.
ECO-TOURISM
Nestling in the midst of the misty mountains this region has a number of evergreen beauty spots like Bhutan Ghat,Raimatong,Jainti and Rajabhatkhaw. The whispering forests,the roaring rivers and the blooming Orchids in the backdrop of the pristine open air have an irresistible attraction.Wonderful trekking routes (Raimatang to Adma=5 Km.,Santrabari to Rupong Valley via Buxafort=19 Km.,Jainti to Mahakal Cave=7 Km.) criss-crossing the entire landscape can seduce any adventure lover.The Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC) at Rajabhatkhawa provides a glimpse of this Tiger Reserve.It has separate galleries on Avifauna,Entomofauna,forest ecology and such similar themes.
JALDAPARA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
Lying at the foot of the Bhutan hills(Eastern Himalaya),the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary with its panoramic view,covering an arera of 216 sq.Km.,has special significance by maintaining remnants of terai grassland harbouring endangered Great Indian One horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis).In the last few decades duars grassland and Chaurs,which were abode of several animals,has decreased due to increase in cultivation area,expansion of Tea Estates and human habitation. As a result,wild buffalo, Gharial, Swamp partridge,Swamp deer (Barasingha) and Pink-headed Duck have became extinct in this region. Drained by rivers Torsa,Malangi,Hollong,Chirakhawa,Kalijhora,Sissamara,Bhaluka and Budhi Torsa,the Sanctuary provides extensive grassland to the wild animals,becoming the last refuge to a wide variety of mammals,amphibians,reptiles and birds.The major animals seen in the sanctuary are Tiger,Leopard,Sloth Bear,Sambhar,Cheetal,Hog Deer,Barking Deer,Wild Pig,Indian Gaur,Hispid hare and a variety of avifauna including endangered Bengal florican.The Sanctuary has 33 species of mammals,240 species of birds,16 species of reptiles,8 species of turtles and 30 species of fishes.
AROUND JALDAPARA :
WILDLIFE
:
Wildlife Division-II,Jalpaiguri
Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Rasik Bill Wetland (W.B.F.D.C Ltd Buxa Logging Division)
Borodabari (Near Hasimara Air Force) Lodge Project Tiger,Alipurduar
Musical fountain at Coochbehar Palace(Weekends Only).
HOW TO REACH JALDAPARA
:
Entry to the sanctuary is via Madarihat, located on the NH31, 140 Km east from Siliguri,80 Km north
from Coochbehar and 50 Km west from Alipurduar.
AIR
:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra,15 Km west of Siliguri.
RAIL
:
Broad Gauge trains stop at New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri),New Alipurduar and New Coochbehar.Some impor
tant trains are :
1. Delhi Guwahati Rajdhani Express.
2. Delhi Guwahati Northeast Express.
3. Sealdah New Jalpaiguri Darjeeling Mail
4. Sealdah New Cooch Behar Uttar Banga Express.
5. Sealdah Guwahati Kanchenjunga Express.
TRANSPORT
:
You will need your own vehicle to visit the sanctuary. Bus/Taxi Services are available from Siliguri,
Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar and Alipurduar. Jeeps can be hired from Madarihat for day visits.
ACCOMMODATIONS
:
a) Lataguri, Lake View Resort
b) Lataguri, Panchavati Forest Resort
c) Jayanti, Green Cave Resort
Park Ethics
:
1. Obtain entry permit before entering the sanctuary. Visiting time-9 A.M to 4 P.M
2. Keep silence. Watch and observe nature in all its glory and let it speak for you. Please do not
shout, play music or blow horns while in the sanctuary.
3. Keep fire away.This is the most destructive of all forces.Please do not kindle fires,throw lighted
matches,cigarettes,bidis etc.
4. Keep the forest clean.Do not Litter with plastic,paper,cellophane etc.
Keep pets at home.
6. Do not carry firearms,explosives,etc.These are prohibited as per law.
7. Keep sober.Do not consume alcoholic drinks within the Sanctuary.
8. Entering inside the forest prohibited.Follow the specific road/path only.
9. Picnics are not permitted inside the sanctuary.
10. Don't tease the wild animals.Watch and observe nature silently.
11. Drive slowly (Permissible Speed is 20 Km/hr)
12. Disorderly conduct is not permitted.
13. No Person shall hunt,destroy or remove or collect any forest produce or wildlife.Fishing prohibi-
ted.
14. Violations of any provisions as mentioned.
Above or any rules shall be punishable under Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972 and rules made thereunder and Indian Forest Act,1927.
These ethics are for your benefit and enjoyment of the sanctuary.Please be considerate to your fellow visitors and co-operate with the management.
Eastern Bhavar Sal (3C/C,b) and Eastern Terai Sal (3C/C1C)
Wet mixed Forest
-----
Sub-Himalayan Secondary Wet mixed Forest (2B/2S3)
Semi Evergreen Forest
-----
Eastern submontane semi evergreen (2B/C1)
Evergreen Forests
-----
Northern Tropical Evergreen (1b/C1)
Savannah Forest
-----
Sal savannah (3C/DS1), lower alluvial savannahs
GARUMARA NATIONAL PARK
This park is located in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri district. River Murti, Jaldhaka and Ingdong have passed through this national park. In the year 1949, Garumara Forest was declared as Wildlife sanctuary when it was a small forest. Later in the year 1992, it was declared as a National Park, comprising of 89 kms. of diverse forest.
Lataguri is the nearest small Tourist Spot near Garumara National park. Private Resorts/ Accommodation are available here. Tourist may visit Garumara in day time staying at Lataguri. Day visit permission to the National Park may be obtained from Nature Interpretation Centre, Department of Forest, Govt. of West Bengal, Lataguri.
CHAPRAMARI WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
It is located near the NH31 connecting north-east with the rest of India. As you cross river Tista on your way into Dooars, you reach the famous Chapramari sanctuary. A huge variety of flora and fauna covers the forests. Chapramari is famous for its elephant population. Gaur (commonly known as Bison) is also quite frequent around this region. Albeit few in number, the forests are also home of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Different other varieties of deer, reptiles and other animals can be easily seen around here.
Chapramari is close to the Gorumara national park near Chapramri. One can stay at a Chalsa and Lataguri can visit Chapramari from there. Chapramari is about 30 km from Chalsa and Lataguri.
MAHANANDA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY
Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in the Darjeeling Wild Life division and can be reached from Siliguri in 30 minutes. Sukna, the gateway to the sanctuary, is only 13 Km from Siliguri and 28 Km from Bagdogra Airport. The sanctuary sprawls over 159 Sq. Km of reserve forest and was started as a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1959 it got the status of a sanctuary mainly to protect the Indian Bison and Royal Bengal Tiger, which were facing the threat of extinction.
The forest type in Mahananda WLS varies from riverain forests like Khayer-Sisoo to dense mixed-wet forest in the higher elevation in ‘Latpanchar' area of Kurseong hills. The variation in altitude and forest types helps the existence of a large number of species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The important mammalian species include majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, gigantic elephants, sturdy Indian bison, timid spotted and barking deer, many species of lesser cat, Himalayan black bear, leopard including clouded leopard and many other smaller animals. The Sanctuary also holds hundreds of feathered species. The exciting list includes some very endangered species like fairy blue bird, Himalayan pied hornbill, … etc. Among the others; swallow, swift, thrush, babbler, warbler, roller, minivet, sunbird can be found in abundance.
The sanctuary is an ideal place for wildlife lovers. Several glades, hides and watchtowers have been created near natural saltlicks and streams to invite wild animals. The railway cabin in the abandoned Gulma Station inside the core area of the sanctuary has been converted into a watchtower. The tower is located besides the Gulma River and is an ideal place for wildlife viewing. There are a number of rest houses in the sanctuary including two in Sukna and arguably the best one in. An exciting jungle safari in the Sanctuary comprising Siliguri – Sukna – Golaghat – Gulma – Laltong – Siliguri organized by nature beyond can be a real adventurous experience.
NEORA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Situated in the Kalimpong sub-division under Darjeeling district is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast. The land of elegant Red Panda in the pristine undisturbed natural habitat with rugged inaccessible hilly terrain and rich diverse flora and fauna together make the park an important wilderness zone.
The forest in Neora Valley has such a luxurious growth that even sunlight finds it difficult to touch the ground. Much of the park is still inaccessible making it an adventurous place for the nature lovers / trekkers who can take the challenge to explore the still-unknown terrain in the Kalimpong hills. Virgin natural forests dense bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron trees, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop form a picturesque landscape.
The park reaches up to an elevation of 10600 ft at Rechela Danda, the highest point of Neora Valley National park, which borders Sikkim and Bhutan. The Neora River, the major water source of Kalimpong town, originating from an inaccessible snout of the park and can be visible from Rechila Danda. Jaributi, one of the most beautiful spots in Neora Valley, is an ideal place for viewing wildlife movements. The place has tremendous importance for medicinal plants that grow here in abundance Neora Valley National Park is also the home of Red Panda. A cute little animal with reddish brown body and a bushy ringed tail is one of the most endangered species in the world. The recent discovery of Royal Bengal Tiger in Neora Valley has prompted the administration to include the park in the list of sensitive wildlife zones in the country. According to the 2002 tiger census the park holds 19 majestic big cats. Among the other important mammals Indian Gaur, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Himalayan Thar, Serrow, Gural, Deer and Squirrels are worth mentioning.
Neora Valley is extraordinarily rich in avi-fauna or the feathered animals. Due to its altitudinal variation ranging from 600ft to 10600ft, various species of birds make the park a paradise for the bird watchers. Pheasants, Cuckoos, Minivets, Flycatchers, Maynas, Orioles, Owls, Parakeets, Partridges, Sunbirds, Swallows, Swifts and Woodpeckers would captivate one with their chirpy calls and enchanting colourful plumage display.
Nature has bestowed Neora Valley with a broad medley of butterflies, which provide a grand feast to the eyes with their ingrained splendour. Kaiser-I-Hind and Krishna Peacock are amongst the most attractive butterflies found here. The self-sufficient eco-system of Neora Valley harbours a rich plethora of insects. Amammoth diversity of Spiders, Bugs, Beetles, Ants and Bees parts a very important and complex eco-system of Neora Valley. Neora Valley is particularly well known for wild orchids. Their splendid colours and grace patterns have the capacity to hypnotise anyone. A number of orchids hidden in the deepest parts of the valley are yet to find a place in the records.
The park can be entered from Lava, 30kms from Kalimpong and also from Samsing, 80kms from Siliguri. A six days trek through the forests comprising Samsing – Bhote Ghar – Thusum – Rechela – Alubari – Lava is a thrilling experience.
Mongpong :
A 45 minutes drive from Siliguri, your first step to Dooars. As you leave behind Siliguri and drive through the Mahananda Wild life Sanctuary, the noise of a modern civilization slowly mixes with the melody of nature. Cross the deep gorge of roaring Teesta over the historical Coronation Bridge at Sevoke and reach Mongpong, 30 kms from Siliguri, for a completely different landscape. The mighty Teesta River, caged on both side by steep rock throughout its 200 odd kms journey from the snow- capped mountain of Sikkim, liberates itself at Mongpong. Here it divides into several channels and flows through the lower marshy land of the sanctuary, providing an ideal breeding place for the migratory birds. Situated on the lofty bank of Teesta. Mongpong Forest Rest House (WBFDC) offers a great panoramic view of the Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary and the widespread Teesta valley.
Malbazar :
At a distance of 40 km from Siliguri and 65 km from Jalpaiguri, Malbazar is one of the more important towns in Dooars. The town itself does not have much to offer to the tourists except for the beautiful Mal Park. However, due to its strategic location on the national highway, you can stay at Malbazar and visit the important tourist destination of Eastern Dooars. Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wild Life Sanctuary, Jhalong, Bindu, Samsing, Suntalekhola are the famous tourist spot in this area. Kumlai is a famous picnic spot of Malbazar. One can stay at WBTDC tourist lodge.
Chalsa :
Chalsa is a few kilometers from Malbazar on the way to Dooars from Siliguri (About 64 km). The national highway connecting the North-East with West Bengal passes through Chalsa. From Chalsa the road to left leads to Samsing which is about 15 km from Chalsa, The road to the right goes to Lataguri (20 km) via Gorumara National Park. There are private accommodations available near Chalsa from where you can visit the Gorumara National Park.
One can visit other tourist destinations nearby including Samsing, Bindu, Murti etc. the best hotel in the region, the Sinclair's retreat is located on a hillock close to Chalsa. Chalsa is also famous for the many tea gardens surrounding it.
Distance from Siliguri: 64 kms.
Samsing :
At a distance of 82 km from Siliguri, it takes about 3 hours to reach Samsing from Siliguri through one of the most picturesque landscape. Situated at an elevation pf 3000ft, Samsing is a nice cool shady place, ideal for nature lovers. The journey to Samsing is a memorable one too, as you slowly ride uphill through the most picturesque Dooars tea garden on the rolling hill slopes.
Several trek routes originate from Suntale Khola. Trekkers can take a steep ride to ‘Tree Fern Point' and ‘Mo' for a great view of the Himalayas in one side and the plains of Dooars in other. However, the most fascinating and thrilling trek leads to the untouched wilderness of Neora Valley National Park. Forest Department WBFDC are there for staying at Samsing.
Rasikbil :
A couple of hours drive from Ailpurduar is the location of Rasik bil. This is a huge lake ideal for eco-tourism activities. What attracts tourists here is the wide variety of avifauna that is seen around here. The bird variety includes cormorants, different varieties of storks, ibis, spoonbill, kingfisher, parrots, owl and many others. You can enjoy a leisurely day simply by boating in the lake and watching the variety of birds. There is a large aquarium, a deer park and a crocodile rehabilitation center at Rasikbill.
Jaldhaka :
The valley of Jaldhaka, at 1500ft above sea level is a prospective tourist destination. Situated on the hill section of Gorubathan under Kalimpong Sub-division it is cut off from the rest of the district by a mountain ridge descending south-west from Reche-la and is separated from Bhutan by the De-chu or jaldhaka River. Jaldhaka can be reached from Siliguri, (90 Kms) and from Kalimpong (13 Kms) after crossing the Coronation Bridge at Sevok and touching Chalsa, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhalong and Gairibus on the way Apart from the natural surrounding, the hydro-electric power project situated 5 Km from the Bazaar is the center of attraction here. There is a beautifully located forest rest house overlooking the scenic Jaldakha valley and the Bhutan hills. One can stay at (Forest Department) WBFDC National Resort.
Murti :
Murti is the name of a river flowing down from the kalimpong hills. Murti as a place is situated besides the same river in the Chapramari forest of Gorumara National Park. The place is being promoted as a tourist destination by the forest department (WBFDC). There is a nice forest bungalow available for tourist accommodation. You can visit the interior of Gorumara National Park staying at Murti. On the other side of the Murti river at a short distance is Panjhora river. This is a common site for picnickers during the winter months.
Murti itself has a lot to offer for nature lovers. If you are lucky you can see Gharials in the river. Elephants are also known to frequent around the bungalow. As a result staying outside the bungalow after dark is not advisable. From your room you can see varied wildlife including Gaur ( Indian Bison) and Deer. Murti is about 15 km from Lataguri town and about 18 km from Chalsa.
Bindu :
Bindu is only 107 Km from Siliguri. The last hamlet of West Bengal, Bindu is a valley encircled with hills of Bhutan and India on the banks of river Jaldhaka. It is a feast for the eyes and a stimulating experience for the mind.
The road that leads to Bindu is in itself an unforgettable experience. The dooars area starts immediately after you cross the Tista River at Coronation Bridge. The whole region is extremely beautiful with green vegetation all around. Most of the time you will be travelling through the plain with the hills on your left just a few hundred meters away. There is also the possibility of sighting wild life on the way.
Bindu is a conglomeration of different aborigines. The peace loving people of Bindu are engaged either in Elaichi (Cardamom) or Suntala (Orange) cultivation. Terrace cultivation is quite common here.
Places of Attraction :
Bindu Dam
:
Built on the Jaldhaka River. Rare view of the Bhutan Himalayas and snow peak mountains in the win
ters.
Jaldhaka Hydel Project
:
The first hydroelectric project of India can be visited with the prior permission of the WBSEB author
ties.
Cardamom Curing Centre
:
14 km from Bindu. India's best Cardamom is dyed and processed here before shipment.
Gairbas Diascorrea Plantation
:
On the way to Bindu this place can be visited where a large area is under cultivation of medicinal
plants especially Diascorrea.
Godak Village
:
15 km from Bindu. Belief of the tribes personified in the Debi sthan (house of Goddess) watch the
crowd worshipping a tiny river emanates from a singe rock that never dries up.
KOCHBIHAR
Kochbihar reminiscent of the Koch maharajas who had reigned over the sovereign state for more than 400 years.Even Bhutan came under their rule for some time.The sovereign state became a district of Independent India in 1949.
Beautiful is the planned town of Kochbihar with wide avenues bearing testimony to history and numerous heritages all around.The major tourist attractions of Kochbihar are:
The Kochbihar Palace that stands vast and radiant with unique architecture, grandeur and beauty. Undertaken and being developed by the Archeological Survey of India as a museum,this landmark of Kochbihar attracts a large number of tourists. The Palace is illuminated on Suturday,Sunday and holidays from 7 p.m to 9 p.m.The Raj Palace garden on the right side of the main gate of the palace entrance is quite attractive.
Madan Mohan Temple , which is home to the hereditary deity of the maharajas as well as the subjects.The traditional Rass Jatra festival held since back is one of the biggest in North Bengal.
Sagardighi, the newly decorated beautiful rank attracting migratory birds and tourists in all seasons.
Gosanimari Temple, near Dinhata,built in the 17th century by the then Koch maharaja but reminiscent of the Khyen dynasty.
Rasik Bill, a huge water body in Tufanjung Sub-division,providing home to a large variety of resident and migratory birds.
Baneswar Temple, on way to Alipurduar from Kochbihar,particularly famous for the rare giant turtles,protected by the local people with love religious faith.
Attractive is the architectural style of a number of old buildings in Kochbihar town like the Hostel Building the Jenkins School & ABN Seal College,Anand Ashram,MJN Club,the Old Circuit House,Moti Mahal,Chilarai Barrack,the Collectorate,Victor Palace and Jenkins School .
A magic web of forest & wildlife tourism,nature & eco-tourism,history & heritage,folk art & ethnic culture
Where to stay :
Coochbehar town provides comfortable hotel accommodation apart from the numerous guest houses and inspection bungalows far and near.The Forest Department and the Zilla Parishad provide accommodation at Rasik Bill reasonable rent.
Other major attaractive places in this 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 besides 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.
Rajabhatkhawa (15 Km from Alipurduar), attractive for the nature information center.
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 packages tours to the hills and other places around.
Chalsa (61 Km from Siliguri), famous for scenic beauty and the star category resort.
Teesta Barage (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 the 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.On way to Kochbihar,a trip through the deep, dark.
Chilapata forest (20 Km from Alipurduar) is a pleasant and exciting experience. 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 destinations.
HOW TO REACH
Siliguri is the gateway to the Dooars as well as Kochbihar.Regular bus services and hired cars ply between Siliguri and these destinations. New Jalpaiguri(NJP) Rly. station near Siliguri is connected with a large number of long-distance bus routes from Kolkata, the North-East and other parts of the country. The nearest airport is Bagdogra connecting Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.
WE CONDUCT FAMILY TAILOR MADE PACKAGES,HOTEL & RESORT BOOKINGS, ARRANGEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,JUNGLE SAFARIES & NATURE STUDY CAMPS IN THE ABOVE SECTORS.
