Dooars and Coochbehar
Best for : history, culture, nature and birdwatching
The Dooars region, located in the eastern foothills of the Indian Himalayas, is known for its lush tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic landscapes while Coochbehar offers a glimpse into its royal past and is dotted with historical landmarks and religious sites. . If you have plans for a visit you can check our
Places of Interests
Dooars
Gorumara National Park: Known for its diverse flora and fauna, Gorumara National Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary in the Dooars. It is home to Indian rhinoceros, Indian elephants, bison, deer, and various species of birds. Jeep safaris and elephant rides are available for wildlife enthusiasts.
Jaldapara National Park: Another important wildlife reserve, Jaldapara National Park is famous for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It also houses elephants, leopards, deer, and a variety of bird species. Elephant safaris and jeep safaris are popular activities here.
Buxa Tiger Reserve: Situated near the Bhutan border, Buxa Tiger Reserve is a significant conservation area known for its biodiversity. The reserve is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, elephants, various primate species, and a rich avian population. Trekking and bird-watching are popular activities in this region.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: Located close to Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its elephant population. Visitors can go for jeep safaris and spot various animals, including elephants, deer, and different bird species.
Bindu: A small scenic village located on the Indo-Bhutan border, Bindu is known for its picturesque landscapes and the confluence of three rivers : Jaldhaka, Bindu, and Dudhnoi. The area is surrounded by forests and offers opportunities for nature walks and bird-watching.
Jayanti: Situated on the banks of the Jayanti River, Jayanti is a tranquil village known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The region is famous for its stunning sunset views, the ruins of a 19th-century fort, and wildlife sightings, including elephants, deer, and various bird species.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near Siliguri, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, bison, and several bird species. The sanctuary offers trekking trails, viewpoints, and picnic spots.
Samsing: Surrounded by tea gardens and dense forests, Samsing is a scenic village known for its natural beauty. It offers panoramic views of the hills, meandering streams, and tea estates. Nature walks, bird-watching, and visiting the Suntalekhola waterfall are popular activities here.
Lataguri: Lataguri is a small town near Gorumara National Park and serves as a popular base for exploring the wildlife sanctuaries in the Dooars region. It offers a range of accommodation options and is an excellent starting point for safaris and nature excursions.
Coochbehar
Coochbehar offers a glimpse into its royal past and is dotted with historical landmarks and religious sites. The city's architectural marvels, serene lakes, and vibrant bird sanctuaries make it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and nature seekers.
history
Coochbehar was once the capital of the princely state of Koch Bihar, which was ruled by the Koch dynasty. The region has a history dating back to the 16th century when it was under the control of the Kamata kingdom. In the late 16th century, Maharaja Biswa Singha established the Koch dynasty and made Cooch Behar the capital. The dynasty flourished and became a major power in the region.
During the British colonial era, Cooch Behar maintained a princely state status under indirect British rule. After India gained independence in 1947, the princely state of Cooch Behar joined the Indian Union and became part of West Bengal.
Tourist Attractions
Coochbehar Palace: The Cooch Behar Palace, also known as the Rajbari, is the most famous tourist attraction in the city. This magnificent palace showcases a blend of architectural styles, including classical, Islamic, and Western influences. The palace houses a museum that displays artifacts and relics from the royal family.
Madan Mohan Bari: This beautiful temple complex is dedicated to Lord Madan Mohan, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and serene ambiance. It is an important religious site and attracts devotees from far and wide.
Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary: Located near Cooch Behar, Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers. It is home to a wide variety of migratory and resident bird species, including rare and endangered ones. Visitors can enjoy boat rides and witness the vibrant avian life in the sanctuary.
Sagar Dighi: Sagar Dighi is a large man-made lake located in the heart of Cooch Behar town. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It offers boating facilities and is a great place for leisurely walks.
Baneswar Shiva Temple: Situated on the banks of the Baneswar River, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites) of Hindu mythology. The temple attracts devotees and offers a peaceful setting for prayers and meditation.
Kamteswari Temple: Located in the village of Kamteswari, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamteswari. It is known for its unique architectural style and is considered a significant religious site in the region.
Siddheswari Kali Bari: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a revered place of worship for the locals. It hosts grand celebrations during the Durga Puja festival and attracts devotees throughout the year.
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