Dooars Tourism And Travel Guide

The floodplains of North Bengal and East Assam are collectively referred to as the Dooars. They are flanked by the neighboring countries of Bhutan to the North and Bangladesh to the South. Dooars is a fascinating tourist destination and a nature lover’s paradise. It is the home to different species of flora and fauna, large number of wildlife, sprawling luscious tea estates and dense forests. Here is a snippet of travel guide to see in Dooars with all its tourism charm.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Dooars is 70 km away in Bagdogra. From here pre-paid taxis transfer tourists to their preferred destinations in Jaldapara or Gorumara National Park.

By Rail:

New Jaipalguri, located about 60 km from Dooars is the closest major railhead. There are pre-paid taxis to take tourists to different places in Dooars like Murti, Buxa, Jaldapara etc. New Mal Junction is another railway station that is actually nearest but does not have too many trains coming here. Anyone travelling by Kanchankanya Express from Sealdah can get off here to travel to Gorumara.

By Road:

Dooars has good roads that help connect the region with NJP and Bagdogra. There are regular buses plying between Coochbehar and JNP and stop at different points in Dooars. If there are tourists coming from NJP and Bagdogra then they need to travel to PC Mittal bus terminus in Siliguri and take a taxi or bus to Dooars.

Getting Around:

There are several tourist destinations in Dooars and to travel between these points tourists can take buses that operate regular services. Private cars are also available. The best way to explore and enjoy the surroundings is to travel by foot.

Summer (March to June): 

Summer months are undoubtedly not as hot and sultry as they are in the southern parts of the state, but could be a little uncomfortable for the tourists during the afternoons. Exploring and sightseeing may not be as easy due to the daytime heat.

Monsoon (July to September):

Monsoon sets in from July and as time goes by rains become quite torrential. August and September are the months that witness the most amount of rainfall. During these months the sanctuaries remain closed, so sightseeing may not be possible. However rains bring a lot of greenery and it may be great to explore and experience that beauty.

Winter (October to February):

Winter is the best season for visiting Dooars. The temperatures dip, there are no rains, skies remain blue and are best suited for visiting the sanctuaries, spotting animals and birds. The weather is perfect for cherishing the wonderful surroundings. The Teesta Tea and Tourism festival is also celebrated during these months. Activities like rafting, safari, paragliding etc. are held and conducted as part of these fests.

Elephant Safari:

Elephant safari in Jaldapara is highly recommended. Elephants take tourists deep into the forests where jeeps cannot travel. It allows tourists to see the animals from very close. There is greater chance of spotting wild animals on elephant safari compared to jeep safaris. Acquiring elephant safari tickets are easier for those staying in West Bengal Tourism lodges.

Jeep Safari: 

Jeep safaris are the most common and popular modes of transportation inside forests. There are daily two safaris that are organized by the forest department in Gorumara and Jaldapara. They give an opportunity to spot wild animals and see the rich flora and fauna up close.

Bird Watching:

Home to rich flora and fauna makes Dooars the natural habitat of several species of birds like Lowland and Himalayan birds. It is a great place for birding and bird photography. Bird lovers can spend hours watching the birds in action and the best time to do this is between September and June.

Rafting:

River rafting in the gorgeous Himalayan River Teesta is great for the more adventurous people. Melli is the major point for rafting in Teesta and is located close to Dooars. There are different grades to choose from and are well suited for both - the more experienced and the beginners. December to June is great for rafting while monsoon should be avoided as the river tends to become rough due to heavy showers.

Nestled in the lap of nature, Dooars does not boast of any luxurious or five star dining facilities. There are forest lodges that serve delicious meals and tourists can get both South and North Indian cuisine here. However, when in Dooars it is recommended to try the local cuisine which is more authentic and delicious. The extremely flavorful and popular “dak bunglow” chicken, momo platters and pickles. The roadside eateries are the best for serving up these mouth-watering dishes. Not to forget the mind-blowing tea produced by the tea estates of dooars.

In Dooars you will not find many opportunities for shopping. Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are the good places to shop, which you can do while traveling. There are local marketplaces where you can pick up some regionally made handicrafts. However, the one thing you must buy as a souvenir from Dooars is the world-famous tea that is produced by the tea gardens here. They can light up any tea lover’s day, and come packaged in beautiful cotton-cloth potlis to take back home.