Dooars Tourism - Places to Visit in Dooars 2022

Dooars is an alluvial floodplain in Eastern- North-Eastern India. The expansion of the area is about thirty kilometres in width and three hundred fifty kilometres in length. The area covers around the Teesta River of West Bengal to Dhansiri River in Assam. Situated in the foothills of Himalayas Dooars, it is an important part of ‘Incredible India‘.

Elevation and Boundary

The surface elevation of Dooars is 300ft to 5,740ft. Brahmaputra and Murti are the predominant rivers here. The actual meaning of Dooars is ‘Doors’ in Assamese, Bengali, Maithili, Bhojpuri and Magahi languages. The western portion of Dooars is known as Bengal Dooars and the eastern portion is known as Assam Dooars. Terai in Northern India and southern Nepal analogous to it.

History of Dooars

Under the Koch Dynasty, the Dooars belonged to the Kamata Kingdom. Due to the weakness of the Koch Kingdom, Bhutan took possession of Dooars. In 1865 the British annexed it after the Bhutan War. The area was divided into two parts. One part mingled with Goalpara District and another part formed a new district named Western Dooars. In the year of 1869, the area was renamed as Jalpaiguri district. After the Independence of India, it acceded in the dominion of India and afterwards during 1949 it merges with independent India.

Geography and Climate

The plains of Darjeeling District, the total Jalpaiguri District and the upper regions of Cooch Bihar in West Bengal and also some districts of Assam are consisting in this region. The average rainfall of this area is about 3500mm. Monsoon begins from mid-May until the end of September. Foggy and cold winters are there followed by the mild summer.

Forests and Animals

The tea estates and the dense forests are the main attraction of Dooars. Wildlife Sanctuaries like Manas National Park etc are in Assam. In West Bengal Jaldapara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park are some important wildlife sanctuaries.

Some endangered species of animal-like single-horned rhinos are the residents of this forest. Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Grey Langoor, Indian Cobra etc are some important animals can be seen here. In lakes, some ancient birds can be found and in case of predatory birds vultures and Eagles are predominant. The Hispid Hare is a very rear animal resides here.

The Economy of Dooars

Tea, tourism and timber are the three ‘T’s which is the backbone of the economy of Dooars. The local people are mainly engaged in tea garden and cultivation of betle nuts. As Dooars is dotted by several sanctuaries and forests, tourism is another pillar of the economy. The timber industry is famous here. As it is the doorway of Bhutan, the timber industry has flourished here.

Local life and Culture

The people of Dooars mainly has the Mongolian structure and they are comprised of several tribes like Bodo, Rava, Mech, Toto etc. As Dooars was under the Koch Kingdom years ago, several Rajbanshis and Kamtapuri people are residing here.

How to Reach

The gateway of Dooars is Siliguri. To reach Dooars from Delhi or Kolkata, the nearest airport is Bagdogra. A broad-gauge railway service connecting Dooars from Cooch Bihar with Kolkata and New Jalpaiguri railway stations. The long-distance bus route service is available through NBSTC from Kolkata, Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri and all the places in the state of West Bengal.

Speciality

It is mainly famous for its tea estates and wildlife sanctuaries. In the sanctuaries, one can see herds of deer, one-horned rhinos, elephants, gaurs and reptiles.

The Places to Visit

For a nature lover, Dooars is nothing but a Paradise. The name Dooars is given as it is the doorstep of Bhutan and North East India. Dense Forest and exotic lifestyle of the wild animals blessed this region. Rich flora and faunas are behind the serene beauty of this place in our ‘Incredible India‘.

1. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Driving through some exotic tea estates, the sanctuary will come in front of you. Chapra means fish and Mari means plenty. The region is famous for its elephants, gaurs which are commonly found here and also the Royal Bengal Tigers.

2. Buxa Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve has a fantastic location which includes River Jayanti, mountains and dense forests. It is situated in Alipurduar. The area of the forest is nearly 760 sq km with a mixture of different types of wild vegetations. It is an absolute delight for the bird watchers. Other attractions of here are the famous Buxa Fort, Jayanti and Rajabhatkhawa.

3. Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary

It is a paradise if the bird watchers. It is a low water land consist of other four water bodies. Different types of birds can be seen here through binoculars. Boating and occasional walking to the forest are the other options available here.

4. Gorumara National Park

It is one of the most popular destinations of Dooars by the side of river Murti and Raidak. It is specifically known for being home of the great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros. Elephant, Leopard, Hornbill etc. are the other wild species available here.

5. Jaldapara National Park

This sanctuary was established in 1941 known as most beautiful national parks of India. It is a riverine forest with tall grass. Along with one-horned Rhinoceros, other wild animals are seen here. Elephant and Jeep safaris are the other attractions here.

Time Duration

To visit Dooars properly it will take three to four days. Don’t forget to bring the handicrafts of the people here.

Where to Stay and Car Rental

Different types of hotels and forest bungalows are available through booking. All are neat and clean at an affordable price.

Jeeps are there for you in the safari. Exotic journeys are done by the skilled hands who have acted as guides also. The cultural programs are a must-see during the tour.

Dooars, in West Bengal, occupies an important place in our ‘Incredible India‘. Go and have the essence of it. The tour must be remembered by you all through. Have a nice trip.