Dooars: Where Hills Meet Wildlife – An Unforgettable Travel Experience

Dooars: Where Hills Meet Wildlife: An Unforgettable Travel Experience

For the average tourist, West Bengal remains limited to well-known places like Kolkata and Darjeeling. Apart from these all-time favorite places, West Bengal has a lot more to admire. For example, the scenic 800-square-kilometer province known as the Dooars is a blend of lush forests, tea plantations, rivers, wildlife like elephants and rhinos, Himalayan mountains, etc. The Dooars region, located in the northeastern part of India, is a mesmerizing blend of breathtaking hills, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Dooars is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and wildlife lovers. With its untamed wilderness, rich cultural heritage, thrilling adventure activities, and delectable local cuisine, Dooars offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.

 

Exploring the Unseen: Dooars—Darjeeling’s Hidden Gem Missed by Package Tourists

The category of tourists who go to Darjeeling on package tours is very large. After enjoying a ride on Darjeeling’s ‘World Heritage’ toy train, strolling through the tea gardens, and watching the sunrise from the Kanchenjunga peak, many tourists mostly head north to Gangtok (Sikkim). The pleasant region known as ‘Dooars’ lying slightly to the south-east of Darjeeling remains completely out of their knowledge. The reason for this is obvious: package tours don’t include dooars, so due to a lack of knowledge, very few tourists see dooars.

The Gateway to the Himalayas: Unveiling the Wonders of Dooars

Dooars is a diverse geographical province of about eight hundred square kilometers located in the Jalpaiguri and Cooch behar districts of West Bengal. If you want to go to Bhutan from Bengal, you have to pass through Dooars province. Hence, the province known as the gateway to the Himalayas is ‘Dooars’ in the local language. Dooars has become known as undoubtedly the foothills of the Himalayas. This forest area is an average of 30 km wide and 350 km long.

Unveiling the Hidden Charms: Dooars: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Average tourist are unaware of the Dooars area, which has tea plantations, rivers like Teesta and Manas flowing from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, dense forests, scattered villages of tribal people, betel nut forests, tea plantations, elephants, rhinoceros, tigers and many birds, etc. The nearby Jaldapara village is about 140 km in the eastern direction by land. Jaldapara is a vast forest area, home to rhinoceroses, elephants, deer like chitals and sambars, tigers, and wild buffaloes. The scenic Dooars region begins with arrival at the tourist lodge in Jaldapara National Park. During the trip to these places, it is like if the book of nature were opened, presenting a whole new world before our eyes.

 

Exploring the Untamed Wilderness

Dooars is renowned for its vast expanses of lush green forests and wildlife sanctuaries. The region is home to several national parks, including Buxa National Park, Jaldapara National Park, and Gorumara National Park. These parks provide a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Bengal tiger, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, leopards, and countless species of birds.

Embarking on a safari through the dense jungles of the Dooars is an exhilarating experience. The forest trails lead to hidden waterfalls, serene lakes, and picturesque viewpoints. Tea gardens, spread across the landscape, add to the charm of the region with their vibrant greenery and aroma.

Kalimpong: Where Heritage Meets Adventure in the Lap of the Himalayas

Another worth-visiting place is Kalimpong, which is a hill station near the border of Sikkim state. It is situated between Darjeeling and Gangtok. During the seventeenth century, Kalimpong was ruled by Sikkim, but then in the eighteenth century, when Bhutan occupied it, in 1865 the British waged war against Bhutan, acquired Kalimpong, and declared it a province of Darjeeling. As the British started schools there for their children, Kalimpong also started to develop as a hill station. Even today, after one and a half hundred years, Kalimpong is known for its educational institutions. As in all the hill stations developed by the British, there are view points, Victorian houses, and temples. Paragliding is the main attraction here for adventure sports enthusiasts. In addition, Kalimpong is also a favorite hill station among tourists for its facilities like rafting and rock climbing.

Kalimpong Unveiled: A Tapestry of Heritage, Nature, and Adventure

Apart from this, the Catholic Church, St. Thomas Church, Deola Hill, historic bungalows including Crocketty and Morgan’s House from the British period, Art and Craft Centre, Sarmasa Garden known for its beautiful orchids, Nature Interpretation Center explaining the natural wealth of Sikkim, a colossal statue of Lord Buddha, Tagore House, where Rabindranath Tagore wrote many poems, Neora National Park (home to red pandas) for those interested in exploring the jungle, Lepcha Museum explaining the culture of Sikkim’s indigenous writing people, Seventh Mile View Point to see the river valley, Changi Waterfall, etc. Many interesting places are situated in and around Kalimpong. If you spend three to four days here, you can enjoy all these places. The biggest attraction in Kalimpong is the peak of Kanchenjunga. The world’s third-tallest peak (height: 8,586 m, i.e., 28,169 ft) on the Nepal-Sikkim border can be seen from a place known as the Sherpa View Point in Kalimpong.

A Rich Cultural Heritage

In addition to its natural wonders, Dooars boasts a rich cultural heritage. The region is inhabited by various indigenous tribes, such as the Rajbanshis, Totos, and Rabhas, who have preserved their traditions and way of life over centuries. Eager tourists can witness the cultural vibrancy through local festivals, folk dances, and traditional arts and crafts.

The Toto tribe, in particular, is one of the smallest and most endangered indigenous communities in the world. Their unique culture and lifestyle make a visit to their village a truly enriching experience. The Toto Museum showcases their rich history and traditional artifacts.

Thrilling Adventure Activities

For adrenaline junkies seeking thrilling adventures, Dooars offers an array of activities to get your heart racing. River rafting in the turbulent waters of the Teesta and Jaldhaka rivers is an absolute must-try. The rapids challenge even the most experienced rafters and provide a thrilling adventure amidst the stunning landscape.

Trekking in the hills of Dooars is another popular activity for adventure enthusiasts. The trails take you through dense forests, charming villages, and mesmerizing viewpoints. Treks to the Neora Valley National Park and the Singalila Ridge offer breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Indulging in Local Cuisine

No travel experience is complete without exploring the local cuisine, and Dooars is no exception. The region is known for its delectable traditional Bengali and Nepali dishes. Savoring a steaming plate of momo, a popular Nepali dumpling, is a must-try for food lovers. The local cuisine also features fresh river fish, aromatic rice dishes, and mouth-watering desserts like the famous rasgulla.

Additionally, Dooars is known for its tea gardens, and a visit to one of the tea estates is a delightful experience. Witnessing the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to savoring a cup of freshly brewed tea, offers a glimpse into the region’s tea heritage.

In conclusion, Dooars is a captivating destination where the hills meet wildlife, offering an unforgettable travel experience. From untamed wilderness and rich cultural heritage to thrilling adventures and lip-smacking local cuisine, Dooars has something for everyone. Embark on a journey to this enchanting region and immerse yourself in its natural beauty and diverse experiences.

 

 

 

Take a look at this…

Bagdogra is the nearest airport (140 km away) to reach Jaldapara or Gorumara National Park in Dooars province.

New Jalpaiguri station can be reached by train. Okha-Guwahati Dwarka Actress (15635) and Gandhidham-Kamakhya (1566) Bayou trains from Gujarat reach New Jalpaiguri in approximately 50 hours. New

Apart from Jaldapara and Gorumatra, Buxa Tiger Reserve National Park is also there to enjoy the natural beauty of Dooars. To the south is the historic city of Coochbehar, whose palace is a must-see.

Bengal is very cheap to travel, eat, and drink. There is also a West Bengal tourism lodge near Jaldapara Park, which is an excellent accommodation option. More information can be found at www.wbtdcl.com.

For more details about Dooars, visit the Bengal Tourism Department websites at www.bengaltourism.in and www.northbengaltourism.com.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dooars epitomizes the perfect blend of hills and wildlife, offering an unforgettable travel experience. From lush tea plantations and winding rivers to dense forests and vibrant tribal villages, the region is a hidden gem. With its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and myriad bird species, Dooars provides a mesmerizing encounter with nature. The nearby Jaldapara National Park enhances the adventure, showcasing rhinoceroses and more. For those seeking a remarkable journey, Dooars seamlessly merges the beauty of hills and the allure of wildlife, leaving an indelible mark on every traveler’s heart.

 

 

 

 

 

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Kalimpong Calling: Your Gateway to Serenity and Adventure in the Himalayas

Kalimpong Calling: Your Gateway to Serenity and Adventure in the Himalayas