- GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK
This is a National Park of 79.99 Sq. KM in area located in the Tarai region of the
Himalayan foothills in northern West Bengal, India. It is a medium-sized park with
grasslands and forests and famous for its population of Indian One Horned Rhinoceros.
Gorumara was previously a Reserve Forest since 1895. The park was declared a Wildlife
Sanctuary in 1949 for its increased population of Indian Rhinoceros and declared
as an National Park of India on January 31, 1994. Originally as small Reserve Forest,
Gorumara has now grown by incorporating neighboring forest lands.
- JALDAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protect park situated at the foothills of Eastern
Himalayas in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal and on
the bank of river Torsa and have an area of 141 km² and altitude of 61 m. Jaldapara,
the vast grassland with patches of riverine forests was declared a sanctuary in
1941 for protection of the great variety flora and fauna, particularly the one-horned
rhinoceros, an animal threatened with extinction.
- MAHANANDA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. The sanctuary
is located in The Himalayan foothills and the Terai region and is home to the elephant,
Indian bison or gaur, tigers, leopards, sambar and cheetal. The Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary is spread over the forests of the lower catchment area of the Mahananda
River and covers an area of 159.86 sq km. A short 13 km drive from Siliguri gets
you to Sukna, the gateway to the sanctuary.
- BUXA TIGER RESERVE (JAYANTY)
Buxa Tiger Reserve was created in 1983 as the 15th tiger reserve. In 1986, Buxa
Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted over 314.52 km² of the Reserve forests. In the
year 1991, 54.47 km² areas were added to Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. A year later,
in 1992, Government of West Bengal declared its intentions to constitute a National
Park over 117.10 km² of the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary.
- CHAPRAMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located 30 kilometers away from Chalsa in Darjeeling.
It covers an area of 2,220 square kilometers and the climate is favorable, attracting
a lot of tourists throughout the year. It is connected to the National Highway 31
which makes it easily accessible to the rest of India. The Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
is filled with dense greenery which provides a natural habitat to the animals and
birds living here. With the towering trees and thick bower of bushes, this sanctuary
is a wildlife heaven. A huge variety of flora and fauna covers the forests. Chapramari
is famous for its elephant population.
- RASIK BILL WETLAND
Rasikbil or Rasikbeel is situated at the foothill of Sintura Hill of the great Himalaya
in the Coochbehar district of West Bengal. It is basically low water land (Bil or
Bill) or swamp, where water may be available all over the year. There 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.
There is a large aquarium, a dear Park and a crocodile rehabilitation center at
Rasikbill.
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- COOCHBEHAR PALACE
Cooch Behar Palace, also called the Victor Jubilee Palace, is a landmark in CoochBehar
city, West Bengal. It was designed on the model of Buckingham Palace in London in
1887, during the reign of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. It is noted for its elegance
and grandeur, is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is a brick-built
double-storey structure in the classical Western style covering an area of 51,309
square feet (4,766.8 m2). The whole structure is 395 feet (120 m) long and 296 feet
(90 m) wide and is on rests 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 m) above the ground.
- BUXA FORT
Buxa Fort, situated in the Binchulla Hills of Buxa Tiger Reserve Forest at an altitude
of 2600 ft, was constructed by the king of Bhutan during the 18th century with an
intention to protect their country.The fort was positioned so as to help guard the
road connecting Tibet with India via Bhutan, which was famous known as the 'Silk
Route'. The British captured this fort at the end of the 18th century and used it
a watchtower. Because of its historical significance the fort is considered as a
place of special importance by the old timers who often visit Buxa fort to recapitulate
their memories and to pay their tribute to the martyrs' column.
- GOSANIMARI
It is an ancient port-town since the seventh century.
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- JALPESH TEMPLE
Jalpesh Temple was dedicated to Lord Jalpeswara (Siva). The temple was built in
a style akin to Islamic architecture. Inside, there is a Shivling called Anadi.
Mahashivaratri is the main festival celebrated in this temple. Pilgrims come during
Sravani Mela in July–August and during the fair of Jalpesh Mela in February–March
to offer special puja to Siva. After puja, devotees collect water from the river
Teesta and walk barefoot 15 km to the temple. The temple was founded by Bisu Singh
of Cooch Behar in 1524 C.E. His son, Maharaja Narayan, rebuilt the temple in 1563.
Pran Narayan in turn rebuilt the temple in 1663 C.E.
- JATILESHWAR TEMPLE
This Temple was manufacture at the time of Gupta Dynasty.
This place is around 30 km away from Jalpaiguri town and 13 km from Maynaguri.
- MADHUPUR DHAM TEMPLE
In 1489, Shankaradeva performed his last journey
to Cooch Behar when Maharaja Nar Narayan requested him to preach the teachings of
the neo-Vaishnava cult. It was in his honor that the Madhupur Dham was built in
the 16th century. This place has a special significance for the devotees of Acharya
Shankaradeva.
- MADAN MOHAN TEMPLE
The temple is situated near the S.D.O.'s office of Mathabhanga Sub-division. This
temple is domed at the top. Statues of Krishna and Balaram are established in the
Temple. Ratha Jatra, Raas Jatra, Janmastami and Dole Jatra are celebrated here every
year.
- BANESWAR SIVA TEMPLE
Situated at a distance of about 10 km to the North of Cooch Behar town, the temple
has a 'Shivalinga' 10 feet below the plinth level. Also present in the temple is
'Gouripat'. By the side of the main temple is another temple which has the statute
of 'Ardhanariswar' installed. On the occasions of Madan Chaturdashi and Dol Purnima
this statue is carried temporarily to the Madan Mohan Temple of Cooch Behar town.
This has given it the fame as 'Movable Baneswar'. There is a big pond within the
temple campus having a large number of tortoises. Some of the tortoises are very
old and big in size .At Siva Chaturdashi a big mela is held here for a week.
- BARADEBI BARI
Situated at Debibari of Cooch Behar Town the Baradebi temple
was constructed with the influence of European architecture. The temple holds the
idol of Goddess Durga. Each year a big fair is organized here during Durga Puja.
- SIDDHESWARI TEMPLE
Situated at a distance of 11 km from Cooch Behar town
(one km from Baneswar), it was constructed around 1830 by Maharaja Harendra Narayan.
The temple houses the idols of Goddess Siddheswari. There is a holy tree by the
side of the temple.
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- SOUTH KHAYERBARI NATURE PARK
The South Khayerbari Animal Rescue Centre is the home of 18 leopards. A leopard
safari (Optional), the only one of its kind in India, can also be availed in South
Khayerbari Eco Park.
- KHUKUSIA PARK
Those looking for a little bit of adventure should head to
Khukusia Park, which is 8-10 km from Falakata town and within easy driving distance
of the Khairbari Tiger Rescue Centre. An amusement park including a deer park is
located here.
- KUNJA NAGAR ECO PARK
Another amusement park where one can spot deers, elephants and even leopards. A
boating facility is also available here.
- SAMSING
With its orange orchards and cardamom plantations, Samsing is an unspoilt mountain
destination that is growing in popularity among tourists. Atop Kitap Singh Hill,
it is nearly three hours away from the heart of Siliguri.
- TODEY TANGTA
4700ft altitude 135km from Siliguri. The newest village tourism destination at India
Bhutan border. Local food culture and hospitality with acres of bio-firming of flowers
and vegetables and natural surrounding with blooming orchids.
- MURTI
Murti is a picturesque tourist spot located on the banks of the Murti River in the
Dooars region of Northern Bengal. Spending few tranquil days beside the knee deep
snaking Murti River is a perfect break especially for those who are looking for
some serenity and peace. Murti is a great place for nature lovers and bird watchers.
You can also take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Murti River or do some fishing
whenever you like. Camping is the most popular activity in Murti along with hiking.
The Gorumara National Park, which is home to Indian Rhinos, Wild Elephants and various
bird species is just a stone’s throw from Murti.
- BINDU
At 600m, Bindu is a small village on the border with Bhutan. It is 80kms from Siliguri
and has developed based on a hydroelectric (hydel) power project. The River Jaldhaka,
forming the India – Bhutan border, provides some good birds and can be viewed well
from the barrage. Some birds seen here are Eurasian Wryneck, Crested Kingfisher,
Brown Dipper, Hodgson's Redstart, Slaty-backed Forktail, Little Forktail, Rufous-necked
Laughingthrush.
- TEA GARDEN
The main industry of the Dooars region is the tea industry. A retreat in tea gardens
set amidst serene landscape is perhaps the most exotic and innovative way to enjoy
nature.
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