Dooars

Back to Previous Section Darjeeling Sikkim Kalimpong Dooars

ABOUT DOOARS :

Dooars (or Duars) is a beautiful region located in the northeastern part of India, extending over the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The term "Dooars" translates to "doors" in Assamese and Bengali, which refers to the region's position as the gateway to Bhutan, a neighboring country to the north. The Dooars region is primarily situated in the state of West Bengal, though it also extends into Assam.

Known for its stunning natural beauty, vast forests, wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens, and serene rivers, Dooars is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Himalayas" and is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and wildlife aficionados.

Geography and Climate

Location: The Dooars region lies in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and is bordered by Bhutan in the north, Assam in the east, and the northern Bengal plains to the south. The major towns in the Dooars are Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Madarihat.

Climate: Dooars experiences a tropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters:

Summer (March to June): Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 38°C.
Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon brings heavy rainfall, which can sometimes lead to landslides, so it's best to avoid traveling during this season.
Winter (October to February): Winters are generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 22°C, making it an ideal time to visit.

Top Attractions in Dooars

The Dooars region is home to several popular tourist destinations, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tea estates, and riverside villages.

Jaldapara National Park Located in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Jaldapara National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Dooars. The park is renowned for its Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and it is also home to tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and a wide variety of bird species. Wildlife Safaris: Visitors can go on jeep safaris and elephant safaris to explore the park and spot animals in their natural habitat. Tip: Visit the Khayerbari Rescue Centre, which houses rescued tigers and leopards.	Buxa Tiger Reserve Buxa Tiger Reserve is another prominent wildlife sanctuary located in the Alipurduar district of Dooars. It's known for its dense forests, steep hills, and rich biodiversity. The reserve is named after Buxa Fort, which is situated inside the reserve and is a popular trekking destination. Wildlife: Apart from tigers, the reserve is home to various species like elephants, leopards, wild boars, and the golden cat. The Buxa forest also has a rich collection of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Trekking: The trek to Buxa Fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forest.	Gorumara National Park Situated near the town of Malbazar, Gorumara National Park is famous for its population of Indian rhinoceros, along with other wildlife such as elephants, bison, and various species of birds and reptiles. Safari: Jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks are available to explore the park and its diverse flora and fauna. Tip: The park is known for its rich birdlife, so birdwatchers will find it particularly rewarding.
Mongpong Mongpong is a peaceful village located on the banks of the Teesta River. It offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding mountains. It is an excellent place for nature lovers to relax, go for walks, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Tip: The river here is ideal for rafting and boating.	Jalpaiguri The district headquarters of the Dooars region, Jalpaiguri, is a quaint town known for its colonial-era buildings, tea gardens, and natural beauty. Visitors can take a stroll through the town or visit nearby attractions such as the Jalpaiguri Rajbari (palace). Tip: Jalpaiguri serves as a good base to explore the Dooars region.	Cooch Behar A historic town in the northern part of West Bengal, Cooch Behar is known for its Cooch Behar Palace, a magnificent royal structure built in the 19th century. The town is also home to beautiful parks, temples, and the Madhupur River. Tip: Cooch Behar is also a gateway to the Chilapata Forests and other wildlife areas.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Gorumara National Park and is known for its elephants, tigers, and various other wildlife. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and wildlife away from the more crowded parks. Tip: The sanctuary is popular for its elephant population, so wildlife enthusiasts will find it fascinating.	Suntalekhola Suntalekhola is a small village in the Dooars region known for its beautiful orange orchards, tea gardens, and surrounding forests. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers. Tip: It's an offbeat destination, perfect for trekking, birdwatching, and experiencing rural life.	Teesta River The Teesta River flows through the Dooars region and is known for its pristine beauty. It is a popular destination for rafting, fishing, and boating. Tip: You can enjoy a boat ride or go white-water rafting along the Teesta River for an adventure-packed experience.
Tea Gardens Dooars is famous for its sprawling tea estates that produce some of the finest teas in India. The tea estates in this region are lush green, offering a peaceful retreat and picturesque views of the rolling hills and valleys. Some notable tea estates in the region include: Makaibari Tea Estate Singtom Tea Estate Nagrakata Tea Estate Samsing Tea Estate

Adventure Activities

Wildlife Safaris: Most of the wildlife parks in Dooars offer jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks for a closer look at the region's flora and fauna.

Trekking: There are several trekking trails in the Dooars, especially around Buxa Tiger Reserve and Gorumara National Park.

Rafting: The Teesta River and its tributaries are perfect for white-water rafting.

How to Reach Dooars

By Air: The nearest airport to the Dooars region is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located about 70 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your desired destination within the Dooars region.

By Train: The nearest railway stations are New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) and Siliguri Junction, which are well-connected to major cities in India. From here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Dooars region.

By Road: The Dooars region is well-connected by road to major towns like Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Cooch Behar. Private taxis, buses, and shared jeeps are available for transportation.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dooars is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the chances of rainfall are minimal. This is the ideal season for wildlife safaris, trekking, and other outdoor activities.

Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can lead to landslides and travel disruptions.

Conclusion

Dooars is a hidden paradise, offering a perfect mix of wildlife, nature, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring its dense jungles and wildlife sanctuaries, relaxing in the tranquil tea estates, or enjoying the serene beauty of its rivers and hills, Dooars provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to connect with nature and explore the diverse ecosystems of the eastern Himalayas.

Testimonial

Experience the Magic Through Our Guests' Eyes!

Anup Shekhar Chakraborty

Marketing Coordinator

Well maintained. Best for corporate stay and frequent flyers (they even have shoe shiners and shoe brush in their rooms). Spacious bathroom with geyser. Close to bagdogra airport... helpful staff and polite manager and helpdesk. The food is great.

Chetan Singh Chauhan