Offbeat Tourist place in North Bengal.
Introduction.
North Bengal is mainly a dooars region located in the northern part of West Bengal. North Bengal is famous for its natural beauty and eco-friendly atmosphere. There are six districts in North Bengal. There are many varieties of cultures and religions mixed in these places. North Bengal is famous for the Dooars region where people from various cities and places come to visit once a year. These places are to be said as a god gifted places in the cities. You can go through many historical places, many small towns and markets can enjoy the views of the natural atmosphere, and can travel to many more places. Here are some of the amazing places to visit in North Bengal.
Some Tourist places in North Bengal are:
Bhutanghat
It is a beautiful touristic place where you can spot many birds and animals. It is a reserved forest where you can see Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned Rhino, etc. It is located 45km from Alipurduar near the Indo-Bhutan border. This place is situated in a mountain region and covered with hills, there are many luxurious evergreen forests with lots of flora and fauna. It is a famous picnic spot and is only added for a day tour. It is a must-visit tourist destination while visiting Dooars. The perfect time to visit here is mid-June to mid-September in the monsoon season.
Bindu
The dam is located upstream of river Jaldhaka. In between the jungle and mountains, it is beautifully located. One can spend 2-3 hours here. It is a good tourist spot for a day to visit. One can witness the roar of the river forcibly stopped by the dam. The beautiful Bindu Barrage is built across the Jaldhaka River and is located in the Bindu village, which is the last village on the Indian land near the Indo-Bhutan border.
It is a treat for nature lovers and photographers as you can see the mountains on both sides of the river as well as beautiful greenery. The wild beauty of Bindu Dam between India and Bhutan is attractive to all groups of tourists, we were in a group of nine and we noticed that the seniors also became young while climbing the rock and touching the ice-cold water of Jaldhaka. This is a nice peaceful place and you get to almost touch Bhutan and definitely get to enjoy the Waterbody between the 2 countries.
In a way, you are sitting at the border of 2 countries or no man’s land/water between India and Bhutan. Being the border area, this place is maintained by the Army guys and they are very helpful if one gets talking with them. Bindu is also considered to be a favorite picnic spot. The dam controls the water to the first hydroelectric project in India, Jaldhaka Hydel Project situated at Jhalong. One can walk over the dam to the adjacent forest area which is a popular destination for trekking and hiking.
The dam is also used as a footbridge to reach Bhutan from where one can get a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges there. Bindu Dam is a treasure trove of many bird species as well and visited by many bird watchers. If you want to visit the Hydel project in Bindu don’t forget to collect permission from the jaldhaka project office at the parent.
Chamurchi
One of the most enchanting and mesmerizing places you have ever seen. This place is just out of the world set on the border of West Bengal and Bhutan and the river all around the Eco Park gives you a great thrill when there are heavy rains in Bhutan and the river is completely filled with water. Further, the resort here is very neat and clean, having good rooms along with a big dormitory and the restaurant has good food.
On the way to the resort, you can find beautiful tea Gardens all around. The view of The Hills on the Bhutan side never ever makes your stay boring. Beautiful place with river and mountain, wide river bed, enjoy the river crossing, cloud plays a vital role, Tea garden, a monastery in the village. Echo Park has a resort & a restaurant with delicious food. If you want a one-day outing, this area near the Bhutan border can be a good choice. There is a tourist lodge, where you can spend nights with your family or friends. The booking is available online from the Tourism Department.
Jaldhaka
In the hills of West Bengal, at the India- Bhutan border is Jaldhaka, a quaint hill station by the Jaldhaka River Valley. Rivers, mountains, ethnic Indian Bazaars, treks- you name it! If you want to get away from your hectic life in the urban jungle, then Jaldhaka is the place to be. Jaldhaka is a river valley and so, the weather is extremely calm throughout.
Expect the monsoons when the river gets flooded, you will love taking a trip all year round. Jaldhaka is a river that flows from North Bengal to Bangladesh and Jaldhaka is a tributary of the Brahmaputra river. It flows all year. I don’t know the origin but I know it is a river of melted ice and it overflows in the rainy season. This river also helps to produce electricity and supply all over the North Bengal and West Bengal gov. also sell to Bangladesh. It is also the best picnic spot ..must visit here to hang out. You will love it.
Jhalong
The Tented resort is converting into brick cottages. Work in full swing. Will be in operation from October this year. Location is dramatic and by the side of the roaring Jhalong river, a tributary of Jaldhaka. The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and the location is far from the madding crowd. One of the best weekend locations in Northern Bengal. There are about 10-11 tents camped beside the Jaldhaka River. Tents are comfortable, spacious, attached with bathrooms fitted with modern amenities. Just in front of the tent, the river is flowing through the rocks. On the other side, there is the hill which we went up hiking. You can just sit through the day beside the river and never feel the time is running away. The hospitality of the staff is very good. Food is fresh, tasty and they always bring it with a smile. This is a must-visit for nature lovers. But we noticed plastic cans, packets dropped here and there, an earnest request to the tourists.
Lepchakha village
Lepchakha is a hill village within Buxa Tiger Reserve. A few families stay over there in the beautiful picturesque village. One has to trek 6.5 k.m. to reach there. A lot of story and history is associated with this place starting from Indian Royals to British Anarchy. One has to take a Guide(a local only) by paying. Jayanti is a small forest village within Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India. Jayanti is a place where visitors can easily spend some more days to enjoy the beauty of the Jayanti River and Hills, to visit around a number of beautiful places in the Buxa Tiger Reserve area and eastern Dooars. Forest is full of Elephants, Gaurs apart from Big Cats. Always dangerous to drive if you are not familiar with this forest. You can have a lifetime memorable journey.
Teesta Barrage Project Office
Wonderful place for a day out. Beautiful scenic place, especially if the weather is clear, one can catch a clear view of the Kanchenjunga peak. Additionally, the winter season is special because various kinds of migratory birds gather in the place. Boats are available to give tours and give details on the migratory birds. Also, nearby resorts/restaurants can give you some good options to grab lunch. A beautiful place of scenic beauty and utmost peace in the vicinity of Siliguri. Bus facilities are also available till the barrage. Especially the utmost beauty during sunset. Boat rides are a must. The view from the stairs is also very beautiful. You can also be lucky to see a number of migratory birds on the paved stairs or banks. Some shops are also there for food and snacks. So you have something to munch on while enjoying the view of nature.
Rocky island
The name suggests that this place is an island but it is totally the opposite. The place is about 15-20 mins from Santhalikhola. It is not quite a waterfall in the true sense but a large stream that flows down from the mountains with lots of boulders of various shapes and sizes which obviously have been washed down over the ages from the mountains. The water is clear, quite cold and the flow is quite rapid and the scenery around is beautiful with mountains and an abundance of greenery around. The middle of the stream is quite deep so one should avoid going there. The water was clean but unfortunately, the place was littered with the garbage left behind by tourists and picnickers. There are some small restaurants and a few lodges in the vicinity. The place is worth a visit.
Raimatang
Raimatang is a village in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. It is about 45 kilometers (28 mi) away from Alipurduar and is a tourist destination. It is part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. It is one of the important picnic spots in the Alipurduar district. Endowed with the rich flora and fauna of Buxa Tiger Reserve, having a picnic in this mesmerizing settlement can be a lifetime experience. First, you have to cross the Raimatang River to reach the main one. The population of the hamlet is less than a hundred people. Hence, those who seek tranquillity will surely enjoy being here. The riverbed of Raimatang will act as a picnic spot for you. The cool breeze sound of the floating river and the chirping of the birds will make your picnic a heavenly one. There is a watchtower that offers a scenic view of the adjacent Buxa Tiger Reserve. The lucky ones can even spot wild animals like leopards, elephants, Bison, etc. Must visit places.
Sikiajhora
Sikiajhora is a narrow and long water body bisecting the dense BUXA forest. It is a man-driven boat with having a capacity of 20-25 people to carry through the water. One can easily see the footprints of elephants in mud on the banks. Pythons are there. But the chances to see wildlife are the least. The calm quiet silence is remembered lifelong. It is a much sought-after destination for family holidays and the Sikia Jhora offers many pleasures to their visitors. This is one of its kind. There was no other place in North Bengal like it. The main attraction of this place is the Jungle safari through the river boating. The boat is operated manually. The ticket price is approximately 60 rupees per person. Also, there are entry fees of 30 rupees per person. A car parking facility is available. The whole thing is run by local Self-help groups. You will have a great time there.
Gorumara National Park
Gorumara National Park is located in the northern part of West Bengal, India. It is a medium-sized park with grasslands and forests. It is primarily known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, this place is also the natural habitation of elephants & Leopards. The surrounding area is really picturesque. Lush green tea estates discretely spread within the dense woods and intersected by rivers & streams with Himalaya at backdrop provides an experience soothing for eye & soul. There are two watchtowers, Jatra prasad & Rhino Point covered in the trip of 2.5 hrs approx. From each of the towers, You can spot Rhinos from a distance as well as a herd of bison & a few wild boar at one point. Besides this safari, there are a few other spots & watchtowers including nearby Chapramari WLS, can also be covered by jeep safari. Each of the spots has its own specialty & charm and is worth a visit to have a look at the place in totality. Peacocks are abundantly seen throughout the safari. There is an arrangement of tribal dance on the return of the safari, as well. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The best time to visit this place is between November and March when the weather remains pleasant and chances of spotting wildlife is also more. The forest remains closed during the monsoon season. This national park is situated near Lataguri.
Jayanti
The village Jayanti, located at the edge of Buxa Tiger Reserve was named after the river Jayanti, which forms a natural border between the hills of Bhutan and West Bengal, is also known as “Queen of Dooars” because of the astounding view and tranquil ambiance it offers. Jayanti is generally dry throughout the year, however during monsoons, it flourishes up creating a tranquil environment to relax right within the lap of mother nature with the alluring sound of the flowing river, chirping of birds, sweet fragrance of nature, and refreshingly cool breeze. The “Mahakal”, “Pukhuri hill”, night jungle safari, “Joint hills” and the waterfalls are the places which 1 should not miss visiting while in Jayanti/Dooars.
Buxa Tiger reserve
Buxa Tiger Reserve lies in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the eastern boundary touches that of the Assam state. The National Highway roughly runs along its southern boundary. It is the easternmost extension of extreme bio-diverse North-East India and represents the highly endemic Indo-Malayan region. The fragile “Terai Ecosystem” constitutes a part of this reserve. south-west, the Chilapata Forests form an elephant corridor to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve encompasses as many as eight forest types. The divisional headquarters is located at Alipurduar. The forest is divided into two divisions: East and West. Buxa Fort is an important landmark for this reserve. This fort was captured by British-India in 1865 after the Bhutan War Bhutan. Later this fort was used as a detention camp for Indian freedom fighters during the Indian freedom movement. The best and most dense forest of West Bengal you can say. The core area of the Buxa tiger reserve is untouchable as it is the deepest forest of West Bengal. This Buxa Tiger Reserve has its own beauty, you may not come here to get a glimpse of vast wildlife but you should come here to feel the nature, to feel the silence, to feel the extraordinary surroundings, to feel the forest, to feel the silent movements of wild animals, to feel the cry of unknown birds, to feel the rumbling of Jayanti. Spend some time here, avoid public holidays to feel it at its best.
Chilapata Forest
The Chilapata Forest is a dense forest near Jaldapara National Park in Dooars, Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. It is about 20 km from Alipurduar, and just a few minutes away from Hasimara town. One of the main attractions is the ruined “Nal Rajar Garh”, or fort of the Nal kings, built in the Gupta period in the fifth century, the Golden Age of India. Although poorly maintained, the site has a considerable archaeological interest. Other activities include Tonga rides through the Mathura tea garden, boating on the Bania river, and angling on the confluence of the Kalchini, Bania, and Buri Basra. If you need some fresh air you must visit this place. There are few private and government resorts nearby. You will find peace here. Also, you can spend your weekend Holiday easily. You can come here to take photos and upload them to social networking sites. The ambiance and natural beauty are excellent which gives a different vibe and also a well-maintained place for wildlife. The nice part of the jungle. After kodal basti forest, it is the next destination. Jeep Safari is available to roam in this nice jungle. You can see the nice view of the flighted peacock in the video, which speaks for its beauty. Also, a good place to hang out for a picnic with friends and family.
Sunthalekhola
Suntalekhola is a village and a tourist spot in the Gorubathan CD block in the Kalimpong Sadar subdivision of Kalimpong District in the state of West Bengal, India. This place is nearly 5 km from Samsing. The green patch on the left side of the way to Suntalekhola holds many varieties of birds and butterflies. This place is nearly 5 km from Samsing. The green patch on the left side of the way to Suntalekhola holds many varieties of birds and butterflies. There are WBFDC cottages for the tourists to reside. Several trek routes originate from Suntalekhola, most of which are within the Neora Valley National Park, which is located adjacent to this place. Surrounded by green forest, the nature resort is the best place to stay in Suntalekhola. The place is calm & quiet with a lot of greenery everywhere. Tiny river ‘Huntley’ seen aside with little water flowing on its rocky bed & maybe it gets a different look during rains. WBFDC Tourist Lodge, Suntalekhola is situated on the other side of the river & is connected by a little hanging bridge. As seen, one other lodge is being built up and a few home stay-like facility is there. Nothing more. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families. mostly popular in winter, but the natural beauty in the monsoon is indescribable. and above all these, for the tea lovers, it’s heaven.
Conclusion
Lastly, I would like to advise you to visit these places during your holidays and vacation. You will love the god gifted nature and environment over these places. You are important to nature and nature is important to you so don’t miss your chance to experience the memorable and mesmerizing beauty of North Bengal. Many more offbeat places are there because North Bengal is a place with lots of hidden gems in this country.
