Dooars, located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, spans the floodplains of Eastern Assam and North Bengal. The Teesta River marks its western boundary, while its eastern limit in Assam is less defined. Bordering Bhutan to the north and Bangladesh to the south, Dooars is renowned for its diverse biodiversity, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage. Major attractions include Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, and Buxa Tiger Reserve. The region also boasts tranquil villages, temples, and historical sites. Its growing popularity has cemented Dooars as a must-visit destination.
Alipurduar
Alipurduar, a newly formed district in West Bengal, lies on the northeastern side, bordering Assam and Bhutan, about 113 kilometers from Siliguri. Known as the gateway to Bhutan and the northeastern states of India, this town is surrounded by scenic beauty and has historical significance as a former trading route, famously known as the Silk Route, with Bhutan and Tibet. The town’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes make it a vital stop before venturing into Assam, Bhutan, and Coochbehar.
Banarhat
Banarhat, a small town in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, is located 75 kilometers from Siliguri and 65 kilometers from Jalpaiguri. Surrounded by 23 tea gardens, Banarhat serves as a hub for the local tea garden workers, offering essential supplies to a population of about 25,000. The town is well-connected by road and rail, linking it to nearby towns like Dhupguri and Gairkata. Banarhat’s cultural diversity is reflected in its population, comprising Marwaris, Bengalis, Assamese, Oriyas, and Nepalese, all living in harmony.
Batabari
Batabari, a charming village in Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal, is situated 53 kilometers from Jalpaiguri. Known for its Batabari Tea Estate, the village’s houses are uniquely constructed from a specific bamboo species called ‘Bata.’ Located near Gorumara National Park, Batabari offers stunning landscapes and lush tea gardens. Positioned between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts, it provides tourists access to attractions in both regions. The Batabari Tea Estate is committed to environmental protection and sustainability.
Bindu
Bindu, a small village surrounded by hills and forests, is the last hamlet of West Bengal, located 107 kilometers from Siliguri near the Bhutan border. Famous for its cardamom plantations, Bindu is an emerging offbeat tourist destination in Dooars. The Jaldhaka River, formed by the confluence of three streams—Bindu Khola, Dudh Pokhari, and Jaldhaka—runs through the village. A dam on the Jaldhaka River controls water supply to the Jaldhaka Hydel Project at Jhalong and serves as a bridge to Bhutan.
Binnaguri
Binnaguri, a village in the Dhupguri block of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, is located 99 kilometers from Siliguri. Positioned deep in Dooars, close to the Bhutan and Nepal borders, Binnaguri is surrounded by several tea gardens like Telepara, Banarhat, Karbala, Lakhipara, and Gandrapara. The local economy heavily relies on the tea industry, with alternative employment opportunities in the Army Cantonment, an orphanage, and the Dooars Branch of the Indian Tea Association.
Buxa
Buxa, a village in the Alipurduar district within Buxa Tiger Reserve, is one of North Bengal’s oldest settlements. Located 14 kilometers from Alipurduar and 180 kilometers from Siliguri, Buxa is accessible by road and rail. The village’s name derives from Buxa Fort, situated at an altitude of 867 meters on the Sinchula Range, guarding a crucial route into Bhutan. Rich in biodiversity, Buxa is home to rare orchids and medicinal plants, with parts of the Sinchula range remaining unexplored due to their rugged terrain.
Chalsa
Chalsa, a visually stunning destination in the Dooars region, is a small town at the foothills of the Himalayas in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal. Serving as the headquarters of the Matiali community development block, Chalsa is approximately 1.5 hours from Siliguri. Surrounded by hills, tea gardens, rivers, and forests, Chalsa lies between Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, both known for their wildlife, including elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, and gaurs. The town’s natural beauty earned it the title “Queen of Dooars” during British India.
Chilapata
Chilapata, a dense natural forest near Jaldapara in Dooars, is about 20 kilometers from Alipurduar within the Jalpaiguri district. Home to elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, leopards, and wild pigs, Chilapata was once infamous for dacoits but is now a safe and popular tourist destination. The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation has established the eco-tourism resort Mendabari Jungle Camp at Kodalbasti, located 2 kilometers inside Chilapata Jungle. The Torsha River flows through the plains of Dooars, dividing the continuous forest stretch into Jaldapara and Chilapata.
Coochbehar
Coochbehar, the only well-planned town in northeastern West Bengal, borders Assam to the east and Bangladesh to the south. The town is adorned with striking monuments and palaces, with the Palace of the Koch King as its main attraction. Coochbehar’s fine climate, historical significance, and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination. Notable festivals include Rath Mela, Rass Mela, and Baradebi Mela, attracting visitors from near and far.
Dhupjhora
Dhupjhora, a mid-sized village in Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal, is situated close to the Murti River on the outskirts of Gorumara National Park. Known locally as the ‘Elephant Camp’ due to the elephant stables located here, Dhupjhora is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The village offers spectacular views of the Murti River and the surrounding forests, making it a perfect spot for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
Gajoldoba
Gajoldoba, a small village in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, is located 25 kilometers from Siliguri. Known for its picturesque Teesta Barrage, Gajoldoba is surrounded by the Baikunthapur Forest. The village is an excellent destination for bird watching and exploring the natural beauty of the area. Nearby attractions include Baikunthapur Palace, Devi Chowdhurani’s Temple, Shikarpur Tea Estate, Bodaganj Forest, and the Teesta Barrage.
Gorubathan
Gorubathan, a small town in the Kalimpong Subdivision of Darjeeling District, is about 90 kilometers from Kalimpong town and 59 kilometers from Siliguri. Also known as Sombare, Gorubathan is situated on the east bank of the Neora and Chel Rivers. The town is famous for its beautiful landscapes, hilly forests, and tea gardens. It is a popular picnic spot and offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy.
Hasimara
Hasimara, a small town in Alipurduar district, West Bengal, is 126 kilometers from Siliguri. Located in the central Dooars region, Hasimara is surrounded by tea gardens and lies on the route to Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan. The town is flanked by the Torsha and Basra rivers, both offering picturesque picnic spots. Hasimara serves as a crossroads between Alipurduar, Cooch-Behar, and Phuentsholing.
Jaldapara
Jaldapara, one of Dooars’ most popular forests, was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1943 to protect wildlife, particularly single-horned rhinos. Upgraded to a National Park in 2012, Jaldapara is located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar district. The Torsha River runs through this sanctuary, covered mostly with tall grasses. Jaldapara is best known for its population of one-horned Asiatic rhinos, the second-largest in the world after Kaziranga in Assam.
Jaldhaka
Jaldhaka, situated a few kilometers from Jhallong in West Bengal, is an emerging tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The town has a small bazaar and offers opportunities for trekking and capturing stunning moments. The main attraction is the hydroelectric power station, providing a glimpse into the region’s development.
Jayanti
Jayanti, a forest village in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, forms a natural boundary with the Bhutan hills, about 30 kilometers from Alipurduar. Often termed the “Queen of Dooars,” Jayanti is close to the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The Jayanti River, mostly dry throughout the year, adds to the village’s beauty with its white pebble shores. This picturesque spot offers a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
Jhalong
Jhalong, a small village on the banks of the Jaldhaka River near the India-Bhutan border, is part of the Kalimpong subdivision in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Located 99 kilometers from Siliguri, Jhalong is home to a hydroelectric project that serves as a bridge to Bhutan. This offbeat destination is gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Jhandi
Jhandi, a scenic valley in the Dooars region of West Bengal, is 87 kilometers from Siliguri and around 9 kilometers from Lava. Known for its tea plantations and forests, Jhandi offers panoramic views of the Mahananda River valley and Mt. Kanchenjunga. The area is rich in tropical evergreen trees and home to some of India’s rarest Himalayan flora and fauna.
Kalipur
Kalipur Eco Village, located in the heart of Gorumara National Park, Dooars, is 77 kilometers from Siliguri. This village offers an authentic jungle experience with its small wooden cottages and abundance of wildlife. Kalipur is a unique example of eco-tourism, providing visitors with a chance to connect with nature in a serene environment.
Kolakham
Kolakham, an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, is located 8 kilometers from Lava, standing 6,100 feet high overlooking the Eastern Himalayas. This small village, home to the ‘Rai’ community and about 60 Nepalese families, offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and Nathu La Pass. Kolakham’s natural beauty and serene environment make it a perfect getaway.
Lataguri
Lataguri, a small village in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, is famous for its dense forests, green grasslands, and splendid atmosphere. Known as a haven for nature and animal lovers, Lataguri offers beautiful resorts, cottages, and ravishing activities. The village is a perfect holiday destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Latpanchar
Latpanchar, a mesmerizing village 41 kilometers from Siliguri, is known for its Cinchona plantations and orange groves. Located at an altitude of 4,500 feet, Latpanchar offers a serene environment and is popular among bird watchers. The village is surrounded by Sal, Teak, Cinchona plants, and various beautiful herbs, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
Lava
Lava, a small hamlet 34 kilometers east of Kalimpong town, is one of the quaint tourist destinations in the Darjeeling Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 7,016 feet, Lava is surrounded by pine forests and is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snowfall in winter. It serves as the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park and offers a stunning route with changing vegetation from tropical deciduous to wet alpine trees.
Lolegaon
Lolegaon, a small Lepcha village 24 kilometers from Lava, is located at the extreme end of a Himalayan Ridge in the Kalimpong I block of Darjeeling District. Renowned for its natural beauty, Lolegaon offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and nearby mountain ranges. The village is a dreamland for bird watchers and tourists seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.
Madarihat
Madarihat, a small village in Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, is located 117 kilometers from Siliguri. Situated on the outskirts of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for Indian Rhinoceroses, Madarihat is surrounded by tea gardens, forests, hills, and small rivers. The village is also known for its local wooden furniture, showcasing creative designs.
Malbazar
Malbazar, also known as Mal, is a small sub-divisional town in northern West Bengal, located 65 kilometers from Jalpaiguri and 55 kilometers from Siliguri. Known for its tea gardens and Mal Park, Malbazar is a prominent town in Dooars. The town’s name, derived from ‘Mal’ (goods) and ‘Bazar’ (market), reflects its historical significance as a trading hub.
Meteli
Meteli, a block under the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri District, is surrounded by numerous tea gardens. This beautiful village serves as a junction for many tea estates and is known for its extensive tea plantations. Meteli offers mesmerizing views of Chalsa from the hills and has a popular Kali temple visited by locals and tourists alike.
Mungpoo
Mungpoo, located 33 kilometers east of Darjeeling and 52 kilometers northeast of Siliguri, is known for its cinchona plantations and medicinal plants. The village is famous for its association with Rabindranath Tagore, who frequented Mungpoo for its soothing ambiance and scenic beauty. The barks of cinchona plants are used to extract quinine, a medicinal element used to treat malaria, and the village houses a renowned quinine factory.
Murti
Murti, an elegant tourist spot in Dooars, is located on the banks of the Murti River. Known for its natural beauty and serene environment, Murti is a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. The village offers opportunities for fishing, bathing, picnicking, and camping, making it an ideal place to unwind and connect with nature.
Nagrakata
Nagrakata, a small town surrounded by 14 tea gardens under the Dooars Tea Company, is located 60 kilometers northeast of Siliguri. Serving as the headquarters of Nagrakata (community development block) in the Malbazar subdivision, Nagrakata is an important tea dispatch center. The town’s natural beauty, green tea gardens, and historical significance attract tourists from around the world.
Neora
Neora Valley National Park, established in 1986 in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling District, West Bengal, spans 88 square kilometers and is one of the richest biological zones in the Northeast. Named after the Neora River flowing through it, the park is home to the elegant red panda and features rugged, inaccessible terrain with diverse flora and fauna.
Oodlabari
Oodlabari, a small town on National Highway 31 in Dooars, is about 40 kilometers from Siliguri. Flanked by the Leesh River to the west and the Chel River to the east, Oodlabari offers picturesque views of the Baikunthapur Forest and the foothills of the Himalayas. Despite its wearisome appearance, the town’s natural beauty and proximity to scenic attractions make it a worthwhile destination.
Paren
Paren, a small village on the edges of Neora Valley National Park, is 112 kilometers from Siliguri and 10 kilometers from Jaldhaka. Known for its forested areas, hilly terrain, and meandering rivers, Paren is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The village’s eco-friendly beauty is enhanced by a mini Hydel power station supplying power to the region.
Raimatang
Raimatang, a small forest village located on the Raimatang River in Dooars, is part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by evergreen forests, hills, and rivers, Raimatang is 146 kilometers from Siliguri. This village is popular among adventurous tourists seeking a serene environment, bird songs, colorful butterflies, and diverse tree species.
Rajabhatkhawa
Rajabhatkhawa, a small town near Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, is 150 kilometers from Siliguri and 15 kilometers from Alipurduar. Rich in flora and fauna, Rajabhatkhawa is a main center for eco-tourism. The town offers beautiful trekking trails, wildlife safaris, bird watching, and access to nearby forests. It is surrounded by rivers like Raidak and Jayanti.
Ramsai
Ramsai, a small village in Jalpaiguri district on the eastern side of Gorumara National Park, is 77 kilometers from Siliguri. Located an hour from Lataguri, Ramsai has recently gained prominence as a tourist destination due to the development of nearby attractions like the Medla watchtower in Gorumara National Park. The village offers a serene environment and proximity to nature.
Samsing
Samsing, a small village in Dooars, is located 82 kilometers from Siliguri, about a three-hour drive. Known for its beautiful landscapes, orange orchards, and cardamom plantations, Samsing is an ideal spot for nature lovers. The village’s charming huts, green hill slopes, and lush forests make it a perfect getaway.
Sillery Gaon
Sillery Gaon, a pristine Himalayan village located 96 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri via Kalimpong town, is perched at an altitude of 6,000 feet. Named after a plant that grows abundantly in the region, Sillery Gaon offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The village’s serene surroundings, natural beauty, and green environment make it an ideal romantic retreat.
Suntalekhola
Suntalekhola, also known as Suntaley Khola, is a small village and tourist spot in Darjeeling District, West Bengal. Situated at an altitude of 650 to 950 meters, Suntalekhola is about 5 kilometers from Samsing. The village is known for its lush greenery, bird species, and serene environment. It offers a perfect blend of nature and tranquility for visitors.
Todey
Todey and Tangta Village, located near Bindu village in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, are inhabited by the Tamang, Dukpa, and Bhutia communities. Known for their serene landscapes, these villages are famous for cardamom and orange production. Tourism infrastructure is developing, and limited accommodations are available. Todey Tangta can be visited from Bindu or Jhalong, providing a scenic and peaceful retreat.