Dooars

Dooars means door or gateway. A fascinating destination that lies at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal, Dooars serves as a gateway to Bhutan from India. It is divided into two parts- Eastern Dooar and Western Dooar by the Sankosh River. The Western Dooars is known as the Bengal Dooars and the Eastern part is called the Assam Dooars. Elevated at a height of 1,750 m, the streams and rivers flowing from the mountains in Bhutan make this plain fertile. Places to visit in Dooars are a unique part of West Bengal tourism. Several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and dreamy locales adorn the place and make it a favourite destination among nature lovers. Places to visit in Dooars are blessed with natures bounties and boast of a myriad of destinations that are rich in flora and fauna. The lush green tea gardens, thick forests and Himalayas serve as a perfect backdrop for postcard-perfect shots. A trip during the best time to visit Dooars is a rejuvenating experience as it offers a much-needed respite from the chaotic city life.

Dooars Overview

Best Time to Explore Places to visit in Dooars

Dooars weather remains pleasant throughout the year, however, the wildlife sanctuaries are not open for tourists between June 15 to September 15 as it is the animal breeding season.  October to March is the peak season for tourists who love hiking. The cool breeze abets in exploring places to visit in Dooars. During summers (April to June), Dooars temperature hovers between 31°C to 32°C and the weather is slightly humid. It is the perfect time to explore the tea estates and small villages that dot the plains.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Dooars

Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Dooars. From the airport, you can take prepaid taxis to Dooars. New Mal junction railway station is located in Dooars but very few trains operate on this route.The next best option for people travelling by train is to take a train to New Jalpaiguri station which is well-connected to many Indian cities. You will get buses and taxis from New Jalpaiguri station to Dooars. You can also get buses for Dooars from NJP station, Siliguri Terminus, Coochbehar, Malbajar and Alipurduar terminus. Once you have reached your dream destination, local taxis will take you to all the places to visit in Dooars.

Things to See & Do in Places to Visit in Dooars

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Located in the Northern part of West Bengal, Buxa Tiger reserve and National park cover an area of 760 square km. This is the natural abode of more than 284 species of birds and mammals like the Asian elephant, gaur, sambar deer, clouded leopard, Indian leopard etc. It is located in the district of Alipurduar and it shares its northern boundary with Bhutan. The Buxa Fort in the Tiger reserve is one of the significant places to visit in Dooars. Its history will take you back to Indias struggle for freedom. It was once used by the British as a high-security prison and detention camp. Tourists travelling to different places to visit in Dooars especially come to Buxa Tiger reserve to explore the flora and fauna of this region.

Gorumara National Park

One of the most famous places to visit in Dooars where you can traverse miles of dense forests and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. Jeep safaris are available in the buffer zones of the forests. You can also visit some of the watch towers in the core area and watch the wild animals at their frequently visited spots. Located at the banks of rivers Murti and Raidak, the site provides favourable conditions for flora and fauna to flourish. Patched with grasslands and deciduous forests, Gorumara National Park is home to the Asiatic one-horned rhino, majestic Asian elephants, the royal Bengal tigers, the great Indian hornbill, Indian wild dogs etc. You will also find giant squirrels, wild boars, deer, cobras, pythons and woodpeckers in the park. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts must include this park to their list of places to visit in Dooars.

Lava Lolegaon

Lava Lolegaon is quickly rising to the top of the list of places to visit in Dooars, a charming tiny hamlet in West Bengal's Kalimpong district. It is situated at an elevation of 2350 metres. This serene, tranquil settlement, which is surrounded by coniferous and pine forests is a little slice of heaven encircled by the chilly, hazy mists of the highlands. Your heart will be captured by the fascinating and traditional Lepcha town nestled in the Himalayan highlands. The scenic surroundings and the view of Kanchenjunga amidst the mist looks ethereal. Lolegaon is another village located close to Lava, a perfect place to forget all your worries and relax, making it an important inclusion in your list of places to visit in Dooars.

Samsing Dooars

Located in Dooars, this small village- Samsing, seems totally cut off from the urban world. It is just 82 km from Siliguri. As you drive uphill from the plains, you are greeted by beautiful green slopes, orange orchards, beautifully tended huts and cardamom plantations. It is one of the most serene places to visit in Dooars. The tea plantations, hills and forests invoke the nature lover in you. The Aivel tea garden and the Rock Garden in Samsing are popular tourist attractions. The village is home to several species of plants and animals. The view of the emerald-green stream of Murti River is truly mesmerising.

Rocky Island

A popular camping site, Rocky Island is just 2 km from Samsing. The island is located on the banks of River Murti and gives a fantastic view of the river and the surrounding trees. You can set up tents and spend a night watching the stars and listening to the sound of the flowing river. One of the most untouched places to visit in Dooars, it is a perfect place to spend time with friends and family.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Dooars

You will find several food stalls in the places to visit in Dooars. Other than local delicacies, they sell lip-smacking North Indian and South Indian dishes. Momos, dry fish pickle, Dak Bungalow chicken and bamboo shoots are some of the popular local dishes easily available at places to visit in Dooars. Dont forget to savour some crispy fish pakoras or order a plate of puri bhaji and have it with a cup of hot tea that is locally cultivated here.

Things to Buy in Dooars

Dooars is known for its tea plantations. A trip to Dooars is incomplete without buying tea from here. Tea is beautifully packed in cloth bags and can be taken home as souvenirs. You can buy these tea leaves that are hand-picked and processed in the local tea factories for your kitchen also. Some shops near the places to visit in Dooars also sell local handicrafts.

Holiday on your mind? Dooars is an incredible tourist destination for Wildlife based travel. Know more about the destination before you plan a perfect trip there.

Top festivals celebrated here are Durga Puja in the month of As per Hindu Calendar, Diwali in the month of As per Hindu Calendar and Diwali in the month of April. You can visit during these months to enjoy the celebrations! Greatly tourists like to travel to Dooars in October, November, December, January, February and March to enjoy pleasant weather with plenty of cool breeze! Even April, May and June is a preferred time to visit as its a shoulder season offering hot weather accompanied by high humidity for tourists. You can enjoy the best of both worlds during this time.

June, July, August and September is the off season for tourism in Dooars. Main things to do in Dooars are Buxa Tiger Reserve, Samsing and Gorumara National Park. Tick all of these off your bucket list to make memories for lifetime. Have a safe trip!

Conclusion

A haven for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers, places to visit in Dooars exude an extraordinary charm.The celestial beauty of the flowing rivers, charming, lofty mountains, verdant green pastures and chirping of birds will delight your mind and heart.