Love forest, tea plantation, British architecture and long treks then Dooers is the place for you. The origin of the name Dooars comes from the Bengali word “Duar” which means door or gateway, albeit the gateway to Bhutan. It was always touted as an ideal break specially for those living in West Bengal or the nearby states. Dense with lush jungle, tea gardens and interspersed with gushing rivers streams, Dooars was always a nature lover's den and thus an ideal retreat for the city weary.
During the last two decades the destination has become most revered among wildlife enthusiasts who frequent the national parks every year hoping to sight the endangered one-horned rhinos, and herds of elephants that call this place their home. An added attraction is the Tiger reserve, while river rafting in Teesta river, trekking and jungle safaris are must-dos.
Must-See Places That Echoes The Ethereal Beauty of North Bengal
North Bengal boasts of some verdant forests. We have three famous national parks in Garumara, Jaldapara & Neora Valley, and one tiger reserve in Buxa spreading across the vast Terai and Dooars region.
1. Gorumara National Park
Sighting of the Asiatic one-horn rhino at Gorumara National Park.
Located on the banks of the murti river , Gorumara National Park is a grassland habitat, famous for the Asiatic one-horned rhino. Owing its great diversity of plants and animals, it was declared a National Park in 1994. The National Park has a total area of about 80 sq. km. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in tourist safaris. Today the area around the forest has the largest concentration of tourist accommodation in Dooars.
2. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the western Dooars on the other side of Gorumara National Park crossing the murti river is Chapramari. Here dense with flaura and fauna, it is one of the best place to sight the one-horn rhino, gaur, spotted cheetah and sambar, elephants, deers, leopards and many species of birds including the green magpie, scarlet minivet, hill mayna, Indian treepie and white-breasted kingfisher also make this a birding ground. There is a single observation tower that provides a bird's-eye view of the forest and wildlife sightings.
3. Jaldapara National Park
Situated beside Hollong River, Jaldapara is now spread over in an area of 216.51 sq. km and with a Rhino population of more than 160. Other important species includes Bisons, Deers, Leopards and numerous birds including the famous Great Hornbill. Jaldapara received the “wildlife sanctuary” status in the British Era in 1941 when its area was 141 sq. km. River Torsha flows through the forest interspersed with scrubland, grasslands, perennial streams, sandy river banks and extensive grounds of of tall grassland.
4. Buxa Tiger Reserve
Located on the Assam-Bhutan border taking an area of 745 sq km, the Buxa Tiger Reserve is the largest forest in North Bengal. Though sighting the royal bengal tiger is a game of luck, the forest it is also a natural habitat for Himalayan black bear, elephants, Indian bison, leopard, many species of deer and many smaller mammals, and innumerable species of birds and reptiles. Professional trekkers starts from Santrabari (914ft) to Buxaduar, and a 4 km trek through the densely forested hills leads to Buxaduar Forest Bungalow. Accommodation is available here for the trekkers.
5. Neora Valley National Park
Situated in the Kalimpong subdivision that comes under the Darjeeling district, Neora Valley National Park is a rich biological reserve in North Bengal frequented by few travellers. Much of the park is still inaccessible making it an adventurous place for off grid destination travellers and trekkers who take the challenge to explore the still-unknown terrain in the Kalimpong hills. The Nature Interpretation Centre of the Neora Valley National Park, located in Lava is a sneak-peak to what you can expect inside the National Park. Neora Valley National Park is also the home of Red Panda. A six days trek through the forests comprising Samsing - Bhote Ghar - Thusum - Rechela - Alubari - Lava is a common trekking route for those who know.
6. Samsing
Samsing is a small village in the area of Dooars, located 82 km from Siliguri. The journey to Samsing is a treat to the eye meandering through tea gardens, hills and forest. This sleepy village is peppered with orange orchards and cardamom plantations. The river murti also passes through Samsing. That said, the forest tail of Samsing is ideal for a nature walk. Several trek routes originate from Suntale Khola, located at a distance of 5km from Samsing.
7. Lava & Lolegaon
At an altitude of 2350 metres, Lava is a quaint little hamlet located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. This sleepy village falls on the route of Bhutan and is adorned with pine forests and coniferous trees. The Lava Monastery, originally known as the Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery is situated near the local market and is a must-visit.
Lolegaon is another quaint village, only 24kms away from Lava. Located at an altitude of 1675 metres, this Lepcha village is known for its scenic beauty. The glorious view of the majestic Kanchenjunga through the misty clouds makes it the perfect retreat for a summer holiday.
8. Zurrantee Tea Estate
Zurrantee takes a two and a half-hour drive from NJP station and is the most visited tea estate as it houses its own heritage bungalow. The 124-year-old British bungalow features its old fireplace, vintage gramophone, a small library, wooden floors, old teak furnitures and the outside balcony evokes tranquility that comes visiting century old tea estates in the middle of lush tea gardens.
9. Jayanti
No words could explain the beauty of Jayanti. You have to be present there to admire the beauty of the place. It’s a vast riverbed, full of white sands and colorful stones. Immediately after the riverbed, the lofty walls of Bhutan hills have climbed sharply, making the landscape extremely dramatic. Here, river Jayanti creates a border between Bhutan hills and West Bengal. There are several amazing trekking trails with a quaint view. It is crowned as the “Queen of Dooars for its beautiful hill and river view. Jayanti had its prime before Buxa was declared as a tiger reserve for Jayanti was a busy dolomite mining hub. But after Buxa was converted into a tiger reserve, all mining was banned, around Jayanti.
Best Places To Stay In Dooers
1. Sinclair's Retreat, Chalsa
Sinclairs Retreat Dooars located at Chalsa in the gateway of Bhutan, is spread over 20 acres of verdant green. It is the finest resort in North Bengal. Built in complete harmony with nature, the resort is ideal for those seeking rest, rejuvenation and adventure. The USP of the property is to 'come and live with nature'. The hotel features features 66 rooms and three suites in cottage style accommodation with a rustic feel refreshingly different from the glitzy urban decor. Each room opens out to a private balcony overlooking the greens.
2. Hollong Tourist Lodge,Jaldapara
It is one of the few and oldest forest lodge to be located inside the National Park of Jaldapara. Hollong Lodge which is approx. 7-8 kilometers inside the national park, is reached through a narrow road through dense trees. The drive from the highway to the reserve is like a safari in itself since you never know when an elephant or a rhino comes your way staring at you. Jaldapara Elephant safari starts from here. If you are planning for an elephant safari then Hollong Tourist Lodge is best for you.
3. Banani Forest Bungalow, Murti
A forest bungalow maintained by West Bengal Forest Development Corporation is a government resort next to river murti offering mesmerising views to forests of Gurumara on the east and the Himalayas in the north. The Bungalow features 15 rooms and cottages that opens up to the surrounding sal forest view. There is a children play area to keep them busy all day. Gorumara National Park, Chilapata Forest, and the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary are close by. Popular activities include strolling along the riverbed, trekking, and forest excursions. The area also serves as a sanctuary for various migrating birds. But the highlight is in the evenings, you can even see wild elephants and bison along the Murti River, stones throw away from the resort.
4. The Riverwood Forest Retreat,Gorumara
Located on the fringes of Gorumara National Park allowing guests to experience the vast open grasslands, riverine forests, swamps, woodlands, and streams that make up the terrain of the region. The resort features 12 furnished rooms and the room come decked in local and sustainable materials. The chefs prepare the menu with locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. International cuisine is served on request as well. Additional spaces are the outdoor pool, jacuzzi and bar to meet and greet with other fellow travellers.
5. The Green Castle, Lalaguri
The green castle is located within the national park of Lalaguri offering comfort mixed with adventure. Surrounded by the stretches of undulating span of tea estates and wildlife with the panoramic grandeur of the Himalayas, the resort is the ideal place for outdoor activity. The Green Castle come with 15 rooms and all rooms offer breathtaking view from the attached balcony. But the forest bungalow with few rooms are set in the most mesmerising setting and should be the preferred choice for nature lovers.
6. Mouchaki Camp, Neora Valley
Located on the periphery of Neora Valley, this government forest bungalaw is surrounded by biodiversity. Maintained by WBFDC, the Mouchaki camp is said to one of the best accommodation of the West Bengal Tourism. The design of the old bungalow is inspired from the Swiss chalet— all wooded interiors and old furniture adorn the space. The ground floor has 2 double rooms and the top floor has 2, with a beautiful sit out area on the top floor which provides a lovely view of the entire neora valley.
7. Chapramari Wilderness Camp
Chapramari Wilderness Camp (Panjhora) is a forest bungalow maintained by the Gorumara Wildlife Division. The forest inspection bungalow in the sanctuary has two rooms for four persons. You can also book rooms at the Chapramari Forest Bungalow, a Nature Education and Wilderness Resort maintained by WBFDC. The sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity for the study of the habitat, behaviour, food, and population dynamics of these animals.
8. Rajabhatkhawa Buxa Jungle Lodge
This property is managed by the WBFDC (West Bengal Forest Development Corporation) and is located in Rajabhatkhawa, a picturesque forest settlement near to the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Dooars foothills. You can choose from the three to four-bedrooms and one three-bedroom available here. There are additionally ten double bedrooms and a six-bed dormitory. The majority of the rooms have air conditioning. The forest around the resort is crisscrossed by trails, making nature hikes, treks, and birdwatching popular pastimes.
How to Reach Dooers
By Air
The nearest airport to Dooers is Bagdogra. Flights from different places of India has flights to Bagdogra airport. You can take taxis or car rentals for reaching the National Parks or the designated hotels of the destinations.
By Train
Dooars is well connected by Road as well as rail also. The main railway station to reach in Dooars is New Jalpaiguri Railways Station. NJP or New Jalpaiguri Railways Station is connected by rail with almost all the major cities or regions in India. New Jalpaiguri Railways Station is in Siliguri, which is the gateway to North East India, Nepal & Bhutan. Numerous trains and luxury coaches ply in between Kolkata & Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri Railways Station. The popular train is Kanchankanya Express that departs from Sealdah station (Kolkata) daily. It leaves from Kolkata around evening time and arrives at New Mal Junction (Nearest Forest – Gorumara ) the next morning via NJP. From New Mal Junction, travelers can avail cars or taxis to reach hotels or resorts.
By Road
The most popular way to travel within Dooers is by car. Intrepid's won't mind an entire road trip to the dooers. Kolkata to Dooers is 625 kms and can be covered by 14 hours.
Best time to visit Dooars
March to June: Dooars experience the hot weather at this time but still attracts travelers. if you are planning to come at this time, don’t forget to carry sunglasses, hats, water bottles and wear light cotton.
July to September: During this time Dooars receive rainfall. This is a bit of an off-season but if you want to enjoy the greenery, then you must visit this time. Hotels offer great deals at this time.
Remember wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks remain closed between 15th June to 15th September. if your main objective is to take a jungle safari, then you should avoid this time.
October to February: This is the best time to visit Dooars. The weather remains pleasantly cool throughout the day and it’s the perfect time for visiting the sanctuaries and enjoying the beauty of nature. make sure your bookings are done in advance and don’t forget to carry warm clothes.
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