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Home , Baikunthapur Forest, Behula, Belakoba, Dooars, Eastern Himalaya, Gajoldoba

TOURISM IN

Source: Tourism Department, Government of West

Rarely can one find a place like Jalpaiguri that is so potentially rich in tourism. But a major part of it still remains to be exploited. Turbulent rivers battling out of the steep gorges, the vast stretches of forest cover, the undulating span of Estates and the panoramic grandeur of the are only a few jewels that made the British ground their roots deep into the heart of this land. Just drive around or take a hike, never will your eyes feel to rest. If a tourist is a nature lover or an admirer of Wild Life there cannot be a better place than this for him. One can run wild in the various Sanctuaries, National Parks & Reserves that are on offer.

Jalpaiguri, this narrow stretch of land lying between the - Himalayas and Gangetic has more than often evoked a sense of both eerie and romanticism in many a heart. Since the early British Rule, A major stretch of area is bordered in the north by and hence the name - /DUARS which mean - 'the Door to Bhutan'. The district was established in 1869 in British . The headquarters of the district are in the of Jalpaiguri, which is also the divisional headquarters of and has its special importance in respect of tourism, forest, hills, tea gardens, scenic beauty and commercialization and business.

FOLK CULTURE

Jalpaiguri's very own folk form is the Chor Chunni. Dham Gaan is another popular folk song of Jalpaiguri. It evolves round the rise and fall mythological characters. the folk song of the Rajbangshis, depict the love of both God and Man. Another popular folk culture of Rajbangshi's is Dhol-Sanai, an instrumental performance by Rajbangshi artists, a must for marriage ceremony. Bisha-Hara Pala is another very popular stage drama of Jalpaiguri. It reveals the story of Devi Manosha - the Serpent Goddess and Behula - a pious wife who had lost her husband - Lakhindar due to snake bite on her marriage night. It depicts the confrontation of Man and God. Karom, Bishua, Jitia, Bandna and Gaburdeb are some of the festivals of other tribes. Rava songs and dance are gaining popularity these days.

TEA TOURISM

Heritage tea bungalows of British period, (More than 100 years old) rare species of birds, splendid mountain views, orange orchards and green forests will welcome the tourists most cordially. This is a place which nature- lovers cannot afford not to see. Tea tourism is becoming popular now.

WILDLIFE TOURISM

The essence of tourism in Jalpaiguri lies in us wildlife. Covered with dense forests and grasslands, Jalpaiguri is the harbour of one of the richest bounties of wildlife. The forest is shelter to many endangered species viz., Indian One- Horned Rhinoceros, , Pigmy Hog, Bengal Florican etc. Other species like Elephant, , Leopard, Sambar, Sheetal, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Badger, Rhesus Monkey, , Otter, Wild Boar, King Cobra etc. can be found in the deep forests of Jalpaiguri. Bird watching & watching have grown to be significant adventure activities.

Situated on the bank of Murti River, the National Park has a large variety of flora and fauna. The grassland of Gorumara is famous for Asiatic us One-Horned Rhino. The watchtower beside the Forest Rest House is the best place to observe rhino, elephant, bison and deer as they regularly come to the salt reservoir just below the tower. In the year 1949.

ETHNIC TOURISM

Magurmari Oraon village is situated near Kathambari under region in the western part of the Dooars. Oraon is one of the tribal communities of India, which mainly depends on agriculture for earning their living. The Oraon house is usually made of mud walls and tile roofs. All the same, house construction requires the use of timber and bamboo. Important festivals of the Oraons pertain to the forest, hunting, agriculture and cattle. Karam festival is celebrated usually on Bhado Ekadashi (August-September). The Baikunthapur forest is an important ecological zone and home to many wild elephants. The nearest Railway station is at Oodlabari (11 km). The Gajaldoba Eco Tourism project is 7-8 km away.

ART & HANDICRAFTS

Jalpaiguri streets are shopper's delight with its range of traditional handicraft items, Jewellery, dress materials and fabrics, furniture and electronic goods which embellish the city's major commercial zones.

Jalpaiguri is famous for its traditional handicrafts especially cane and bamboo crafts. Other materials which you can carry back as souvenirs and gifts include wall hangings, jute and wooden artworks and other traditionally made Jewellery.

Since the is one of the prominent places for tea cultivation, tea produced in Jalpaiguri or nearby Darjeeling is a must carryback option. Some of the noted shopping attractions in Jalpaiguri include wood products, jute products, pottery, leather products, silk and other fibre textiles, plastic products and rubber, beverages, wool knitted items, electronic goods from the nearby Hong Kong market and many others.

DOOARS

The Dooars or Duars are the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in North-East India around Bhutan. Duar means 'door' and the region forms the gateway to Bhutan from India. There are 18 passages or gateways through which the Bhutanese people can communicate with the people living in the . This region is divided by the into the Eastern and the Western Dooars, consisting of an area of 8,800 sq.km (3,400 sq m). The Western Dooars is known as the Bengal Dooars and the Eastern Dooars as the Dooars. Dooars is synonymous with the term '' used in and Northern India and form the only nitrate rich plains in India

GORUMARA

Gorumara National Park is an important national park of North Bengal. It is situated just at the foot hills of in Terai region, on the flood plains in Murti, Raidak. a Tributary of Brahmaputra flows just beside the National Park. Gorumara has mixed vegetation of forest & grassland. It is famous for its good population of One Horned Indian Rhino. Ministry of Environment and Forest has declared Gorumara as the best among the protected areas in India for the year 2009. Gorumara was declared a reserve forest in 1895. In 1949 it was given a status of a wild life sanctuary. Later on Gorumara was declared as National Park in 1994. is spread over an area of approx 80 Square km. The forest area has come up as a tourist destination during the last decade. In recent years, there has been substantial increase in tourist arrival as well as infrastructure. Today the area around the forest has the largest concentration of tourist accommodation in Dooars. The number of jungle safari options has also increased over the years.

GORUMARA WILDLIFE SA NCTUARY

Gorumara National Park is a National Park in Northern Bengal, India, located in the Terai region of the Himalayan foothills. This park is located in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri district. River Murti, Jaldhaka and Ingdong pass through this national park. Situated on the bank of Murti River, the National Park has a large variety of flora and fauna.

The grassland of Gorumara is famous for its natural population of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhino was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1949. Later in 1992, it was established as a National Park, comprising 80 kms of diverse forests. Much of this forest is moist deciduous and sal (shorea robusta) is the most common and valuable tree. Teak, simul, siris, khair are also found here. The park is breathtaking with its rivers and mountain ranges.

Besides the One-Horned Rhinoceros, the fauna of the park includes , Indian Bison, leopard, different species of deer, turtles, pythons, monkeys etc. and more than 200 species of birds. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise with beautiful birds like Indian Pied Hornbill, woodpeckers, sunbird, fly catcher, Minivet, drongo, Pheasants and many more migratory birds especially in winter. Brahmany Duck is a regular watched from Suksukia, a bird-watching point inside the park. The best time to visit Gorumara is November to April. The park remains close from mid- June to mid-September.

JALPAIGURI RAJBARI

The remnants of the Jalpaiguri Rajbari (Palace) serve as a major sight-seeing spot for both tourists and locals. The palace gate is a large unreinforced concrete structure. It flaunts the excellent architecture and designing of the yesteryears. Jalpaiguri Rajbari consists of a palace building, portico, two temples and a garden flanked by the palace pond, called the “Rajbari Dighi.” This palace was once the refuge of the , the kings of Baikunthapur estate.

CHAPRAMARI FOREST

Chapramari is a forest in Dooars area of North Bengal. The forest is a continuation of the Gorumara forests. The two forests are separated by the Murti river which passes through the otherwise continuous forest. Whereas Gorumara is a National Park, Chapramari is only a wildlife sanctuary. For most tourists the distinction between Chapramari and Gorumara is only theoretical as they may stay in a resort close to Gorumara but visit Chapramari for sightseeing tours or vice versa. As in case of other forests of Dooars, wildlife sighting remains the main attraction for most tourists visiting Chapramari. There are a number of forest safaris available that take tourists inside the forest. Sighting of Elephant, Spotted Dear, Barking Deer, Rhino and Gaur (Indian Bison) is the most common. The area close to Murti River is also quite popular as picnic spot for the locals. It provides a breathtaking view of forests against the backdrop of the Kanchenjungha and other Himalayan peaks. A huge variety of flora and fauna covers the forests. Chapramari is famous for its elephant population. It is the home to diverse avifauna and mammals like elephant, gaur, leopard etc.

How to Reach : As you pass through Dooars by the arterial National Highway 31, you will reach Chalsa crossing about 2 hours or 60 Km from New Jalpaiguri rail station. From here till (about 12 Km away) on both side of the road you will find the Chapramari forest. The forest area starts immediately after crossing the Murti river and continues till you reach the . Somewhere midway on this road you will reach Khunia crossing. From here the road to your right will pass through the core area of the forest towards Murti and Gorumara National Park. The North bound road from here will reach the nearby forest bungalow and beyond it will take you to Bindu - area of Dooars.

MURTI

Murti is a picturesque tourist spot located on the banks of the Murti River in the Dooars region of Northern Bengal. Spending few tranquil days beside the knee- deep snaking Murti River is a perfect break especially for those who are looking for some serenity and peace. Murti is a great place for nature lovers and bird watchers. You can also take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Murti or do some fishing whenever you like. Camping is the most popular activity in Murti along with hiking. The Gorumara National Park, which is home to Indian rhinos, wild elephants and various bird species is just a stone's throw away from Murti.

Situated at an elevation of 3000 ft. Samsing is a nice cool shady place, ideal for nature lovers. The journey to Samsing is a memorable one, as you slowly ride uphill through the most picturesque Dooars teagardens on the rolling hill slopes. At a distance of 82 kms. from Siliguri, it takes about 3 hours to reach Samsing through the most picturesque landscape. As you enter Dooars through the National Highway 31, you will cross to reach Chalsa. From Chalsa take a left turn and drive on for 15 kms via Meteli to reach Samsing. The last few kilometres are a feast for the eyes as you drive through some of the most picturesque tea gardens of Dooars including the Chalsa Tea Garden, Zurantee Tea Garden and Samsing Tea Garden.

The road is relatively narrow but there are a few vehicles traveling through this route as the road ends at Samsing. About 4 kms. ahead at there are WBFDC (Forest Department) tourist cottages which are arguably the best place to stay around here. Near Suntalekhola, in and around Faribasti village, there are several homestays that have come up which provide basic but decent accommodation.

LATAGURI

Lataguri is located near Gorumara. Besides the quiet and calm surroundings, the main attractions here are the forest watch towers inside Gorumara National Park, and Nature Interpretation Centre.

CHALSA

Chalsa is a small town situated just on the foot of the Himalayas in the Dooars in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. This small town is surrounded by hills, tea gardens, rivers and forests. One part of the town is surrounded by Gorumara National Park and other part with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. Nearby forests are residence of a good collection of elephants and rhinos. It is situated on the way towards or from Siliguri via Malbazar.

How to Reach : Can hire vehicle from Jalpaiguri taxi stand or can avail bus from Santipara bus stand. On its way to Chalsa the motorable road passes through a deep forest and tea gardens of dooars which is really a enjoyable journey.

GAJOLDOBA AND APALCH A N D F O R E S T

Gajoldoba is a reservoir formed by the first Teesta Barrage, which was built for irrigational purposes. It is surrounded by the Baikunthapur forests, and is an hour's drive from Jalpaiguri. The reservoir is used by many water birds from and Central Asia - Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Bar- Headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Lesser Whistling Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Common Shelduck, Cotton Teal, Tufted Duck, Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Spot-billed Duck, Mallard, Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Indian Pond Heron, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Northern Lapwing, River Lapwing, Grey-headed Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, etc. Domahani Jheels and river Teesta & Karola are also popular Birdwatching spot.

JATILESHWAR TEMPLE

Situated at Hushlurdanga near Maynaguri, this temple is famous for its idol of Lord Shiva. After offering prayers, one can find for oneself a nice corner and settle down with some books while listening to the chirping of birds. This place is located 12 km. from and 25 km. from Jalpaiguri.

DEVI CHOUDHURANI MANDIR

It is a legend that Devi Choudhurani the bandit queen of the famous Sanyasi Movement period in the 19th century had established the Kali temple near Gosala More of Denguajhar, The area was covered by deep forest and people did not come to this place. Devi Chowdhurani used to take shelter here. The legend goes on and the puja is still held at this temple under the age-old huge banyan tree. The Kali puja is now organised by a committee formed for the Kalipuja in Devi Chowdhurani Kali Mandir of Jalpaiguri. The puja is a major attraction for the region and hundreds flock to worship the goddess at this temple. It is 35 km from Siliguri.

BHABANI PATHAK TEMPL E

It is situated at Bodaganj forest near Sikarpur, . It is in common parlance that during the British period the Sanyasis who were famous as "Swadesi Dacoit" in North Bengal had links with the Jaminders of Baikunthopur. Bhabani Pathak was the leader of the Sanyasi Movement. It is also a hearsay that Devi Choudhurani took her lessons from Bhabani Pathak. Inspite of being a dacoit, Bhabani Pathak enjoyed a lot of following among the downtrodden of the society and was quite acceptable to them. Bhabani Pathak was vanquished and killed by a British, Lay Branan. After that sanyasis came to the jungle of Baikunthapur under the leadership of Devi Chowdhurani. Till date local people offer their homage to Bhabani Pathak and Devi Chowdhurani.

JALPESH

Jalpesh Temple, an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at a distance of around 15 kms. from Jalpaiguri town. It was built by the last successor of King Baghadatta, called Jalpash, who built the temple around 800 AD. The temple has a long history that can be traced back. Bhaktiyar Khilji who destroyed this temple when he invaded Kamrup. However, one of the Kings of Bhutan restored it again in the 12th century. But subsequently the temple was lost in the dense jungle. Again, in 1665, King Pranannarayan of the dynasty excavated the temple site and re-established the temple.

CULTURE AND FESTIVALS

Jalpesh Mela, one of the main fairs in Jalpaiguri district, takes place on the occasion of Shivratri in the months of February and March. The age old Shiva temple is the main attraction of the mela and the mela takes place round this temple. Not only local people but people from different parts of the country come to take part in the fair which is the meeting place of various cultures.

Karam Festival is celebrated by the Santhals in the month of Aswin (September- October) in order to have increased 'wealth and progeny and to get rid of evil spirits. During this festival, two youths after being purified, fetch two branches of Karam tree from the forest and plant them just outside the house. The head of the household offers rice beer and other articles to Manjhi Haram and Maran Buru and pray for the prosperity of the house. This worship is followed with singing, dancing and playing of instrumental music. All those present there, are given rice-beer. The traditional dress of Santhal women is called Pandhat, which is a covering from the chest to the foot. Bow and arrows are the favorite weapons of Santhals.

Though different varieties of races and their cultures got intermingled in the same land; each individual race retained their individual culture and heritage over the ages. Thus the phenomenon of 'Combined Culture' never got a chance to bloom here. In the serenity of the forests, beyond the misty curtain of the hills or by the gushing streams here and there developed and prospered various culture like - the Bhotia Culture, the Rajbanshi Culture, the Lepcha-Limbu Culture together with the Cultures of the Coch, the Mech, the Rava, the Toto.

Majority of tribal cultures are folk cultures. Folk dance, Folk songs and Folk lores form an integral part of these cultures. And then there are festivals. Many festivals are common to both the Bengalees and the Rajbangshis who constitute the bulk of Jalpaiguri's population. Apart from the major festivals like the and the Kali Puja, there is the Teesta Burir Puja epitomizing the Life line of this region the ; an occasion observed by the Bengalees and the Rajbangshis alike. Manosha Puja or the worship of the Serpent Goddess is another important festival of this region. Many Village Fairs and stage dramas commemorate this event. Then there are rituals for 'Good Crops' and 'Good Rain'; the later is known as 'Hutt Ghurni'.