Set in the heart of West Bengal, Dooars is one of India’s most fascinating offbeat tourist destinations that is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, trekking, and jungle safaris. There are many places to visit in Dooars or Duars that serve as a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and Bhutan and make it a safe haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Known for its lush tea gardens, evergreen forests, and the River Teesta, it sprawls in the outermost line of the Eastern Himalayas, and welcomes travellers to witness its unspoiled beauty and experience adventurous wildlife.
8 Best Places To Visit In Dooars
If you are looking to explore the core of jungles and experience the alluring charisma of dense forests, then places to visit in Dooars is where your search ends.
1. Gorumara National Park
Gorumara National Park is among the best places to visit in Dooars offering a surreal experience for wildlife seekers. Surrounded by the floodplains of River Jaldhaka and River Murti, this place is renowned for its population of greater one-horned Asiatic Rhinoceros (Indian Rhinoceros), Elephants and Bison. Travellers can also enjoy Jeep Safari as well as Elephant Safaris while exploring the dense forest of the region. Gorumara National Park was awarded as the best-protected area in the year 2009 by the Ministry of Environment and Forest for its eco-tourism practice.
Location: QQ4W+GXX, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal 735101
Distance From Dooars: 9 Km
Timing: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fee: 100 Rs. Per Person
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Must Read: Top 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries In West Bengal That Are Home To Some Of The Most Exotic Species
2. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Separated by the River Murti, Charamari Wildlife Sanctuary is an extension of the Gorumara forests situated on the northern side of the Gorumara. Being the oldest forest reserve in the West Bengal region, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary comes in the list of top places to visit in Dooars for sightseeing the wild animals. The main attraction of the place is the watchtower, offering panoramic views of verdant forests as well as sightings of wild elephants. The distance between Chapramari and Gorumara is not that far, hence, the travellers can book their accommodation near either of the places and still enjoy the sightseeing of both places.
Location: VVF4+V25, Upper Tendu Forest M, West Bengal 735223
Distance From Dooars: 12.4 km
Timing: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Fee: 70 Rs. Per Person
Best Time to Visit: 15th October to 15th June
3. Jaldapara National Park
Another verdant forests places to visit in Dooars is Jaldapara National Park, known for its exquisite collection of migratory birds. The place was entitled as a national park in May 2012, since then, travellers from all around the world come to visit this breeding ground of exotic migratory birds. If you are an avid bird watcher, then this place is no less than a paradise for you as here you can witness Bengal Florican during migration season, which is very rare in India. Make your trip to Dooars mesmerising by visiting Jaldapara National Park and experiencing a great diversity of flora and fauna of mixed deciduous forests, perennial streams, and sandy river banks.
Location: M7RJ+663, Jaldapara, Uttar Madarihat, West Bengal 735220
Distance From Dooars: 400 M
Timing: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fee: 60 Rs/- Per Person
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Suggested Read: 43 Outstanding Tourist Places To Visit In West Bengal
4. Buxa Tiger Reserve
Buxa Tiger Reserve is the 15th tiger reserve in India, with the second-highest number of tigers in West Bengal after Sunderbans, making it one of the top tourist places to visit in Dooars. Perched near the Indo-Bhutan border, the place has a lot to offer for adventure seekers, such as trekking routes flanked by dense forests, as well as spotting various wildlife creatures, including elephants, Indian bison, leopards, deers, snakes etc. To reach Buxa, you can go for a 1-hour drive from Madarihat (Jaldapara) towards the east and take the entry from the Rajabhatkhawa. After wildlife sightseeing, you can also go for a 4 km trek route to the Buxa Fort, which is one of the prime attractions of the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Location: JG8H+R86 Buxa Forest, West Bengal 735226
Distance From Dooars: 220 M
Timing: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fee: 150 Rs/- Per Person
Best Time to Visit: 15th October to 15th June
5. Lepchakha Village
For trekking enthusiasts, Lepchakha Village is one of the best places to visit in Dooars in December. Here, you need to trek tedious uphill amidst the mixed forest of Buxa to reach Lepchakha Village. Known as the “Queen of Dooars”, this place offers an enchanting view of the 12 rivers flowing through Dooars, which seems like glistening snakes meandering through the plains. Being the highest point in the Buxa National Park, the unexpressed natural beauty of this place will take you to a surreal paradise. Nestled near the Bhutan border, this picturesque village welcomes travellers with the heart-warming hospitality of the Drukpa People.
Location: Lepchakha Village, West Bengal 735227
Distance From Dooars: 20 km
Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
Fee: NA
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to December
Suggested Read: Top 6 Waterfalls In West Bengal That Are As Amazing As Heaven
6. Rocky Island
When it comes to places to visit in Dooars for camping, Rocky Island holds the top place on the list. What could be more fascinating than having your camp beside the murmuring river streams of River Murti? So, pack your bags and come here for an unforgettable camping experience. As the name suggests, this place is full of gigantic rocks that offer travellers a mesmerising and thrilling camping experience. You can also enjoy dancing flames from a bonfire to add extra fun to your outward experience of camping under the starry night sky.
Location: Rocky Island, Samsing Khasmahal, West Bengal 734319
Distance From Dooars: 46 km
Timing: Any time of the day
Fee: NA
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to December
7. Suntalekhola
Suntalekhola is an offbeat rustic place, perched by the verdant forest of Neora Valley, and is named after an alluring stream – Suntalekhola. With its unspoiled natural beauty, lush tea gardens, roaring river streams, and amazing views of lofty mountains and valleys, this is one of the best places to visit in Dooars in October, captivating the minds of many travellers. To reach Suntalekhola, you need to cross a wooden bridge where you can also experience the awe-inspiring views of the river cascading through the rugged path. If you are looking for short trek adventures, this place is ready to make your trek worthy with all its natural glory.
Location: Kalimpong, Samsing Fari, Darjeeling 735223
Distance From Dooars: 47.4 km
Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Suggested Read: Top 9 Hill Stations Near Siliguri To Spend A Relaxing Time In West Bengal
8. South Khayerbari
Located across the river bank of Torsa, South Khayerbari is a kind of rehabilitation centre for all rescued animals after the ban on animals in circuses. This place is known for its serene ambience, the rich diversity of flora, and unique ideology regarding both rescued felines and wilderness animals. Here, the number of leopards is 18, which is quite rare to spot in a jungle at once. To explore every corner of this safe wildlife haven closely, you can take a ride with small battery-operated cars available here.
Location: Khairbari Forest, West Bengal 735211
Distance From Dooars: 47 km (approx)
Timing: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: NA
Best Time to Visit: In the season of Monsoon
Further Read: 7 Amazing Places To Visit In Summer In West Bengal That No Traveler Would Want To Miss
These places to Visit in Dooars are worth exploring on your next visit to West Bengal. With its lush greenery, roaring streams and rich biodiversity, Dooars is an ideal place for adventure seekers and nature lovers. If you are planning to visit this amazing place then book your West Bengal trip with TravelTriangle now and experience an unforgettable journey with us.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Dooars
What is Dooars famous for?
Dooars is famous for its lush green tea gardens, dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and beautiful rivers. It is a region located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in North-Eastern India, mainly in the state of West Bengal.
What is the ideal time to visit Dooars?
The ideal time to visit Dooars is during the winter and spring months, which generally span from October to April. This period offers the most pleasant weather and the best conditions for sightseeing, wildlife exploration, and outdoor activities in the region.
Is Dooars a good place to visit?
Yes, Dooars is indeed a good place to visit, especially for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The region's lush green tea gardens, dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and beautiful rivers make it a captivating destination.
What is the famous food in Dooars?
Dooars, being a region in North-Eastern India, offers a delightful variety of cuisines influenced by the local ethnic communities and the neighbouring states including Momos, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Sandesh, Puri sabzi, Momtaaj and traditional Bengali fish curry.
What is the price of Dooars jungle safari?
There are two options to do Jungle Safari- Gorumara National Park and Jaldapara National Park. In Gorumara National Park the price for Jeep Safari is approximately INR 1,500 to INR 2,500 per jeep (up to 6 persons) for Indian tourists and for Elephant Safari the price is around INR 1,000 to INR 1,500 per person for Indian tourists. In Jaldapara National Park the price for Jeep Safari is approximately INR 2,000 to INR 3,000 per jeep (up to 6 persons) and for Elephant Safari is approximately INR 1,000 to INR 1,500 per person.
Which railway station is near Dooars?
The railway station nearest to Dooars is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is well-connected to major cities in India.
How far is Dooars from Darjeeling?
The approximate distance between Darjeeling and Siliguri (the gateway to Dooars) is around 65 kilometres (40 miles) by road. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to travel from Darjeeling to Siliguri by car, depending on the road conditions and traffic.
Are there tigers in Dooars?
Yes, Dooars is home to tigers. The region is known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, and several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Dooars provide suitable habitats for various species, including tigers.
What animals are found in Dooars?
Dooars is a region known for its rich biodiversity and diverse range of wildlife including the Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Indian Bison, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sambar Deer, Chital, Indian Wild Boar, Indian pangolin and other various bird species.
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