Dooars

Starting from River Teesta to River Sankoshi, Dooars is a local name given to the floodplains of Northeast India. The name has emerged from the word ‘door’ as it is the gateway to Bhutan. The excellent viewpoints, wildlife parks, and reserves, the quaint hamlets, the lovely valleys, and miles of tea gardens make this an attractive destination for the tourists.

Dooars comprises of several towns and districts like Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Darjeeling. Geographically, Dooars is blessed with its brilliant relief, imagination, the mighty Himalayan ranges, thick forests and cut here and there with water bodies, this gateway is astonishing.

Places to Visit in Dooars

Gorumara National Park

With several watchtowers for spotting wildlife, Gorumara National Park is one of the popular national parks in Dooars. One can take a jeep safari at the buffer zone of the forest and also visit the watchtowers inside the forest. Amidst the dense forests of Sal, Shimul, and Bamboo groves, one can spot a wide range of animals like Indian Bison, Elephants, One-horned Rhinos, Leopards, King Cobra, etc. The different kind of birds including peacocks can also be spotted here!

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

An extension of Gorumara, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is also quite popular for jeep safaris. Basically, it is a small sanctuary in comparison to others. The whole area is filled with dense forests which provide a natural shelter to the animals and birds. This sanctuary seems like heaven on Earth for all the visitors because of the tall trees, dense greenery, and several small bushes.

Jaldapara National Park

With an hour’s drive, Jaldapara National Park is a green natural park. This park is well-known for its elephant safaris. One can spot rhinos and other wildlife animals like elephants, bison, gaurs, and different types of deer. Tigers and leopards can be spotted occasionally. The elephant safari takes place from the Hollong Lodge and most tourists stay around Madarihat Tourist Lodge which is quite popular.

Chilapata Forest

Chilapata forest is a part of Jaldapara National Park which is divided by the river Torsha. On the eastern side of the Torsha river, this park is located. Similar wildlife animals can be spotted here and this forest also forms a corridor for elephants to walk inside the forest. One who loves to be amidst nature and the blend into it, Chilapta is a place to free all the stress of the city life.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Popular for preserving the highest number of tigers after Sunderbans, Buxa Tiger Reserve is a famous spot to be visited by tourists. Though tiger spotting has become difficult in recent years, one can also look for Elephants, Indian Bison, Leopards, many types of deer and snakes. The entry to the forest is from a small place called Rajabhatkhawa. Jungles safaris usually take place from Jayanti which is about 15 kilometers inside the reserve.

Bindu Valley

Located 40 kilometers from Murti, Bindu valley is situated at an altitude of 2,000 feet. This is where the Jaldhaka Dam is also located. It is a beautiful sight with the backdrop of the hills of Bhutan. With riverbed full of rocks one can spend some peaceful time sitting on the rocks, paddling the water and watching the gushing water flowing down the dam with wonderful sights to look around.