DOOARS - the foothills of Himalaya
A journey through the rolling hill slopes, widespread lush green tea gardens separated by meandering silvery mountain streams, high Sal forests, small quiet ethnic villages, vast meadows with a blue out line of the great Himalayan ranges in the horizon, endless sky. . . . . you are in Dooars!.
Dooars, the gateway to Bhutan from India has become an important tourist place in the northern part of West Bengal and Eastern Himalayas of India. By crossing the Coronation Bridge over the Tista river from Siliguri we will knock to Dooars. Tarai and Dooars may be called as Paradise on Earth. The natural beauties of Tarai & Dooars are situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. We will see that many rivers like Tista, Toorsa, Jaldhaka, Kaljani, Daina and other hilly rivers which have been flowed with their roaring sounds. The banks of the rivers and hill slopes are filled with either greenish tea garden or high timbers of Sals. The beauty of Dooars offers us to taste the nature through various ways like trekking, adventure sports and through National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries. Our eyes will get plenty full of pleasure if we spot the animals like elephants, wild squirrels, rhinoceros, wild boar, chital etc. within a certain time. If you are fortunate then leopards can give you a sight. This place is also known as the heaven of birds we can see many different kinds of Orchids over here.
The other major attractions of Dooars is the culture of ethnic tribes who are being living here from long time ago with their culture, festivals, folk songs and folk dance still now give colours to the Dooars.
The biggest river of North Bengal is “TEESTA”. The foothills of eastern Himalayas are divided into two parts by the river Teesta. These two parts are known as Tarai & Dooars. The western part of the river Teesta is called “TARAI” and eastern part is called “DOOARS”. A vast texture of dense forests teeming with wildlife, unending tea gardens, bubbling rivers, interspersed with sleepy or busy settlements, constitute this fascinating tourist destination – the “TARAI AND DOOARS” where nature has kept her doors wide open. Here lie abundantly splendid gifts of nature and enormous resources for “Eco-Tourism”.
Dooars or Duars (in Bengali & Nepali) are the floodplains and foothills of the eastern Himalayas in Northeast India around Bhutan. "Duar" means door in Nepali and Bengali languages, and the region forms the gateway to Bhutan from India.
Dooars tourism offers multitude options to visitors like trekking, adventure sports and nature trails. The Gorumara National Park at Dooars (Duars) was declared the "Best National Park" in 2010.
The beauty of the region lies not only in its tea gardens that dot the entire area but also the virgin forests crisscrossed by the river Teesta and its tributaries that make up the countryside.
In northern West Bengal the major river is the besides many others like the Jaldhaka, Murti, Torsha, Sankosh, Dyna, Karatowa, Raidak, Kaljani among others. The banks of these rivers are favorite spot for the fauna of the region and one can easily spot animals during the early hours of the day or late in the evening. It is always advisable to visit these places either during sunset or during sunrise. Bison, deer’s, elephants visit in herd. Leopards are also found here.Thus, it is always advisable to have a guide while touring. Other animals which can be spotted are rhinoceros, Gaur, Asian Elephant, Sloth bear, Chital, Bengal Tigers, Indian Wild Dogs, Indian Wolf, Pygmy Hog, Giant Squirrels, Hispid Hare, Sambar Deer, Barking deer, Hog deer, Wild boar, etc. Dooars is a paradise for birdwathers, 720 types of birds have also been found here. Jaldapara, Gorumara & Chapramarai these 3 wild life sanctuary is the main attraction of Duars.
Another major attraction is the ethnic culture of this region manifested in so many forms including folk songs, folk dance etc. A number of these ethnic tribes have been living here for ages whose culture and festivals have given a different colour to this place. This is the home of the Totos, the Ravas, the Meches, the Drukpas, the Limbus & the Tamangs to name a few. Sites of historical and archaeological importance can be found at Buxa Duar, Chilapata, Maynaguri and Baikunthapur area in a scattered manner.
Gorumara National Park: Gorumara National Park is located in the Dooars (rolling hill slopes) region of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. This forest is famous for its natural population of the Great Indian one horned Rhinoceros was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
Gorumara national park is 73km from Siliguri, famous for the variety of wildlife like Elephant, Bison, Rhino, Leopard, Jungle cat etc. Permits available for different Watch Towers. Car safari available during afternoon with visit to Tribal village and witness to Tribal culture.
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: Chapramari is about 30 km from Chalsa and Lataguri. A huge variety of flora and fauna covers the forests. Chapramari is famous for its Elephants and Bison. Permits available for Watch Tower.
Sumsing & Suntalekhola: 81 km from Siliguri. The last words in Nature Tourism. Experience whisper with forests, mountain streams, and orange orchids.there are two beautiful forest bunglow in Samsing & Suntalekhola Jaldhaka Hydel Project Small hydel project produce electricity. On hill stream 20 km from Chapramari.
How To Reach: Dooars can be reached by rail, road and air. since the majority of hotels and resorts are located at Lataguri, the most convenient entry to the Dooars is through NJP or New Mal junction. The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB). India Beacons Sojourn arranges for pickup from all road and rail heads in the Dooars.
