Dooars

The land of 3T's: Tea, Tourism and Timber                      

Dooars the door for Bhutan & Northeast. The Dooars region, located in the northeastern part of India, primarily in the state of West Bengal and partly in the state of Assam, The destination is located in the alluvial floodplains north of the Brahmaputra River basin. It is the powerhouse of cultural tourism. Dooars is a part of the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands eco-region and has many unexplored places within its veil. It stretches from the Teesta River in West Bengal to Assam's Dhansiri River, covering over 350 km of land and is divided into eastern, western, Kamrup and Darrang Dooars. The Sankosh River separates the eastern Dooars from its western counterpart.

History 

The Dooars has a rich historical heritage. Historically, it was part of the ancient kingdom of Kamrup and witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties. In the 18th century, the region came under the control of the British East India Company, who established several colonial settlements. Today, the Dooars region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries and its contribution to tea production, captivating visitors with its historical charm.

Geography & Connectivity 

The region of Dooars is shared by many districts. At times, it becomes difficult for tourists to decide how to enjoy the best of the sustainable tourism hub. Let us help you out! The Dooars region which is located on the western side of Goalpara District is Western Dooars. It covers Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and parts of the Cooch Behar district. Eastern Dooars stretches from the Sankosh River to the Manas River in Assam. It covers the Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon and Chirang districts as well as Bodoland.

The Dooars region is located at an altitude range of 90 - 1750 m. It enjoys mild summers. The temperature in winter goes as low as five degree Celsius. The rainfall is recorded close to 3500 mm. 

The monsoon and winter seasons are ideal times to visit the responsible tourism hotspot. The monsoon season begins at the end of July and lasts until September. The rainfall during this time is recorded at 48 cm. The tourists also visit Dooars during the summer season. The wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are closed to visitors from the 15th of June to the 14th of September.

The link to Dooars is excellent. As it is a significant export-import hub, the best way to get there is by car. The NH31 runs through the Dooars region. There are cabs and buses available to begin their conservation travel to Dooars privately or on a shared basis. It is located at a distance of roughly 56 kilometers from Siliguri. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Those flying must land in Bagdogra and then hire a car to get to Dooars.

Nature & Wildlife

Dooars is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers. The fairest way to explore the diverse flora and fauna is through safari tours. When visiting the Dooars, it is impossible to pick the best of the bunch. Here are some of the few, you must never miss! Gorumara National Park is ideal for those who wish to go on an elephant safari or jungle safari. Jaldapara National Park is best for winter travelers. Buxa Tiger Reserve are best for bird watching. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known as the homeland of Indian Bison. Chilapata Forest is an excellent spot for angling lovers apart from witnessing faunas like one-horned rhinoceros, Indian hog deer, sambar deer, chital and bison. 

People & Community

is home to a diverse array of tribes and communities, each with its unique cultural heritage. Some of the prominent tribes and communities found in the Dooars region include:

Gorkhas : The Gorkhas are one of the significant ethnic groups in the region. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their valor, traditions, and distinct dialects.

Rabha: The Rabha tribe is primarily found in Assam and is known for their vibrant culture, folk dances, and traditions. They have their unique language and cultural practices.

Bengali Community: The Bengali community constitutes a significant portion of the population in the Dooars region. They bring their traditions, language, and cultural practices to the area.

Bhutia and Lepcha: While these communities are more prominently found in Sikkim, some members of these ethnic groups have settlements in parts of the Dooars region. They have their distinct cultures, languages, and customs.

Bodo: The Bodo people have a presence in certain areas of Assam, including parts of the Dooars. They have a distinct language, culture, and traditions.

Santhal: The Santhal tribe, known for their rich traditions, music, and dance forms, is found in parts of the Dooars region. They have a vibrant cultural heritage.

Munda: The Munda community, primarily found in Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal, also has a presence in the Dooars region. They have their unique cultural practices and language. 

These communities, each with its language, traditions, and cultural practices, contribute to the diverse tapestry of the Dooars region, making it a melting pot of different ethnicities and customs. This diversity adds to the richness of the cultural heritage of the area.

Food & Culture

Dooars is a region of slow travel. Apart from its cultural richness, it is famous for its timber production and tea tourism. As a tourist, one can dig through all sorts of livelihood genres like numerous industries, tea gardens and farmlands. Hence, one can label the Dooars region as a sustainable tourism hub as well. It doesn't end here! From mouthwatering momos and thukpa to aromatic tea and delectable bamboo shoot dishes, Dooars' cuisine tantalizes taste buds. The region's cultural tapestry is reflected in its music, dance, art, and handicrafts, showcasing the vibrant heritage of the indigenous communities.

Rituals & Festivals

The Dooars region in India is steeped in vibrant rituals and festive traditions. The indigenous communities celebrate various festivals with great fervor. The 10-day Dooars Utsav is celebrated every year. These celebrations bring together communities, promoting unity and preserving their rich cultural identity.

Travel attraction 

Within the vast land of Dooars flows many rivers and its river banks make the perfect spot for photography tours. Raidak, Joldhaka, Torsha and Kalijani are some of the favorite sites for nature lovers. Presently, a large influx of tourists can be seen in the Jayanti and Murti riverbanks.

One can also witness the celebration of rural tourism in the Dooars region. The famous Shiva temple, Jalpesh Mandir is visited by every Indian tourist. The Kharbandi Gompa monastery in Phuntsholing and the Lava monastery are other tourist favorite spots. The Buxa Fort is a site to behold and its historical glories magnify it manifold. The erstwhile Bhutanese fort was used as a prison to captivate freedom fighters like Subhash Mukhopadhyay and Krishnapada Chakraborty. Tourists claim that Suntalekhola and Sumsing have the best forest bungalows.