The Dooars region, located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, forms the rich alluvial plains of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and northern Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal. Known as the gateway to the hill destinations of Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan, this region is blessed with unmatched natural beauty.
Numerous rivers and streams, including the Teesta, Jaldhaka, Murti, Torsa, Geesh, Leesh, Neora, Kalchini, and Jayanti, flow down from the Himalayas, enriching the land. Dense forests cover much of the countryside, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The region is home to renowned forests and reserves such as Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Wildlife Reserve, Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Neora Valley National Park, and Chilapata Forests. These jungles shelter diverse wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic elephants, bison, deer species, reptiles, and rare birds.
Tourism, along with tea and timber, forms the backbone of Dooars’ economy. Key attractions include Jayanti, Buxa Fort, Bhutanghat, Murti River, Gajoldoba, Samsing, Suntalekhola, Jaldhaka, Bindu, Paren, Rongo, Totopara, and Khoirbari.
Accommodation options range from resorts and hotels near Lataguri and Madarihat to homestays in Jayanti, Buxa, and Paren, offering modern comforts with local cultural experiences. Gorumara features jeep safaris to four watchtowers and a unique bullock cart safari, while Jaldapara offers both jeep and elephant safaris. Chilapata is known for its exclusive jeep safaris.
For the best experience, tours usually begin from Mal Junction and conclude at New Alipurduar or Hasimara, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of Dooars’ western and eastern zones.