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"India's gateway to Bhutan."

Dooars tourism.

Starting from river Teesta in the East to river Sankoshi in the west, Dooars is a local name given to the floodplains of North-East India around Bhutan. The name 'Dooars' has emerged from 'door' as Dooars is the gateway to Bhutan.

Dooars comprises of several towns and districts in this region including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Siliguri , etc. Geographically, Dooars is blessed with such brilliance in its relief, imagine, the mighty range of mountains of the Eastern Himalayas in the backdrop, a band of thick forests, rich in species of Flora and Fauna, continued with tea gardens, and cut here and there by water body. Somewhere in the middle of all this is Dooars. The gateway you wouldn't want to cross heartlessly.

Places To Visit In Dooars

Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary

Sumsing and Suntalekhola

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Latpanchore

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Destination Dooars

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Dooars Tourist Spot

Dooars , a vast region located on the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, is the floodplains of Eastern Assam and the North Bengal. The Teesta River forms the western frontier of the Dooars, but the eastern line within Assam is less well defined. The Kingdom of Bhutan is to the north of the Dooars, while Bangladesh is to the south. The region is known for its diverse biodiversity, lush greenery, wildlife, and ethnic peoples and cultures. Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, and Buxa Tiger Reserve are among the area's most significant forests. Apart from the significant forest, Dooars is also known for its tranquil villages, temples, and historical sites. Due to its immensely growing popularity, Dooars has already established itself as a worth visiting place on the tourism map. Have a look at these Dooars Tourist Spots which you wouldn't want to miss during your vacation here.

Alipurduar is the newly formed district of West Bengal. It is located in the north-eastern side of West Bengal bordering Assam and Bhutan and it covers the distance of 113kms from Siliguri. Basically Alipurduar town is called a gateway to Bhutan and northeastern states of India. The entire town fully covered with scenic beauty as it is the most important town of the district. Before entering the places like Assam, Bhutan and Coochbehar alipurduar district is the most ethnic places of east zone West Bengal, one cannot cross the border without visiting the essence beauty of the town . It is a very old trading route center also and had a trading route popularly known as silk route with Bhutan and Tibet.

Banarhat is a small town in Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal, India. Banarhat is 75km distance from Siliguri and 65km from Jalpaiguri, the town is surrounded by 23 Tea gardens in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal. People of 23 tea gardens are dependent on this town for their essentials. The population of Banarhat is about 25,000 and it is spread in an area of about 900sq.km. Banarhat is connected by the state road to the district city of the Jalpaiguri and other nearby towns of Dhupguri, Gairkata, Mainaguri etc, Banarhat has one of the important railway station also. Actually this is a place where different culture of Tea Garden workers are gathered Marwaris, Bengalis Asamese, Oriya from the other side of the border and Nepalese leave together in Hearmony.

Batabari is a beautiful small village in Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal. It is located 53 km distance from Jalpaiguri. Basically Batabari is famous for its popular Batabari Tea Estate. The houses in the Batabari was made by particular bamboo species known as ‘Bata ‘which is interesting and amazing to see from outside. Basically Batabari is a small population village located near Gorumara national park. The main attraction of this village is beautiful landscape and the Tea Garden. It is in the mid of Darjeeling district and Jalpaiguri district where tourist can enjoy both sites attraction. The Batabari Tea Estate has struggled to keep its commitments towards protecting the environment and contributing in its own way to sustain nature.

Bindu is the small village surrounded by hills and forest is the last hamlet of West Bengal. It is only 107 km from Siliguri and situated just before Bhutan Boder. Bindu valley is surrounded with hills of Bhutan and India on the banks of river Jaldhaka. Bindu is popularly known for its cardamom plantation. The place is also coming up as a popular off beat tourist destination of Dooars. It the area along the banks of river Jaldhaka which is formed after conjunction of three water streams at Bindu namely Bindu khola, Dudh Pokhari and Jaldhaka. At Bindu there is a Dam over Jaldhaka River, which are controlled the water supply to the Jaldhaka Hydel Project at Jhalong and acts as a bridge for crossing over to Bhutan.

Binnaguri is a village of Dhupguri block of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal; it is a distance of 99 km from Siliguri. Binnaguri lies in deep Dooars country and close to Bhutan and Nepal border. Binnaguri is also covered by many Tea gardens likeTelepara Tea Garden, Banarhat Tea Garden, Karbala Tea Garden, Lakhipara Tea Garden, and Gandrapara Tea Garden which is very popular in Dooars region. People from Tea graden areas are fully dependent in Tea garden for initials. If there is a decline in tea industry the poverty and unemployment are increased in all the nearby areas. Most of the employment opportunities apart from the tea gardens are in the Army Cantonment, an orphanage and a local chapter of the Dooars Branch of Indian Tea Association.

Buxa is a village in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal within Buxa Tiger Reserve. Buxa is one of the oldest settlements in North Bengal. It is 14kms from Alipurduar and 180 km from Siliguri well connected by both motorable road and railways. The name has been derived from Buxa Fort-a fort at an altitude of 867 meters on the Sinchula Range guarding the most important of the eleven routs into Bhutan. Buxa is rich with bio-diversity and has a great collection of rare orchids and medicinal plants. Because of inaccessible terrain some parts of Buxa hills in the Sinchula range are still unexplored. The veritable flora and fauna of these wet forests attracts and nature lovers. Buxa National Park is the largest forest in Dooars.

Chalsa is one of the most visually attractive destinations in Dooars region .It is a small pristine town situated just on the foot of the Himalayas in the Dooars in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Chalsa is the headquarters of the Matiali community development block under the Malbazar subdivision of the Jalpaiguri district. It takes around 1.5 hours from Siliguri. This small town is fully surrounded by hills, tea gardens, rivers and forests. One part of the town is surrounded byGorumara National Park and other part with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. Through all this mixed combination Chalsa now become fine quaint village in the Dooars region. Both forests are famous for its Wildlife animals, especially for elephants, one-horned rhinoceros and gaurs. For its real natural beauty, it is known as “Queen of Doors in British India. A variety of flora and Orchids are also found here.

Chilapata is a dense natural forest near Jaldapara in Dooars region of West Bengal, It is about 20km from Alipurduar town and is within the Jalpaiguri district. Chilapata is the home of elephant, one horned rhinoceros, leopards and wild pigs, Chilapata was once infamous for dacoits, but now it is safe and a popular destination for tourists. The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation has set up an eco-tourism resort named Mendabari Jungle Camp at Kodalbasti which is 2km inside Chilapata Jungle. As river Torsha flows dawn from the hill, it travels through the plains of Dooars dividing a continuous stretch of forest into Jaldapara and Chilapata.

Coochbehar is the only well planned town located in the north eastern part of West Bengal; Coochbehar shares its borders with Assam in the East and neighbouring country Bangladesh in the south. The town Coochbehar is beautifully decorated through its striking monuments and palace . The main attraction in Coochbehar is the Palace of the Koch King with classic designed, Apart from palaces and majestic building there are multiple other tourist attraction in this culturally haven town ,its fine climate freshness, real story of the medieval period are beyond attraction. Places in Coochbehar are like worth visiting. Rath Mela, Rass Mela, Baradebi Mela are the greatest festival of Coochbehar.

Dhupjhora is a midsized small village located in the Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal. Dhupjhora is situated close to River Murti and on the outskirt of the famous Gorumara National Park. It is beautiful l settlement village which is surrounded by forests meandering rivers. Dhupjhora is also locally known as the 'Elephant camp' because of the philkana – elephant stables – located here. The person who is nature lover or interested to watch the wild life this is the right place where he should surely visit on the other sites the Bank of River Murti gives a spectacular view. Basically this is an Elephant Camp where the Forest Department’s elephants are kept and cared for.

Gajoldoba is a small village in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. It is located 25 kms distance from siliguri. It is a picturesque tourist destination on the Teesta Barrage fully surrounded by Baikunthapur Forest. Gajoldoba is 25 kms from Siliguri, Gajoldoba is a picturesque tourist destination on the Teesta Barrage, Jalpaiguri District adjacent to the Baikunthapur Forest. On the way you can visit Baikunthapur Palace & Gate, Devi Chowdhuranis Temple at Jalpaiguri Town, Tea Garden, Bhabani Pathaks’ Temple at Shikarpur Tea Estate, Bodaganj Forest, Bhramoridevis Temple at Bodaganj (21Km. from Jalpaiguri) and Teesta Barrage at Gajoldoba (Bird watching at Gajoldoba). Kathambari Forest.

Gorubathan is a small town in the Kalimpong Subdivision of Darjeeling District. The place is about 90 km from Kalimpong town (via Lava) and about 59 km from Siliguri. The place is also called Sombare among locals out there. It is situated on the east bank of the Neora and Chel River, both the rivers valley are called as picnic spot. Local children out there used to go for swimming in Chel River during summer season; it is also famous for its beautiful landscape of the Neora River, hilly alpine forests and Tea garden. The Gorubathan town is renowned for its natural beauty and there are various beautiful sites in and around the place that travellers can actually visit.

Hasimara is a small town in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal state near the borders of Bhutan. It takes 126km from Siliguri to Hasimara. The town is located central Dooars region of the district and is surrounded by Tea gardens. Hasimara lies on the way of Phuentsholing the gateway of Bhutan , and the borders is just 17 km away. Hasimara lies between two rivers running from North to South. Torsha on the west and Basra on the East, both offer picnic spots, both rivers are perennial. This small hemlet lies at the cross-roads between Alipurduar, Cooch-Behar and Phuentsholing

Jaldapara is one of the most popular forests of Dooars. Jaldapara was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary back in 1943 for the protection of Wildlife, particularly single horned Rhinos. Recently in 2012 the forests of Jaldapara has been upgraded to the status of a National Park. Jaldapara is situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar district in West Bengal. River Torsha runs through this forest sanctuary which is mostly covered with tall grasses. The Western side of River Torsha is called the Jaldapara and the Eastern side is known as Chilapata forests. Jaldapara is best known for its population of one horned Asiatic Rhinos, which is the second largest in the world after Kaziranga forests of Assam.

Jaldhaka is a situated just a few kilometres away from Jhallong in the state of West Bengal. There are not much more places to visit but it is an upcoming tourist destination. The place is actually a scenic location but there are only few tourist places to visit. The main attraction of the place is the most peaceful atmosphere, green and clean environment and it is still untouched by tourism. There is a small bazaar located at the centre of the town and this is a good place to trek around and capture the moments around Jaldhaka. Tourist can visit the main popular attraction the hydro electric power station in Jaldhaka.

Jayanti is in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal in India. It is a forest village forming a natural boundary with the Bhutan hills, some 30 kms from Alipurduar. Jayanti is one of the last destinations in Dooars, often termed as the “Queen of Dooars” this heavely forested area is close to the famous Buxa Tiger Reserve. Although the jayanti river is mostly dry throughout the year, it shores of white pebbles add to the eternal beauty of the place. A pictureaque spot along the meandering Jayanti River forming a natural border with beautiful Bhutan Hills Jayanti is a place to stretch your legs as the cool breeze brushes away all the exhaustions.

Jhalong is a small village situated on the banks of river Jaldhaka, near India-Bhutan border in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. It is just 99 kilometers from Siliguri, towards Bindu. A Hydro Electricity Project is constructed on the Jaldhaka River and it acts as a bridge for crossing over to Bhutan Jhalongis an first upcoming off beat tourist destination in the state of West Bengal in Dooars. It is another lesser-trodden offbeat wonder of DOOARS Himalayan foothills, is situated on the bank of River Jaldhaka on the way to BINDU from LATAGURI. The place is increasingly becoming popular among adventure enthusiasts and those who are interested in nature vacations.

Jhandi is a scenic valley located in the Dooars region of West Bengal; it is 87 km distance from siliguri and around 09 kilometers from Lava. While travelling through Gorubathan Mt. Kanchenjunga and a panoramic view of the Mahananda River valley will be seen. It is an area fully covered with tea plantations and forests. It is an ideal destination for those who interested in exploring a new untouched destination and in love with truly forested area. Jhandi is substantial in lush, tropical evergreen trees, Sal and Pine forest, which are home to some of India’s rarest Himalayan flora and fauna.

Kalipur Eco Village of Dooars, is enhance with an abundance of wildlife located just opposite direction of the signboard in Lataguri. It is 77km distance from Siliguri. This village will give you the true feelings of staying at Jungle side though that is not forest rest house. The small wooden cottages were beautifully hanging out there. It seems like far better life in Forest village comparing to others. It is a unique example of eco Tourism in Dooars located at the heart of Gorumara National Park.

Kolakham is an ideal destination for those adventurous bent of mind and keen nature lover visitor. It is located just 8 kilometres from Lava and is stand on a hill 6100 feet high overlooking the mighty Eastern Himalayas. It is a small village amidst the large number of nature’s creativity with panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas upto the Nathu La Pass. Kolakham is a village basically belonging to ‘Rai’ community and a village covered with 60 Nepalies family.

Lataguri is a small village located in the Jalpaiguri district state of West Bengal. Lataguri is famous for its dense forest, green grassland, splendid atmosphere, excellent sightseeing and many more. It is an ideal destination for nature and animals lovers and is also called a home of different varieties of Flora and fauna. The place is attracted tourist immensely because of its green forest, beautiful resorts, cottages, ravishing activities etc. The atmosphere of the village help tourist to refresh their mind and to cherish the moment unconditionally besides this is a perfect holiday destination for someone who wants to have a break from a tiresome and tedious life.

Latpanchar is a mesmerizing mirror of natural beauty covered with forest Cinchona plantation and oranges. It is 41kms distance from siliguri. It is located at the height of 4,500ft from sea level. It is at a distance of 13kms from kalijhora. It is popularly known as the Orange village for the Orange cultivation and production. Before reaching Latpancher the dark deep forest adds to the mystery of the place. The air remains heavy with overwhelming fragrance of flowers through all seasons. Latpancher is very popular for bird watchers also, the chirping birds welcome you while you heading towards the village. The whole road areas are flanked by Sal, Teak, Cinchona plants and different beautiful herbs.

Lava is a small hamlet situated 34 kilometres east of the Kalimpong town via Algarah in Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India. Lava is one of the quaint tourist destinations in the Darjeeling Himalayas. Lava is situated at an altitude of 7,016 feet (2,138 m) and is completely surrounded by Pine forest. It is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snow fall in winter season. It is the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong. The route to Lava is simply amazing with the change in vegetation from tropical deciduous to the wet alpine trees of fir, pine and birch. During the rainy season vegetation whole around the place of Lava remains covered with leaches.

Loleygaon (also spelt Loleygaon or Loleygaon) is a small Lepcha village situated in an extreme end of a Himalayan Ridge & located at a distance of 24 km from Lava. It comes under the Kalimpong I block in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. Loleygaon is a remarkable place for its real natural beauty of Himalayas and it gives an amazing view of Kunchendzonga and nearby mountain ranges.It is famous tourist destination spot in hills where lots of tourist arrived to captures the real natural trends out here. Loleygaon is also called nature paradise because of its ravishing terrain, green forests, serene valleys, optimistic environment etc. The place is dream land for bird watchers where varieties of birds hanged here.

Madarihat is a small village of Alipurduar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal It is 117 km distance from siliguri. This village is situated just on the outskirts of the Jaldapara wild life sanctuary which is famous for Indian Rhinoceros.It is one of the famous tourist spot in the northern part of state West Bengal which is fully surrounded by Tea Gardens, forest, hills, small rivers stream. It is also world famous for the local wooden furniture where lots of creative design furniture has been supply from here.

Malbazar is a small sub divisional town also known as Mal located in the Northern part of the State of West Bengal. It is about 65 km from Jalpaiguri town and 55 km from Siliguri. Malbazar is one of the most prominent towns in Dooars, the town is strategically located in the eastern part of the Dooars region. Malbazar is mainly known for Tea Gardens and is famous Mal Park where lots of tourist used to visit there. The word Mal means ‘goods’ and Bazar means ‘Market’ so the word Malbazar now became a famed tourist attraction area in Dooars region. Though the town Malbazar does not have much to offer to the tourist except for the beautiful Mal Park and Tea Garden but now it is one of the famous tourist spot in Dooars region.

Meteli is a block under Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri District and surrounded with many Tea Gardens. Meteli is a small beautiful village where all the surrounding area of Meteli is tourist spot. Meteli can also be termed as junctions of many Tea Gardens and it is the area of extensive Tea Plantation. Now a day’s Meteli also earning The view of Chalsa from the Hill of Meteli is worth watching. Meteli is a very old township and has one Kali temple which is very popular among the locals and surroundings people. People visiting at meteli can fully enjoy their stay with mesmerizing attraction of green Tea garden bird’s song, hills and plains together, green enverionment etc.

Mungpoo is located 33 km east of Darjeeling and 52 km north-east of Siliguri and it comes under Darjeeling district of West Bengal. As you heading towards Mongpoo, you will pass through tall pine trees, colourful flower nurseries, tea gardens and crystal clear water streams and many more herbs. Mongpoo is popular for Cinchona plantation and cultivation of other medicinal plants. We have studied that barks of Cinchona plants are used for extraction of quinine, a medicinal element used for curing malaria. There is a big Quinine factory also which is very famous in West Bengal. Basically Mungpoo is noticeable for the great poet Rabindra Nath Tagore Museum, the poet used to visit this town for its soothing and quit ambience and of course for its scenic beauty of Cinchona plantation.

Murti village is one of the elegant tourist spot locations in Dooars region of north Bengal and it is located on the bank of River Murti. It is picture perfect place for extreme nature lover and bird watchers. Murti is extremely perfect destination to get some pleasant break after hectic pressure, especially for those who want to stay around green environment with bird’s insects etc. The hilly river Murti makes the place an awesome one to fishing, bathing and having picnic out there; Camping is the most popular activity in Murti. Travellers looking for peace, serenity, exotic environment and the thrill of forest must visit Murti. The real beauty of the place lies in the knee deep crystal clear water of the river Murti, dense forest and wild animals.

Nagrakata is a small town surrounded by 14 Tea gardens together named as Dooars Tea Company around 60 km north-east of Siliguri. Nagrakata is headquarters of Nagrakata (community development block) in Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal. Nagrakata railway station is very important station for dispatching CTC Tea all over the world, the natural beauty of Nagrakata attracts the Britishers at that time so they planted lots of Tea gardens, roads and trains line properly made for the development of the town. Now Nagrakata became one of the famous tourist’s spot of North Bengal because of its scenic beauty and green tea gardens.

Neora Valley National Park is situated in the Kalimpong subdivision under Darjeeling District, West Bengal, and was established in 1986. The name Neora is derived from the River Neora flowing through it and it spreads over an area of 88 km² and is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast. Neora Valley is called as the land of the elegant red panda, It is also believe that the clean habitat with rugged inaccessible hilly terrain and lavish diverse flora and fauna making this park an important wilderness zone. The entire forest is covered by mountains streams which are ravishing to see and feel the real natural fragrance.

Oodlabari is a small town on the National Highway 31 that passes through Dooars. The small-scale town is located about 40 kms from Siliguri. On the west of the town is river Leesh and on its east is river Chel. Odlabari exist in the mid of between two river. To the south of the town, just 5 kms away is the forests of Baikunthapur with its famed for Kathambari range that is home of Asiatic elephants. Towards the North of Oodlabari, distance for about 4 kms to reach the beautiful foothills of the Himalayas. The location of Oodlabari makes it one of the most striking destinations of Dooars. However the town itself has a wearisome look but is advanced to attract tourist for its real natural look.

Paren in Dooars is another small village on the edges of the Neora Valley National Park. It covers a distance of 112kms from siliguri and 10km away from Jaldhaka. Paren is popular for its forest area, hilly terrain, meandering rivers and agricultural fields, it is an ideal destination for nature lover. It’s a small scheduled village with four little cottages and the entire region is covered with emerald green vegetation. The beauty of Paren is made more eco-friendly by the mini Hydel power station adjacent to the cottages which supplies Power to the Paren.

Raimatang is a small forest village located on the river Raimatang in Dooars in Buxa Tiger Reserve and is surrounded by evergreen forest, hills and river. It comes under Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal covers a distance of 146kms from siliguri. Basically Raimatang village has been popular place for the adventures tourist who is nature lover fond of silence environment, cheerful with sounds of birds insects, glimpse of colourful butterflies, curious of different trees small forest house etc.

Rajabhatkhawa

Raja Bhat Khawa is a small elegant town near Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. It is 150km distance from Siliguri and 15km from Alipurduar. Rajabhatkhawa is enriched with plenty of sightseeing destinations, the place is a depot of flora and fauna, and it is one of the main centres for eco tourism surrounded by emerald green forest and hills this striking hamlet is an idyllic spot experiencing green darkness. The region is admired by the tourist with a number of beautiful trekking trails. Wildlife safaris, bird watching and trekking are the supreme activities of this place. Serving as an entry point of nearby forest, this little town is bounded by rivers like Raidak and Jayanti.

Ramsai is a trifling village of jalpaiguri district on the eastern side of Gorumara National Park. It is located at a distance of 77 km from siliguri. This place is around an Hour Journey from Lataguri. Just after Lataguri there is a road towards right side and through a village and that road goes to Ramsai. Now Ramsai became one of the impactful tourism in North berngal There were plenty of interesting places to visit around Ramsai, recent tourist development and increasing tourist movement in the area has brought prestige to the place. Another prominent place near Ramsai is Gourumara National park which enhances further development of Ramsai. The Medla watch tower of Gorumara National Park is located just next to Ramsai.

Samsing is a small village in the area of Dooars, located at a distance of 82 km. from Siliguri and it takes around 3 hours to reach from Siliguri. The journey to Samsing is precisely admirable; as we gradually drive uphill from plains we come around the place like completely different which create eccentric feelings. It is another great beauty spot of Dooars. It is a sleepy perfect village truly covered with full of oranges orchard in season. It is extremely shady haunt for nature lovers. Samsing is a distinctive place to visit because of its beautifully tended huts, the green hill slopes, the orange orchards and the Cardamom plantations. It is also famous for its landscape, green Tea garden, hills and forests.

Sillery Gaon

Sillery Gaon is located 96 km from New Jalpaiguri via Kalimpong town, it is an unstained Himalayan village hanged at an altitude of 6000 ft. is an ideal romantic flee. The name “Sillery” is derived from the name of a plant that grows in abundance in the region. Sillery Gaon offers a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjungha touching and its allied peaks. The entire surroundings of the place are covered with serenity splendid natural beauty and green and clean environment. This area also thrives in Cinchona Plantation which was introduced in this region by the British.

Suntalekhola

Suntalekhola or Suntaley Khola (also Suntaleykhola) is a small village and a tourist spot in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The altitude of the place ranges from 650 to 950 m. In Nepali, Suntaley means orange and khola means stream. This place is nearly 5 km from Samsing, which is also a small picturesque serene villag with full of tourist attraction. The green patch on the left side of the way to Suntalekhola is amazing and holds many varities of birds and butterflies. Species of birds are found here include pond heron, black eagle, hill partridge, red-vented bulbul, ashy wood pigeon,bronzed drongo, white-throated fantail, blue rock thrush, scarlet minivet, lesser racket-tailed drongo, rufous sibia, grey treepie, spangled drongo and common green magpie.

Todey and Tangata Village is situated in close proximity of the Bindu village. It comes under Darjeeling district of West Bngal. This is a village of Tamang, dukpa and Bhutia community, known for its very serene landscape. These are two small villages ahead of Bindu in the Neora Valley National Park area. The whole area is famous for cardamom and Orange production. Tourism infrastructure is just getting developed here and limited tourist accommodations available. However Todey Tangta can be visited based in Bindu or Jhalong from where Todey village is about an hour’s drive through Paren.

Major things to do in Dooars Tourist Spot

Dooars is full of surprises and scenically blessed places. Whether you are seeking for some tranquil places to get closer to nature or some bustling towns to experience the urban lifestyle of Dooars, there is always something for everyone.

Explore Gorumara National Park

It is a must-visit place in Dooars which has lured thousands of wanderers to visit this wildlife park from all around the world. Replete with various flora and fauna, here you can have a thrilling Jungle Safari or Elephant Safari amidst the lush green forest. Due to the animals like the One-horned Rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tiger, this particular park has become one of the utmost destinations to visit among travelers with our Dooars Tour Packages. Except from 15th June to 15th September, Gorumara National Park can be visited at any time of the year. Gorumara National Park remains closed Mid-June to Mid-September. Hence, February to the first half of June is the best time to visit the National Park.

Explore Jaldapara National Park

Replete with one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, sambar, deer, wild boars, reptiles, peacocks, etc, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary has gained a lot of popularity among tourists throughout these years. A thrilling ride on the back of a humongous animal named an elephant is going to be a memorable journey of a lifetime. Get closer to the other wild animals and have a jaw-dropping view of the lush green forest in a way that you never imagined before. The season of winter is the best time to visit Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Summer is also preferable due to its clear and pleasant weather. Furthermore, the months like October, November, December, March, and May are the idle months to visit Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Visit offbeat Tourist Spots in Dooars

Tourist Spots in Dooars also consist of many offbeat destinations- the major ones being Jhalong, Bindu, Samsing, Suntalekhola, and Rocky Island. These offbeat destinations are all about serenity and the beauty of nature unlike the forested area of Dooars. The hydroelectric project on river Jaldhaka attracts many tourists towards these offbeat destinations. Visitors usually spend quality time here in these offbeat destinations with their friends and family doing picnics, enjoying leisure walks, and more.

Go for Birding in Dooars Tourist Spot

There are many tourist spots in Dooars which are truly heaven for bird watchers. Visit Buxa Tiger Reserve to witness 516 species of birds. Neora Valley National Park is another tourist spot in Dooars quite ideal for birding. Other than these places, the other worth noting birding spots in Dooars are Gorumara National Park, Rasikbill Bird Sanctuary, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Many rare and popular birds in Dooars are- Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Golden-throated Barbet, Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo, Lesser Cuckoo, Brown Wood Owl, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Scarlet Minivet, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Golden Headed Black Finch, Khalij Pheasant, Lesser Whistling Teal, Northern Shoveler, Bronze-winged Jacana, Collared Falconet, Red-tailed Minla, Himalayan Cutia, Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, White-eyed Pochard, Common Teal, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Rufous-throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, etc.

Explore Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Differentiated by the Murti River, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is the continuation of Gorumara National Park. Stretched between 960 hectares of land, full of unique flora & fauna, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the major tourist attractions of Dooars who visit Gorumara National Park. The sighting of wild animals such as spotted deer, barking deer, elephants, and Indian Bison is the main reason for Chapramari's popularity. The nearby bank of the Murti River is a popular picnic spot with a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. With our Chapramari Dooars Tour Packages. Chapramri stays closed from 15th June to 15th September due to the breeding season of wild animals. Winter is the best time to visit Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary as, during the season of winter, the weather stays charming and quite pleasant.

Explore Chilapata Forest

Situated just 22km away from Alipurduar and very close to Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilapata Forest is a popular name among tourists due to its large population of one-horned rhinoceros. Replete with lush green trees, activities like Jungle Safari, Bird Watching, and angling can be enjoyed here with our Dooars Tour Packages. Moreover, there are many other wild animals located in Chilapata Forest such as elephants, Leopard, chital, bison, Indian hog deer, sambar deer, etc. Since the forest of Dooars remains closed from mid-July to mid-September, the best time to visit Chilpata Forest is during the season of winter. It is advisable to ignore visiting the forests of Dooars during the season of Monsoon.

Visit the Historical Buxa Fort

Within Buxa Tiger Reserve and at an elevation of 867 meters above sea level, the ruins of Buxa Fort are truly worth visiting. There is a long history associated with Buxa First. Prior to the occupation of the British, the Buxa Fort was used by the Bhutanese king to protect the region connecting Tibet with India via Bhutan. During the British occupation of the Fort, it was reconstructed again from a bamboo wood structure to a stone structure. The British used the fort as a prison to captivate some notable freedom-fighters of India such as Krishnapada Chakraborty, Amar Prasad Chakraborty, Subhash Mukhopadhyay, and more.

Explore Buxa Tiger Reserve

Situated in the Alipurduar District of West Bengal, Buxa Tiger Reserve is one of the 15th Tiger Reserves of India. Spread over an area of 745km, Buxa Tiger Reserve is a fascinating place to visit during your trip to Dooars with our Dooars Tour Packages. Specially dedicated to preserving Royal Bengal Tiger, Buxa Tiger Reserve is also a natural habitat of many other wild animals such as One Horned Rhinoceros, Deer, Hog, Bison, etc. Winter is the ideal time to visit Buxa Tiger Reserve. Summer is also preferable as the sky and weather stay clear during this time. However, Monsoon is not the idle time to visit Buxa Tiger Reserve as the roads get muddy and become not idle for driving.

Dooars Tourism-Top 10 Mesmerizing Places to Visit

Top 10 Mesmerizing Places to Visit While Travelling in Dooars

The Dooars or Duars are the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in North-East India around Bhutan. Duar means ‘door’ and the region forms the gateway to Bhutan from India. There are 18 passages or gateways through which the Bhutanese people can communicate with the people living in the plains. This region is divided by the Sankosh River into the Eastern and the Western Dooars. The Western Dooars is known as the Bengal Dooars and the Eastern Dooars as the Assam Dooars. Dooars is synonymous with the term Terai used in Nepal and northern India and form the only nitrate rich plain in India.Explore best of Dooars Tourism here.

You can see wild elephants, one-horned rhinos, bison, leopards, several species of deers, snakes, wild boars and many other animals as well as many types of birds including lots of peacocks in these dense forests.

Top 5 Forests to visit in Dooars

• Gorumara National Park
• Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
• Jaldapara National Park

Chilapata Forest

• Buxa Tiger Reserve

Everything You Need To Know About Dooars Tourism, All Information,Handpicked Accommodation in Dooars,Weather, Best Itinerary of Dooars

The Dooars valley (also called Duars) is the floodplains of Northern Bengal and Eastern Assam . The Western Boundary of Dooars is formed by Teesta River , whereas its Eastern boundary within Assam is not very clearly defined. To the North of Dooars is the Kingdom of Bhutan and to its South is Bangladesh. The Bengal part of Dooars, which stretches from River Teesta on the west to River Sankosh on the east, is an area covering roughly 130 km by 40 km. The area forms a major part of the Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar district and is one of the most important tourist areas.

Tourism in Dooars

Dooars is famous for its rich biodiversity, forests, wildlife and ethnic people and their culture. The most notable forests of the area include Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve . For years travelers and nature lovers have been exploring the area, though organized tourism set foot in Dooars only towards the end of 20th century. During the last two decades, tourism grew with leaps and bounds in Dooars. The first destination to come into prominence was Gorumara National Park. Soon Jaldapara and Buxa also started to claim their pride place of prominence in the tourism map. Soon tourists started to discover the hidden treasures of Dooars in every other bent of the road.

Dooars Weather And Best Time To Visit Dooars

Planning A Trip To Dooars? Here’s a snapshot of Dooars weather and the best time to visit Dooars Dooars is an extensive alluvial floodplains located in the northeastern part of the country, forming a gateway to Bhutan. It is a beautiful terrain comprising the floodplains, Himalayan ranges in the backdrop, dense forests and luscious green tea gardens. The weather and climate of Dooars is quite similar to the one experienced in north Bengal, characterized by long winters and heavy monsoon showers. Here’s a guide to show you the best time to visor Dooars.

Summer (March to June) Summer months do witness an increase in the temperatures and they hover around the 21°C and 31°C mark. But it is not as hot and sultry as it is in the plains. While the summer is not extreme it may however become uncomfortable during the peak afternoons. Hence it is not considered one of the best times to visit the area.

Monsoon (July to September) Monsoon sets in, in the month of June and continues till September. In June the rainfall remains moderate but as months go by, particularly during the months of August and September, the showers become torrential. Due to heavy rainfall the sanctuaries too remain closed hence it’s not much fun visiting Dooars during these months except for the lush greenery that surrounds the whole area. Nature lovers may find it the best time to explore the fascinating region.

Winter (October to February) As the temperatures start dipping, Dooars becomes the most favored destination for tourists. As monsoon recedes, it leaves behind an absolutely gorgeously green surrounding that is intoxicating. There are no rains, skies remain crystal clear and weather is perfect for visiting the sanctuaries and enjoying the beauty of nature. A tourism festival called ‘Teesta Tea and Tourism fest’ is celebrated with much fervor in winter. Activities like paragliding, jungle safari and river rafting are also very popular among the adventurous tourists. In December and January, the temperatures can dip as low as 0°C but mostly hover around 10°C and 23°C.

How To Reach Dooars

Planning A Trip To Dooars? Here are some guidelines on how to reach Dooars Located in northeastern part of India in West, south of the outer foothills of the Himalayas are the alluvial floodplains commonly known as the Dooars. The floodplains stretch about 30 km in width and 350 km in length from the Teesta River. Part of the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands ecoregion, it forms the gateway to the neighboring country of Bhutan. Dense forests and acres of tea gardens dot the landscape and are stunningly beautiful. A favorite tourist destination for many, Dooars is fairly accessible from different parts of the country.

By Air Dooars which lies in the lap of nature does not have an airport. The closest aerodrome is Bagdogra located about 70 km from Dooars. From the airport tourists can reserve a pre-paid taxi from the pre-paid taxi counter at the airport. The taxis go to both the Gorumara National Park as well as Jaldapara.

By Rail The nearest major railway junction near Dooars is at New Jalpaiguri (NJP). It is about 60 km from the station and from here tourists can take pre-paid taxis to reach the desired destinations in Jaldapara, Murti, Buxa, Lataguri etc. There is another station near Malbazar, the New Mal Junction which is closest to Dooars but not too many trains come here. Kanchankanya Express from Sealdah is one of the few popular trains that reach New Mal Junction. So for those who are looking to visit Gorumara National Park can get off here. From here they can take taxis or buses to reach their destination.

By Road Dooars is well connected by roads from all major junctions. So it can be reached from NJP, from Bagdogra by taxi or bus. There are bus services operating between NJP and Coochbehar and travel through different points in Dooars. The bus from NJP leaves around 8:30 am via Siliguri making several stops which allow tourists to get off at their point of preference. From NJP or Bagdogra tourists can reach PC Mittal bus terminus in Siliguri by taxi to board buses leaving or different destinations in that region.

Chapramari Forest

Chapramari is a forest in Dooars area of North Bengal. The forest is a continuation of the Gorumara forests. The two forests are separated by the Murti river which passes through the otherwise continuous forest. Whereas Gorumara is a National Park, Chapramari is only is a wildlife sanctuary. For most tourists the distinction between Chapramari and Gorumara is only theoretical as they may stay in a resort close to Gorumara but visit Chapramari for sightseeing tours or vice versa. As in case of other forests of Dooars, wildlife sighting remains the main attraction for most tourists visiting Chapramari. Dooars Tourism

How to Go- Passing through Dooars by NH31 and to reach Chalsa crossing about 2 hours or 60 kms from NJP. From here till Nagrakata (about 12 kms away) on both side of the road, there is Chapramari forest and after crossing the Murti river can be reached the Jaldhaka river. Best time to Visit- 15th Oct to 15th June

Jhalong,Bindu,Paren & Jaldhaka

A small picturesque hill village on the Indo- Bhutan border Bindu is a little known tourist destination in lower Kalimpong foothills. The journey to Bindu via Chalsa-Khunia-Jhalong is a fascinating one as the road passes through the beautiful tea gardens, high forests, river valleys and small quiet villages.

Jhalong is a small village situated on the banks of river Jaldhaka, near India-Bhutan border in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling district in West Bengal. Bird lovers can enjoy a varied collection of hill Birds includes Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Redstart, Laughing Thrush as well as migratory waterfowl here.

How to Go- The Nearest rail Station is Malbazar Best time to Visit- Oct to June

Samsing,Suntalekhola & Rocky Island

Samsing is wonderful mountain village located at an altitude of 3,000ft. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and located at the eastern end of Neora Valley National Park.

5kms from Samsing is another small village Suntalekhola also known for its pristine natural beauty with tea gardens, forests and orange orchards. There is a hanging (suspension) bridge here over Murti river which is a popular attraction for tourists.

Lataguri and Gorumara National Park

Gorumara national park is an important national park of north bengal. It is situated just at the foot hills of eastern himalaya in terai region, on the floodplains in murti, raidak. Jaldhaka a tributary of brahmaputra flows just beside the national park. Gorumara has mixed vegetation of forest and grassland. It is famous for its good population of one horned indian rhino. How to go- malbazar is the nearest railway station. Best time to visit- oct to june

Madarihat & Jaldapara NP

The Jaldapara Sanctuary covers 216 sq km, is a mosaic of woods, grasslands, perennial streams, sandy river banks and extensive belts of tall grass. It contains a great diversity of flora and fauna of mixed deciduous forest, grasslands and river banks. How to Go- Madarihat is the nearest railway station. Dooars Tourism Best time to Visit- Oct to June

Chilapata Forest is a dense forest close to Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Dooars, West Bengal. It is nearly 22 km from Alipurduar and just a few minutes away from Hasimara town. This forest is used by the Elephants as a corridor to migrate between Jaldapara and the Buxa Tiger Reserve and ultimately to Bhutan.

How to Go- Hasimara is the nearest rail station about 10 kms away from Chilapata. Alipurduar is a major rail junction (20 kms). Best time to Visit- 15th Oct to 15th June

Sikiajhora Forest

Sikiajhora is a rivulet which meanders through the Buxa Tiger Reserve and enters the plains of Dooars at Panialguri to meet another flamboyant river Bala, which too originates from the Jayanti Hills and Buxa Forest. Rich in biodiversity, Sikiajhora is home to a healthy population of birds and butterflies.

How to Go- The Nearest rail Station to Sikiajhora is Alipurduar Junction. New Jalpaiguri is approximately 150 kms from Buxa Fort. Bagdogra airport is around 160 kms away

Best time to Visit- 15th Oct to 15th June

Raimatang is a small forest village inside the Buxa Tiger Reserve surrounded by towering lush hills of Bhutan. Its beauty lies in its mix of forests, hills, rivers and tea gardens. Moreover, it is on the western side of Sinchula hills that adds to its solitude.. It is located 45 km away from Alipurduar. Kalchini is the nearest town. you have to cross the Raimatang river to reach our property.

How to Go- The Nearest rail Station is Alipurduar Junction.

Best time to Visit- Oct to June Learn More

Buxa & Jayanti

The Buxa Fort is one of the prime attractions of Buxa Tiger Reserve. Buxa Fort is located at an altitude of 867 meters in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar. Buxa fort is about 30 km from Alipurduar town and about 18 km from Rajabhatkhawa. From Rajabhatkhawa, you have to enter the forest and drive for about 14 km to reach Suntalabari. From here a trek of about 4 km will take you to the fort.

How to Go- The Nearest rail Station to Buxa Fort is Alipurduar Junction. New Jalpaiguri is approximately 150 kms from Buxa Fort. Bagdogra airport is around 160 kms away Best time to Visit- 15th Oct to 15th June Learn More

Fagu Tea Estate

The regal Tea bungalow of Fagu is about 100 years old and was built during the British Colonial Era. The Bungalow reflects strong imprints of the British style and features strong impressions of the British architecture. The Bungalow has the ideal features of a British country house lawn that served as a gathering place for small afternoon tea-parties and evening rendezvous.

How to Go- Malbazar is the nearest railway station. Best time to Visit- Oct to June

Best Tour Packages of Dooars

• DOOARS TOUR PACKAGE 4NIGHTS 5DAYS
• DOOARS TOUR PACKAGE 5N/6D

Online Booking Link of Forest Safari & Elephant Ride in Dooars-Gorumara,Jaldapara & Chilapata

• +919830011715
• 11A Hari Pada Dutta Lane, Kolkata-700033, West Bengal, India
• [email protected]

Payment info and Terms

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Dooars Travel Guide: Attractions, Activities, How to Reach

Tucked away in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, the Dooars region is one of India’s best-kept secrets. This verdant stretch of land, with its dense forests, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife, serves as a gateway to Bhutan and the northeastern states of India. Whether you’re an avid nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone in search of tranquility, Dooars offers an array of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know to plan your journey to this exquisite part of India.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Dooars?

Dooars, derived from the word ‘doors’, signifies its role as the gateway to Bhutan and the North-Eastern states of India. Spanning over the districts of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and parts of Darjeeling , the region is famed for its lush tea gardens, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. The area’s rich biodiversity, coupled with its vibrant culture and history, makes it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Dooars

Alipurduar: the gateway to the east.

Alipurduar, the northeastern gem of West Bengal , serves as a crucial gateway to Bhutan and the northeastern states of India. Positioned 113 kms from Siliguri, this newly formed district is a tapestry of scenic beauty and a testament to the rich ethnic diversity of West Bengal. Its significance as an old trading route center, particularly known as the Silk Route with Bhutan and Tibet, adds to its historical charm.

Banarhat: The Tea Garden Hamlet

A small town nestled in the Jalpaiguri district, Banarhat, stands amidst 23 sprawling tea gardens, making it a vital hub for the local tea garden communities. Located 75km from Siliguri , it’s a melting pot of diverse cultures including Marwaris, Bengalis, Assamese, Oriyas, and Nepalese, living together in harmony.

Batabari: Amidst Tea and Bamboo

Just 53 km away from Jalpaiguri, Batabari is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and the iconic Batabari Tea Estate. This village, near Gorumara National Park, is characterized by houses made from a unique species of bamboo called ‘Bata,’ offering a fascinating glimpse into local architecture and lifestyle.

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Bindu A The Last Hamlet Village

Bindu, a serene village surrounded by the lush greenery of the Himalayas and the dense forests of Dooars, is located just before the Bhutan border, 107 km from Siliguri. Famous for its cardamom plantation, Bindu is an emerging offbeat destination offering tranquility and natural beauty by the banks of river Jaldhaka.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

In the heart of the Alipurduar district lies Buxa, a village within the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Known for the historic Buxa Fort, this area is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare orchids, medicinal plants, and, of course, the elusive Bengal tiger. It’s a must-visit for those looking to explore the untamed wilderness of Dooars.

Chalsa The Queen of Dooars

Chalsa, a quaint town in the Jalpaiguri district, is often referred to as the “Queen of Dooars”. Surrounded by the Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s a destination that boasts rich wildlife, including elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and gaurs. Its natural beauty and strategic location make it a perfect base for exploring the diverse attractions of Dooars.

Jaldapara National Park

Jaldapara National Park, known for its significant population of the one-horned Asiatic rhinos, is a wildlife sanctuary that was declared a national park in 2012. Situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Alipurduar district, it offers a unique adventure into the heart of nature, with river Torsha flowing through its grassy plains.

Exploring More Attractions of Dooars

Dooars is not just about the destinations mentioned above. Places like Gajoldoba, with its scenic Teesta Barrage and the adjoining Baikunthapur Forest, and Malbazar, known for its tea gardens and Mal Park, add to the region’s charm. Each place in Dooars has its unique story, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored.

Activities in Dooars

Wildlife safari.

Exploring the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries on a jeep or elephant safari is one of the best ways to experience the rich biodiversity of Dooars. It’s an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat and capture stunning photographs.

River Rafting

For adventure seekers, the rivers in Dooars offer exhilarating white-water rafting experiences. The Teesta and Torsha rivers are popular spots, providing varying levels of difficulty to cater to both beginners and experienced rafters.

Cultural Tours

Dooars is not just about natural beauty; it’s also rich in culture and heritage. Visiting local villages, interacting with indigenous communities, and experiencing their traditional dances and music can offer deep insights into the region’s cultural fabric.

Best Time to Visit and Weather

Understanding the climate of Dooars is crucial for planning your trip. The region experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by mild summers, heavy monsoons, and cold, foggy winters. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you choose the best time for your visit:

Summer (March to Early October)

Summer in Dooars is pleasantly mild, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 31°C. July is the warmest month, but the heat remains bearable, making summer an ideal time to explore the lush landscapes and wildlife.

Monsoon (End of July to September)

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, with an average of 48 cm, transforming the area into a vibrant green haven. However, note that wildlife sanctuaries close from 15th June to 14th September due to the rains, limiting access to some of the region’s attractions.

Winter (November to February)

Winters are cold and foggy, with temperatures dipping to 5°C – 8°C in January. Despite the chill, winter is a fantastic time for bird watching, as Dooars hosts a variety of unique bird species during this season.

Given its diverse climate, Dooars offers distinct experiences with each season. However, the summer months are generally considered the best time to visit, offering comfortable weather for exploring the outdoors. It’s important to note that the forest area of Dooars remains closed from 15th June to 15th September annually.

How to Reach Dooars

Dooars is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it accessible from various parts of India.

The primary mode of transportation in Dooars is by road. NH31 is the main highway serving the area, with Dooars located 56km from Siliguri. Visitors can easily reach Dooars by hiring a car from Siliguri, ensuring a comfortable and flexible journey through the picturesque landscapes.

For those coming from afar, boarding a train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the best option. NJP serves as a major railway hub, connecting Siliguri with other regions, and is the nearest railway station to Dooars.

Travelers can also fly to Bagdogra Airport to reach Dooars. Upon arrival at NJP or Bagdogra, you can hire a car from reputable car rental agencies like Himalayan Wheels to reach your desired destinations within Dooars.

Accommodation

Dooars offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from luxury resorts and forest lodges to budget hotels and homestays. Staying in a forest lodge provides a unique experience, allowing you to stay close to nature and maybe even spot wildlife from your room.

Travel Tips

• Permits: Certain areas in Dooars require entry permits, especially those near international borders. Ensure you have the necessary permits arranged in advance.
• Health Precautions: Carry mosquito repellents and be aware of leeches during the monsoon. Vaccinations for tropical diseases are recommended.
• Respect Nature: Always follow the guidelines and instructions provided by forest officials and tour guides to ensure the safety of both the wildlife and yourself.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying the local cuisine, which is a blend of Bengali and North-Eastern flavors. Tea from the local estates is also a must-try.

Dooars is a region that mesmerizes with its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural tapestry. It offers a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and adventure. Whether it’s the thrill of a wildlife safari, the tranquility of tea gardens, or the adrenaline rush of river rafting, Dooars has something for everyone. With careful planning and respect for nature, your trip to this enchanting region can be an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the green gateway to the Himalayas – the magnificent Dooars.

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Dooars: All Info, Suggested Tour Itineraries and Best Places to Stay

Dooars as a tourism destination.

The Dooars is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya mountain range. It is a magnificent region full of green hills and valley, jungle, rivers and tea plantations. The origin of the name comes from the Bengali word “Duar” which means door or gateway.

This vast region acts as a doorway to major Himalayan Wildlife habitats. It also functions as the gateway to the hills in India and Bhutan. It is the home of many exotic species and rich in the exquisite natural beauty. Major rivers like Teesta, Jaldhaka, Murti, Torsa etc. flow through this nitrate-rich valley.

The three “T”- Tourism, Tea and Timber plays the role of most important economic factors in this area. The winter is chilly and the summer weather is pleasing. When the weather is clear, blue sky and green jungle welcome you to this piece of paradise in North Bengal.

Different Parts and Places of Dooars:

Dooars is a region full of diversity. With its huge area, the landscape, weather and beauty changes frequently from one place to the other. Tourists flock to this region to enjoy the beauty of the hills, rivers and forests. Winter temperature falls rapidly here, and the summer is soothing.

The rain is abundant; the trees grow to their full potential and length, forming a canopy. The good condition of the roads makes it one of the best monsoon destination in the state too. The ecstatic beauty of the eye-soothing verdure forest and the sweet song of the birds will provide you with the inner peace and calmness you seek after a tiring urban life.

Dooars tourism highlights and takes pride in the majestic mountains, various flora and fauna, tea gardens, perennial and lively springs, sandy river shores and the wide patches of grassland. There are several colonial-era heritage buildings in this area, especially near the tea-gardens.

Located in the prime spots, they provide an enchanting view over the surrounding area of gardens, hills and river bed. If you are driven by wanderlust, Dooars is a must-visit place for you.

After a day of visiting the major sightseeing points, relax under the starry sky in front of a bonfire, or watch the sunrise from the balcony of your room with a cup of tea in your hand- Dooars offers you numerous choices.

You can go to the tourist-favourite places, or explore the less-crowded options, which are unspoilt and nature is in their full glory.

Dooars Wildlife

If your passion is to explore wildlife and take the pictures in their natural habitat, Dooars forests are the perfect place for you. There are many places of interest in Dooars to visit for enjoying the wild beauty. The major forest areas in this region are Jaldapara and Gorumara National Park, and Buxa tiger reserve.

These places are rich in wildlife.

You can easily find the mighty rhino and elephants in here when you take part in the salaries. The jeep safaris are faster, and the elephant safari can take you close to the wild animals. The other common animal and birds include deer, python, turtle, peacocks, Drongo, Indian pied hornbill, etc.

There are several watch-towers placed inside the forest core area. You can watch wildlife without disturbing them from there. You would need prior permission from the forest department for this experience though. Coupled with the salt pits, these places offer a great chance to see the herds of the majestic animals.

If you prefer seclusion and beauty, tourism in Jayanti forest and hill area will be the perfect choice for you. Part of Buxa tiger reserve, the place with the view of Bhutan hills and the beautiful stream, is famous as the “Queen of the Dooars.”

Sight-seeing options in Dooars:

There are many beautiful places to visit in Dooars, and it would take over a month if you plan to hit all the tourist spots of Dooars in a stretch. We are listing the major places for sightseeing in Dooars below and attaching a map for a better idea of the place:

Lataguri and Gorumara

It is one of the major and most crowded tourist-spot. Lataguri is the gateway into Gorumara National park, famous for the rhino and elephant population. Another entry point in the national park is Murti, which is less crowded but rich in natural beauty.

Jaldapara and Madarihat

Jaldapara is another national park in this area with a vast grassland and riverside forests. Besides the Rhino and Elephant, it is famous for several threatened faunal species. You can find birds like Bengal Florican, Crested Eagle, Fishing Eagle, Pied hornbill etc. in here. Madarihat is a small town and the entry point to this national park.

You can also visit the nearby Chilapata forest. Here, the major attraction includes the ruin of an ancient castle, famous as “NalrajaGarh”. If you are lucky, you will see Indian Bisons and leopards in this region.

Samsing is a small hilly village on the way to Suntale Khola. Both these places are ideal for nature lovers, with a slow uphill ride, and picturesque tea gardens on both sides of the way.

Buxa Tiger Reserve and National Park

This place is at the north-east corner of West Bengal, at the Indo-Bhutan Border. Buxa was declared a tiger reserve in 1983, and national park in 1992. It has the second highest tiger population in West Bengal after Sundarbans. The place is also famous for the endangered flora and fauna, and the medicinal plants.

On the bank of river Shisamara, it is a tranquil place in the Jaldapara National park area. It is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The place is away from the noise and pollution of city life, and it offers a chance to see rhinos from close proximity too.

It is an extension of Gorumara National park, separated by Murti River. It is one of the oldest reserve areas in this region due to the floral and faunal diversity. You can go for Jeep Safari here, that takes you to the watchtower

It is one of the major destinations in the Dooars area. Here, river Jayanti creates a border between Bhutan hills and West Bengal. There are several amazing trekking trails with a quaint view. It is crowned as the “Queen of Dooars for its beautiful hill and river view.

This is a new and upcoming destination in Dooars area. On the west side of the Teesta River, the place and the dam was already a destination for the migratory birds. The barrage and the surrounding area is home to many birds and animals. In the near future, the area is expected to become one of the high-end tourist destinations of North Bengal, with the development of infrastructure.

Dooars Weather and Temperature

Weather and temperature across the year in dooars:.

The weather in Dooars is pleasant throughout the year. In summer the temperature does not go above 26°C, which is relatively less than the surrounding areas. In winter, it goes down to 2-3°C but does not touch the freezing point in general.

As the place is at the mountain foothills, it experiences longer monsoon though.  For these favourable weather condition, the forest canopy grows very fast and the hills often stay green.

In the table below, we can get a basic idea of the temperature throughout the year

From the month of October to February, it is winter in the Dooars. The temperature goes down gradually and when the sun comes out- the weather becomes pleasant.

With the progress of winter, the mercury may drop near the freezing point, but snow is very uncommon in this area. Generally, the temperature hovers around 5 – 20°C. This pleasant weather is the perfect time for local festivals like the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival between November and December.

The season begins in June with sporadic rains, but July is the true beginning of the monsoon season in here. It lasts till September, sometimes early October.

The average rainfall here varies between 35 – 50 cm. Between July and August, it rains cats and dogs in this region. The rivers run beyond capacity and the barrages often overload. This time of the year is the breeding season of the animals, so most of the sanctuaries remain closed between mid-June and mid-September.

The season begins in March and continues until early June. The temperature ranges from 20 to 35°C. The morning and evening are very pleasant, but the noon and early afternoon hours face scorching heat, especially near the sandy riverbeds.

The grassland withers, the rise in the heat and humidity level become uncomfortable for the tourists. This season has a relatively better chance of wildlife sighting owing to a less amount of greenery.

Best Time to Visit Dooars

The best time to visit Dooars is in the winter seasons. This time the weather is pleasant and perfect for enjoying the jungle safaris. As monsoon just ends, the rain transforms the forest into a green paradise and the rivers run full to the brim. The weather remains pleasantly cool during the day and cold in the night. Therefore travellers consider winter to be the best time to explore the sanctuaries and enjoy the jungle safaris.

How to Reach Dooars

The monsoon is not the most favourite time for general tourists. However, for the romantic, off-beat travellers and the adrenaline-freaks, it is a great time to come and experience the rain-soaked forest life. The roads are in comparatively good condition which makes it a major monsoon travel destination in West Bengal.

Except for the peak season, summer is a good time to visit and enjoy the beauty too, if you are ready to brave the heat and humidity in the noon.

Dooars is basically a vast spread of forest and greenery at the foothill of the mountain, with major points of interest like Gorumara and Jaldapara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Samsing, Jayanti etc. Kolkata, the city of joy, the queen of hills, is well connected to Dooars by road and railways.

The major routes are as follows:

Kolkata to Dooars Via Train

The biggest and well-connected rail station in this area is New Jalpaiguri Jn. You can hire cars to reach almost all the major points from here. However, there are other rail stations for specific destinations i.e. New Mal Jn. (For Gorumara, Malbazar, Murti), Hasimara (Jaldapara) etc.

Kolkata to Dooars through Road:

You can easily board a bus from Esplanade bus depot in Kolkata to reach Siliguri. From there you can book a car or share a taxi to reach Dooars.

There is a bus service between NJP station and Coochbehar that goes through various locations in Dooars.

The bus leaves NJP at 8:30 am, takes Sevoke road to go through Mongpong forest area reaching Malbazar at 10:30 am, Gorumara Jungle Camp near Murti area at 11:15 am, Lataguri at 11:40 am, Jaldapara at 2:20 pm, Hasimara at 3.05pm and Rajabhatkhawa (near Buxa) at 4 pm.

If you want to drive from Kolkata in your own car and want to enjoy the amazing road journey, you may go by three major routes, by NH-12 or NH-19.

The 1 st Route has less traffic as it runs through the Gajaldoba forest area and it is quite scenic. You can get a glimpse of wildlife in the early morning and late afternoon. The second road is through Sevoke road, and it meets the 1 st route near Odlabari, passing through Malbazar and Chalsa after that.

The 3 rd route passes through Jalpaiguri to Gorumara National Park at Lataguri, then goes north to Murti. This road is not quite popular but there are some bus services on this route.

Kolkata to Dooars through Air:

There is no airport in proper Dooars. The nearest airport is in Bagdogra (Airport code: IXB). From there it takes around 3 hours to reach Jaldapara (134 km) and 2 hours to reach Gorumara (75km), by prepaid reserve taxi.

There are a number of flights in this airport, with the average fare ranges between INR 2,665 to INR 3,515 per person.

A direct flight takes around 1 hour 25 minutes to reach. For an approximate idea of the fare and timing, the important flight details are given below, after 3 months from the date of booking.

Hotels in Dooars

Dooars is one of the most popular and diverse tourist destinations in West Bengal and North-East India. In all the major tourist spots, there are several staying options which vary as per the budget and choice of the traveller.

However, owing to the crowd rush in the tourist season, most of them stay full months in advance.

Some properties are well-placed near the jungle or tea-estate, with a good view over the nearby forest or tea estates. There are various other options in the nearby towns. These properties do not offer a good view, but they are inside the budget segment.

Often these hotels are in the regions near the ticket booking area for the jungle safari.

So, when you are selecting a Dooars hotel, you need to fix your goals and search for the perfect location that matches your criteria.

The Best Dooars Hotel and Resorts Options with Nomadic Weekends:

We have been operating and searching for the best properties in the Dooars region for a long time. For the past few years, we have carefully selected the resorts and hotels in Dooars, in all the budget segments.

All of our properties are in nice and calm locations with a good view, or in great locations from where the major attractions are nearby.

Our locations match the exact criteria of the travellers coming to Dooars, from all the sectors.

If you love the river, our luxurious resort near South Dhoopjora is perfect for you. With all the modern facilities, big rooms and a balcony with a great view of the surrounding area, this place is great for relaxing. If you aim for the jungle safari in Gorumara, you will like our Lataguri hotel.

River Retreat Dooars

It is well-connected to all the nearby regions and located near the ticket booking counter of the jeep safari area.

The luxurious ambience, swimming pool and room availability throughout the year make this one a good stay option. There is another property in Lataguri, a resort in the midst of deep forest and paddy field. The wooden rooms and the watchtower are major attractions here.

Our Jaldapara hotel is located in Madarihaat, at the outer rim of the national park. The wooden rooms, delicious food, well-maintained garden and swimming pool are the major plus points, also this is at a walking distance from the national park entry gate.

We have selected some options which are not too mainstream also. There is a cosy property located near the Murti River. You can take part in activities like fishing, visiting a tribal village, camping, trekking etc.

Appu Tea Estate, Near Gorumara

If you prefer a rustic environment, you will love the stay in the Appu Tea Estate. Here, you will find the beautiful Himalayan range with the Dooars forest background.

On the bank of the river Sisamara in the Jaldapara forest range, you can stay in the log hut in a tranquil environment. Here, you can see the animals coming to drink water in the early morning or late afternoon, from your room.

Sisamara Wild Hut, Dooars

Thus, when you are travelling with Nomadic, you will get a huge variety of options tailored to your preference. We choose the best place that will suit your plan and make the memory of the trip last for a lifetime.

Other Staying Options in Dooars

Retreat lataguri.

Reserve Gorumara

Hotel Dreamland Lataguri

Fagu Tea Estate

Jaldapara Forest Resort

Dooars Tour Plan: Suggested Itineraries 

The different ways to see dooars:.

Dooars is a diverse region, full of various natural attractions. The verdure forest, green hills and valley, snow-capped mountains and mighty rivers- all are the major components of the natural beauty in here. Depending on the goal of the visitor, the tour plans and itineraries change accordingly.

There are several routes to enter the Dooars. If you plan to visit the National parks like Gorumara, Jaldapara or Buxa Tiger reserve, you will need to take a specific route.

If you plan to visit the Teesta River and all the other river valleys, you will need a different kind of tour plan.

You can go by the major rail station New Jalpaiguri, or New Mal Jn. or Hasimara as per the major destination. Gajaldoba is a newly opened, protected forest area in Dooars.

It lies very close to New Jalpaiguri Junction. The Samsing hills are enchanting. The path to this location lies through majestic tea plantation areas.

If you plan on visiting the beautiful Bhutan hills bordered by Jayanti River, you will need to get down at Alipurduar. For those who are interested in history and archaeology, you can see the remains of a broken fort, the “Nal Raja Garh” in the Chilapata Forest. So, we can conclude that Dooars is a vast area, and we need different tour plans to cover the major spots in here.

A Suggestion of Itineraries to Visit Dooars:

Here, we are going to discuss a number of suggested itineraries for visiting the Dooars, depending on the major destination, which is as follows:

Dooars Tour Plan 1: Real Taste of Dooars

Covering murti, gorumara, chapramari, samsing, sonthalikhola, jhalong, bindu.

Reach Bagdogra by flight. Transfer from Bagdogra to Murti by Gajaldoba. Night stay at Murti (Gorumara National Park). Book the morning safari for the next day here. Go and see Rangamati Tea Garden which is 30 minutes from here, in the late afternoon.

Take the early morning safari in the Gorumara National Park. After lunch, start for Jhalong and Bindu, on Jaldhaka river. See the hydro-electric power project on the river, and return. Book the jeep safari in Chapramari the next morning. Rest for the night.

Enjoy the early morning jeep safari in Chapramari. Travel to Lataguri by car and book the safari to Rhino point and Jatraprasad watchtower. Enjoy the afternoon safari.

Start for Samsing and Suntalekhola after breakfast. Visit these two places and have lunch on the way. Come to New Mal Jn. to take a train to return home.

You can stay in these Hotels if you go along with this itinerary

Click Here  to Customize Your Dooars Tour with us for Free

Click on the Image or Link below to explore More.

Murti Forest Resort

Best Place to stay in the banks of the beautiful Murti river in Dooars.

Jaldhaka Farm Stay – Rongo

Quaint hilly village staying like the locals.

Dooars Tour Plan 2: Dooars Wildlife Tour

Covering jaldapara, gorumara, sisamara, lataguri.

Reach New Jalpaiguri, and take a car to reach Lataguri. Stay for the night and book the elephant safari at Gorumara National Park for the morning.

Enjoy the early morning elephant safari. Book and enjoy the jeep safari in the afternoon.

After breakfast, avail the jeep safari to Chapramari forest area and by afternoon reach Sisamara.

Take an early morning safari in the Jaldapara National Park. After breakfast, start for New Alipurduar or New Mal Junction. to take the train to return.

Wildlife Resort Dooars

One of the best place to base yourself to see Dooars wildlife.

Sisamara Wild Hut

Only watch tower lodging in Dooars. Frequent wildlife spotting happens from this watch tower hotel.

Dooars Tour Plan 3: Untrodden Dooars 

Covering rasikbil, jayanti, buxa, chilapata.

Arrive at New Jalpaiguri Jn. or Bagdogra airport or Alipurduar Jn. Take a car to get to Rajabhatkhawa/Jayanti and stay for the night. On the way, visit Rasikbill if you can manage time.

Take the early morning safari in Buxa tiger reserve. After it, visit Pukhuri Hills by trekking. Visit the Bhutan border town, Phuentsholling, 30 km away from here.

After breakfast, proceed to Chilapata Jungle Camp and stay for the night.

After breakfast, set out to New Jalpaiguri Jn. / Bagdogra airport. On the way, visit Chilapata forest.

Jayanti Jungle View Home Stay

Without a doubt the best accommodation in Jayanti.

Chilapata Jungle Camp

A homely place to stay in Chilapata.

All of the above-mentioned plans are basic suggestions for covering as much place as possible in a few days. We can customise the packages according to the need of the travellers i.e. if you need to relax, we can add days to the list, or change it as per your wish if the vacancy is available.

Dooars travelling is a magical experience, and travelling with us makes it completely hassle-free. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing, the beautiful Dooars is calling you.

Few Pointers on Us:  Nomadic Weekends

• We are retired, corporate people. So, we have taken a lot of stress and we understand what a holiday means to you
• We have a team that is travelling on the streets of Darjeeling to find out great stay options
• We have ourselves experienced these places and we can guarantee a great stay for you
• Unlike others, we are never about dhobi list of options. We are the shortlist by the travellers just like you.

Why Go Nomadic? 

• Away from super congested tourist places
• Close to nature
• Mindblowing locations
• All modern amenities
• Perfect Chillout.  Guaranteed.

Check out  Nomadic Weekends  site here for more.

In case you love hills, see these great  Hill Stations Near Kolkata for An Offbeat Getaway

4 thoughts on “dooars: all info, suggested tour itineraries and best places to stay”.

Myself being born and brought up in the soil of North Bengal Foothills, I am having a special nack for the unique gift that you have posted me. I have gone through each and every one of the heart touching brief and all have been reflected with the reality of the Nature. The briefing of the Himalayan terrain…. North Sikkim, Darjeeling, Lava and Lolegaon, Kalimpong, Kharsang have been given a successful shape from beautification point of view. Besides, the description of the Doors /Dooars is really a great idea of bright and exciting thoughts and heart touching placement. Finally, I like to convey my sincere thanks to the Nature Lover Writer.

Thanks a lot sir. We will write a lot more. Your comment is really inspiring for us.

Thanks a lot for your encouragement.

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Dooars - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Dooars Tourism

About dooars.

What to see & do

How to reach

Where to stay, how to plan your tour.

• Reach Murti or Lataguri at Gorumara National Park area from NJP, Bagdogra or Malbazar. 
• Visit 2 or 3 watch towers at Gorumara National Park for animal sighting or alternatively take a Jeep safari here or at adjacent Chapramari forest. 
• Do sightseeing to places nearby like Jhalong, Paren, Bindu , Samsing, Rocky Island etc 
• Then proceed to Jaldapara National Park and take elephant safari or a Jeep safari. The elephant safari at Jaldapara leaves from Hollong Lodge but can also be availed by general tourists staying at other lodges but through prior arrangements. You usually need 2-3 days to book an elephant safari while in Jaldapara because of high demands and limited rides. However Jeep safaris at Jaldapara can be arranged within a day. From Jaldapara you can visit places like Leopard Rescue Center at South Khairbari forest, the tribal village Toto Para where primitive tribes called Toto's still live, and even make a day trip to Phuentsholling in Bhutan  
• With more number of days you can also plan to visit Buxa Tiger Reserve & Jayanti which is little over one-hour drive from Jaldapara. Here too you can take Jeep safaris in the forest and visit tourist attractions such as Mahakal Cave, take a boat ride at Sikiajhora etc. 

Best time to visit

Top 6 Best Places To Visit in Dooars, Tourist Spot & Sightseeing

Places to visit in dooars.

Dooars is one of the cold places in India , are you planning your tour to Dooars? Amazing! Dooars is really a beautiful place to enjoy your tour. In fact, Dooars is among the best hill stations near Kolkata . There are many tourist attractions in Dooars. Would you like to know about them? Is your answer ‘yes’? Well then, we have listed down all the best places to visit in Dooars for you. Let’s read about each of them.

Places To Visit in Dooars –

• Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
• Buxa Tiger Reserve
• Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary
• Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gorumara National Park
• Sumsing and Suntalekhola

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary – Dooars Places To Visit

Read More – 10 Best Tourist Places To Visit in Durgapur

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is another hidden gem of Dooars, located not far from Gorumara National Park. It is among unexplored places in Dooars . Chapramari can be reached by driving through the lush tea gardens on the rolling plains of Dooars. Chapramari is a name that refers to the variety of fish found in northern Bengal. It also means Mari, which means plenty. The sanctuary covers 9.6 km and boasts a wide variety of fauna and flora that delight nature lovers. 

In 1895, Chapramari has designated a national reserve forest. Later, it was renamed an endangered wildlife reserve in 1939. It was finally designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1998 after a period of several decades. It is known for its elephants, which can be easily spotted. Gaur can also be found in the area. You will also find the Royal Bengal Tiger, boars deer, leopard, and other animals in this sanctuary. To see colorful birds such as parrots, kingfishers, and green pigeons, you will need a pair or more binoculars. 

There are only a few options for accommodation in the area. Spend some time at Dooars in the peaceful Himalayan retreat. Capturing pictures of Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is among the best things to do in Dooars . So, remember to carry your camera along with you. All these make this amazing wildlife sanctuary among the best places to visit in Dooars . 

Read More – Top 10 Best Tourist Places To Visit in Digha

Buxa Tiger Reserve – Dooars Tourist Places

Buxa Tiger Reserve is one of the tourist sights in West Bengal . Buxa is a beautiful spot to visit in Dooars in the middle of nature, with rivers Jayanti, mountains, and dense forests. Buxa Tiger Reserve, one of the few remaining in the eastern Himalayas, is what makes this area more popular. The reserve is located in Alipurduar and comprises the former Buxa Forest Division as well as a portion of the Cooch Behar Forest Division. It was established in 1983 and became a national park in 1992.

Tourists have been flocking to the reserve for its rich biodiversity for many years. It has also become a popular retreat for those who want to unwind in the laps of nature. It covers approximately 760 km and includes a variety of forest types, including evergreen, riverine, savannah, and sal. Topography and climate support a wide range of animal species. Visitors will find reptiles and amphibians, as well as mammals and fishes such as tigers and red jungle fowls, and leopards.

Birdwatchers will also find Buxa a delight. Red stars, wagtails, and fork-tails can all be seen here, as well as great pied hornbills and trans-Himalayan migrating goosanders. Many migratory birds also make Buxa their temporary residence, including Gargani teals, common teals, white-eyed pocket hard, and the Narathali lake’s large whistling teal. You can find this place also on the Dooars tourist spot map . 

Winters are a good time to see the black-necked crane in Buxa, an Indian rarity. Visitors can also visit other attractions in the area, including Jayanti, Rajabhatkhawa, and Buxa Fort. There are many options for accommodation in the area, including homestays and resorts. Buxa Tiger Reserve is a tranquil retreat that you should not miss when visiting Dooars. Dooars is a great low-budget hill station for honeymooners in India . Buxa Tiger Reserve is among the best places to visit in Dooars .

Read More – Top 10 Hill Stations in Sikkim Near Gangtok

Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary – Dooars Tourist Spot

Trying to experience the places of interest in Dooars . Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary in Dooars is named after Rasikbil, a lake in the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal. Low water land or marshland surrounds the lake. This provides birds with a safe environment. Rasikbil, Neeldaba, and Bochamari are just a few of the low-water lands found in the region. 

It’s no surprise that the area is home to many resident birds and many migratory birds. If birdwatching is your favorite hobby, you will love your visit to the Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary . Make sure you have a pair of binoculars to help you spot rare species of birds like cormorants and parrots. Water birds such as the lesser whistling teal and shoveler, small blue Kingfisher, wigeon duck, and small blue kingfisher can also be seen. You can also indulge in other activities, besides birdwatching. 

Many tourists choose to boat on the lake or take a nature walk through the forest. The area also includes the deer park, turtle rescue center, aviary, tortoise rehabilitation center, crocodile rehabilitation center, a leopard house, and python home. These places offer a glimpse into animal rescue and rehabilitation. 

Rasikbil is a paradise for winged beauties and can be reached via road from Alipurduar or Cooch Behar. This is how to go Dooars . So, now you know why Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary is among the best places to visit in Dooars .

Read More – Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit in Purulia District

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary – Dooars Sightseeing

If you love wildlife, Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary in Dooars should be on your list. It is located in the Terai area at the foothills of the Himalayas and is one of the peaceful tourist places in India . The sanctuary covers the lower catchment of the river Mahanada. Try to capture all Dooars tourist spot images in your camera for your lifetime memory. 

Mahanada is home to rare animals such as the one-horn Rhinoceros, Bison, Elephants and Tigers, Leopards, and Sambar, thanks to its thick forest cover. Dooars tour package also includes Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary in its list. So, this place is one of the best places to visit in Dooars .

Read More – Top 10 YouTube Travel Vloggers in India

Gorumara National Park – Beautiful Destinations in Dooars

Gorumara National Park, which is located on the banks of River Murti and Raidak in Dooars, is one of the most visited attractions. It covers an area of approximately 80 sq. km. and includes both grasslands as well as forests. It was originally a reserve forest in 1895, but it was made a wildlife sanctuary in 1949. In 1994, the park became a national park, which allows for a wide range of fauna and flora. It is one of the best tourist places near Kolkata within 650 Kilometers .

The park is famous for its home to the Indian rhinoceros. You can also see elephants, leopards, and hornbills here. To explore the park, travelers can choose from elephant safari or jeep safari. You can climb up to the top of the watchtowers (Methla Chukchuki Chandrachur Jatraprasad), and use binoculars to see the residents of the park.

Gorumara National Park is a popular tourist destination in Dooars. It attracts many tourists throughout the year. Many mammals, reptiles, and birds can find refuge in the park’s lush green forests, high elephant grasses, and streams. Birders will love Gorumara National Park. Birders will love spotting and photographing birds such as the hornbill and woodpecker. The park is home to the ruddy shuck, also called the Brahminy duck. You can also see beautiful butterflies in the jungle. Night hunters such as owls or nightjars are also common.

Winter is the best time to visit Dooars . There are many options for accommodation at Gorumara, but Lataguri is the closest town and offers several options. New Jalpaiguri is the closest railhead and Bagdogra is the nearest airport. You can also reach Gorumara National Park by road from Siliguri (which is approximately 72 km away).

Read More – Top 10 Best places to visit in Kalimpong

Sumsing and Suntalekhola – Offbeat Places in Dooars

Sumsing one of the best offbeat hill stations in West Bengal , located 81 kilometers from Siliguri, is a paradise for nature lovers. It is also the nearest hill station from Siliguri only 81 Km. There are two bungalows set in the middle of a forest with hills as a backdrop and the constant stream noises. A bungalow near this place can be the best place to stay in Dooars . So, book one bungalow near this place for you to stay for some days. 

You can step out of your bungalow to listen to the early morning birdsong and hear the forest telling the river water. Sounds interesting, right? These are the reasons Sumsing and Suntalekhola are also the best places to visit in Dooars . Keep visiting our travel blog to know more about West Bengal Tourism .

Read More – How To Reach Darjeeling From Kolkata By Train, Bus, Car & Flight

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• West Bengal

Rongo, Dooars: A weekend getaway – How to reach, Homestays

• December 19, 2022

Rongo is a small hamlet in Dooars, West Bengal. It is located close to the Indo-Bhutan Border

The wonderful village is situated at an altitude of 4500 ft above sea level.

This newly found offbeat destination is a beautiful place for a weekend getaway in North Bengal.

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With the surreal beauty of nature, Rongo in Dooars is an ideal place to visit for travel enthusiasts and for those who want to spend some time close to nature.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about Rongo, Dooars,

• How to reach
• What to see
• Best time to visit
• Food and accommodation
• Nearby attractions

So let us explore the place in detail…

How to reach Rongo, Dooars

You can easily reach Rongo village from the Siliguri bus stop, NJP Railway Station, and Bagdogra Airport.

All these places are located at a distance of about 95 km from Rongo.

Cab fare to reach Rongo

You can hire a private cab from both these places to reach Rongo. The private cars may charge Rs. 1500-4000 INR, depending on the type of cab and season.

You can reach the place via National Highway 31 where Dooars cross Chalsa. Take the left turn at Khunia More via Chaptramari, Sepchu, and Gairibas.

An uneven hilly road turns left towards Rongo from Gairibas. The distance between Rongo and Gairibus is about 7 km.

If you are going on your own, make sure to follow your GPS.

New Mal Junction is the nearest railway station, located at a distance of about 40km from Rongo.

What to see at Rongo

Rongo is a small and picturesque hilly village with some spectacular landscape. It also offers a wonderful view of the hills of Rongo.

You will get lost in a serene world and the tunes of nature.

If you visit Rongo in Dooars, don’t miss out on the Cinchona Plantations.

You can also view the wonderful and vibrant Himalayan Flowers and the lush green vegetation in and around the small hamlet.

The charming local communities, the serene ambiance, and the scenic landscapes of Rongo are gaining popularity. This place is slowly becoming one of the popular tourist spots in Dooars.

Things to do in Rongo, Dooars

You can walk around the beautiful small hamlets and see how wonderful the local people, culture, and lifestyle is!

The gardens are colorful and the tiny houses are the gems of this small hilly village. Numerous Himalayan Birds add to the beauty of the place.

The lush green forests and the bordering valleys especially the Jaldhaka River Valley are ideal destinations for photography and nature lovers.

You can enjoy trekking along the captivating waterfalls, the Jaldhaka Valley, and the dense woods.

This place is also the doorway to the Neora Valley National Park.

A few people reside in this village but the breathtaking beauty of the hills draws thousands of tourists every year.

Best time to visit Rongo village

You can visit this offbeat destination at any time throughout the year. The weather is pleasant in all the seasons.

The cool breeze, Scintillating sun rays gift you with perfect bliss amidst the valleys.

According to me, you can visit Rongo during the spring when the valleys bloom with beautiful flowers, especially cinchona.

Throughout the year, the weather stays charming and the temperature is bearable.

It is better to avoid visiting hill stations during the monsoons as the roads get muddy and generally become inaccessible.

Accommodation and Food at Rongo Village

Rongo offers many homestay and accommodation options.

The Rongo White House Homestay is a popular homestay in Rongo. There are other homestays too which are well equipped and well maintained.

The rooms are spacious and the washrooms are clean with the availability of Hot water.

Soreng Heaven is another homestay in Rongo from where you can see the majestic hills of Bhutan.

You can also get good quality food at the homestays.

Other attractions near Rongo, Dooars

There are many wonderful attractions near Rongo.

You can visit the Rongo Monastery which is a 2km distance from the market.

Jghalong, Bindu, and Jaldhaka hydel Project is the iconic tourist attractions you can witness in Dooars.

Other amazing places that you can explore are the Cinchona plantations and the organic Kumai Tea Garden.

You will surely go through an immersive experience while enjoying the beautiful hills, valleys, gurgling streams, and the tranquility of the monastery.

You will rediscover yourself once you escape the stress and chaos of city life and wrap yourselves in the adventures and relaxing sensations of Rongo in Dooars.

The charming villagers will surely make you feel satisfied and happy.

So this summer, plan a trip to the quaint and alluring Rongo, Dooars.

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Nature's Paradise: 7 Enchanting Places To Visit In Dooars

Head to Dooars in West Bengal, also called the Gateway to Bhutan, and come back with thrilling experiences of Mother Nature.

Published On Jul 05, 2023 | Updated On Mar 08, 2024

Dooars, deriving its name from the English word ‘door’ is considered to be the gateway into the North-Eastern part of India, stretching into Bhutan itself. Famously called the ‘Gateway to Bhutan’, Dooars is a nature's paradise. Dooars are the floodplains of West Bengal and Eastern Assam. Blessed with an extremely rich biodiversity in its flora and fauna, Dooars is also home to thick, lush forests and green covers. Tightly protected by several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, etc. Dooars will leave you massively impressed with its natural beauty. It is not a surprise that these national parks, sanctuaries, etc. are the major tourist spots in Dooars. Surrounded by Rivers Teesta and Sankoshi on different sides, visit Dooars to enjoy adventurous trekking, river rafting and other Dooars tourist spots.

7 best tourist spots in Dooars

1. Buxa Tiger Reserve

The Buxa Tiger Reserve was established to offer the much-needed protection to the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers in 1983, gaining the status of a national park in 1992. The Reserve, with its vast lands, protects the natural habitat of many other wildlife species along with tigers. Boasting lush biodiversity, it is a treat for adventure enthusiasts as well as nature lovers. Reptiles such as pythons, clouded leopards, sambar deer, elephants, black panthers, gaurs, tigers, and birds like red stars, great pied hornbills and many more species can be witnessed in this national park, making for an exciting trip. Best time to visit: October-April (closed June-September) Timings: 6 am-11 am and 2 pm-6 pm Entry fee: Free

2. Alipurduar

Alipurduar is the first hamlet while travelling towards North-East India. In some senses, this little village is the actual gateway to the Northeast. A charming, picturesque village, visit Alipurduar for its stunning views and rich history. Alipurduar, in the olden times, formed the famous Silk Route, along with Bhutan and Tibet. The village is now considered one of the most ethnically important places in the district.  Best time to visit: Pleasant all around the year, with the peak best time being September-May

3. Neora Valley National Park 

A still largely unexplored lush area, the Neora Valley National Park was established back in 1986. The national park gets its name from the river Neora, which runs through its vast lands. It is considered one of the most important biodiversity zones in the area, as well as one of the richest. With beautiful trekking trails, adventure and nature lovers will also love to visit. The national park is famed for being such a lush forest cover that in some areas, even sunlight finds it impossible to reach the land. Therefore, understandably unexplored and inaccessible in quite a major part, this almost virgin forest land is home to many species of flora and fauna. Most famously, it is known as the home of the Red Panda, one of the most endangered species in the world. An extensive bamboo plantation along with many other species of flora also makes the national park famous. Find some enthralling wildlife species here too, such as leopards, tigers, bears, wild boars, king cobras, Indian cobras, brown wood owls, sunbirds and so many more species. Best time to visit: All year round (July-September closed) Timings: 8 am-12 pm and 1 pm-4 pm, Thursday closed Entry fee: Rs 100 

4. Lava-Lolegaon

Lava-Lolegaon is a group of small, quaint villages that have views that will leave you speechless. Incredible views of the Himalayan mountains, extraordinary natural beauty and an enthralling sense of calm and peace are some of the best ways to describe the beauty of these villages. Places like Rishyap (also known as Rishop), Changey Waterfalls la, Lava Monastery, and Canopy Walk lo are just some of the extremely alluring spots that are must-visits for nature lovers. Best time to visit: September-June

5. Gorumara National Park

Situated on the banks of the rivers Murti and Jaldhaka, Gorumara National Park is situated on the foothills of the magnificent Himalayas. Surrounded by rivers and mountains, the national park is a glorious view in itself. Famous as the home to King Cobra and the Indian one-horned Rhino, Gorumara is another extraordinary national park in the Dooars area. The park consists of forest areas and grassland areas to house the vast variety of the flora and fauna it supports. Gorumara is also known as one of the best protected and maintained national parks in India. You will find several wildlife species such as cobras, pythons, leopards, elephants, rhinos, bison, and several others along with a variety of birds as well. This makes Gorumara a birdwatcher’s haven.  Best time to visit: November-March Timings: 6 am-5 pm, Thursday closed Entry fee: Free

A small but extremely mesmerising little hill town, Samsing is situated at the foot of the Himalayas. The small town is very famous for its orange orchards. Considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Dooars, this town is resplendent in its natural beauty. Bound to transport you to another world altogether, its winding rivers, pristine, green rolling hills, sweeping grasslands and exquisite tea gardens will leave you spellbound. The best part about this little paradise is that it is still uncorrupted by over-commercialization.  Best time to visit: October-February

7. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Another equally impressive and beautiful national park, Jaldapara is known for the largest concentration of the one-horned rhinos after Kaziranga in India. The pristine and magnificent lands are home to many wildlife species as well as various flora species as well. Tourists will be able to spot tigers, elephants, pythons, bison and many more in Jaldapara. Stunning views, enthralling flora and fauna all make for a memorable visit for all nature lovers. You can also opt for jeep safaris to explore the blissful oasis of this national park in all its glory. Best time to visit: September-May (closed during the monsoon) Timings: 5:30 am-6 pm (Summer months) and 6 am-5 pm (Winter months) Entry fee: Rs 100 (Indian nationals) and Rs 200 (Foreign nationals) (Rs 300 for the car fee and Rs 250 for a guide) 

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Jayanti Dooars - Complete Tour & Travel Guide

Jayanti Dooars- Located on the edge of Buxa Forest is a quaint forest village along with the River Jayanti. Jayanti River forms a natural border with the Bhutan hills, the hills on the Eastern Side of the river are known as the Jayanti Hills, and the small villages on the western side known as Jayanti villages are named after the river Jayanti. 30km from Alipurduar Jayanti is often referred to as the 'Queen of Dooars' because of its astounding view, fascinating lush greenery and tranquil ambiance.

Jayanti can be visited with ease if you opt for North Bengal Guide's affordable Dooars Tour Packages that include all the latest amenities. You can get to see our travel itineraries in the holiday packages section.

History of Jayanti in Dooars

During British rule, Jayanti became one of the major epicenters of the mining and tea industries in India. It became extremely important to British India's finances. However, it became difficult for the British to supply their commodities as the large European tea and mining industry grew around Jayanti. The construction work of the Jayanti Railway started in 1901 after they asked the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, Nripendra Narayan. Once Maharaja nodded yes, the British built a steel-made railway bridge over the Jayanti River to transport dolomites.

After the independence of India, the passenger train service began. This passenger train used to depart Alipurduar Junction at 08:30 pm and arrive at Jayanti at 9:30 pm. The next day the passenger train used to depart Jayanti at 8 am and arrive at Alipurduar junction at 9 am. This historic railway service stopped once the Buxa Tiger Reserve was announced in the year 1986. The bridge above the Jayanti River is now in complete ruins. You will get to see only some pillars of it as the river has become shallow due to excess pebbles and rocks.

Jayanti Dooars Sightseeing & Tourist Spot

Beneath the vibrant ecology is the Dooars oldest town Jayanti village but in the present time you can't see the town instead what you see is a village that is slowly fading away as time passes by. In Jayanti nature has blossomed and is at its apex where the forest is green and the wildlife is abundant. Away from the tedious and monotonous city lifestyle, a trip to Jayanti offers a perfect destination for a laid-back holiday amidst nature it's a place where time seems to have slowed down its fast pace. Although the river Jayanti remains dry most of the year when the water level rises, listening to the alluring sound of the flowing river, chirping of unknown birds, sweet fragrance of nature and refreshingly cool breeze at Jayanti will make you feel completely rejuvenated. The pebbles along the river bed of Jayanti add unmatched beauty to the place.

The journey towards the Jayanti in itself is an amazing experience driving through the dense Buxa Tiger Reserve has allured many travelers to travel to Jayanti. Spotting a herd of elephants, Barking Deer, or plenty of Peacocks are the most common sights on the way to Jayanti. A sacred place called Pokhari is nearby Jayanti apart from its religious belief this spot is a great place to see the large number of big-sized Magur and Turtle in the waters of the Pokhri and the beauty of this place has certainly something which has refreshing effect. For the Hindus as well as Buddhists, this place holds enormous religious significance. Getting to Pokhri requires a walk through the forests. This splendid lake is around 4 km away from Jayanti.

Another interesting place where you can go is Mahakal Cave located near the Bhutan border this cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and many visitors visit this cave during Maha Shivratri. Mahakal is a renowned tourist attraction as well as a prominent pilgrimage site. It is a cave dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located near the Bhutan border. The Mahakal cave trip through the forest is known for its bird watching. You can also hike to the neighboring Bala Riverbed, which is an excellent site for bird watching, especially peacocks, but don't linger there until late at night because it's a leopard hotspot. Bhutia Basti, located 1.5 kilometers from Jayanti, is another fantastic place to see elephants.

Accommodation in Jayanti Dooars

Situated in the Jayanti forest, the tourist lodge run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDCL) is a popular staying option here (As of now, this accommodation is closed). This lodge is known for its unique location and the tranquil atmosphere it offers. Apart from this government accommodation, there are many resorts and homestays available to stay here. Amenities in these resorts and hotels include room service, restaurant, front desk service, western bathrooms, rooms that are neat and clean, etc. There are some home stays too with basic amenities. Some of the accommodation is located on the riverbank of Jayanti which enhances the staying experience even more. No matter which one you choose, all these accommodations offer veg as well as non-veg options. So, if you are a vegetarian, you can visit Jayanti without any worry.

Best Time to Visit Jayanti in Dooars

The best time to visit Jayanti in Dooars is during the months of March to June when summer dominates the region. The temperature stays between 21 to 32 degrees Celsius which is not extremely hot. Monsoon is not the ideal time as the forest of Dooars remains closed from 15th June to 15th September. Due to the closure of the forest, you will not be able to enjoy Jungle Safari in the season of monsoon. However, if your main priority is to witness the lush greenery of Jayanti, visiting the place during the monsoon can be a great time too.

Immerse yourself in the diversified and rich variety of wildlife of Jayanti. Encircled by the forested hills while overlooking the beautiful white river bed, Jayanti has wooed many people's hearts the bewitching charisma of Jayanti is sure to leave you spellbound. Jayanti also proves to be a splendid picnic spot where you can create a plethora of unforgettable memories with your friends and family. So, don't wait! Let us help you plan an affordable Jayanti tour itinerary that will include pick-up, drop, sightseeing, finest accommodation, meals, and more.

Sightseeing Places In Dooars

Located on the edge of Buxa Forest is a quaint forest village along the River Jayanti. Jayanti River forms a natural border with

At an altitude of 1500ft and 99km away from Siliguri a river valley along Jaldhaka River has become a prospective tourist

Located 45min away from Siliguri along the roaring River Teesta is a quaint village Mongpong. It is often considered as

Located 60km from NJP and known for its elephant population, Chapramari is a forest in Dooars Region. Gorumara National Park home

A small picturesque village named Murti is situated along the bank of River Murti. River Murti originates from

Chilapata is a dense jungle near the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary at Jalpaiguri District

Lepchakha Village

Perched at the hilltop in the Buxa Tiger Reserve is a picturesque village of Drukpa, Lepchakha Village.

A small village located at the western side of the Dooars overlooking Jaldhaka River and Bhutan, Paren

Travel through the less travelled path in Dooars region and set yourself free from the tedious monotonous lifestyle by visiting

Located at the fringe of the Gorumara National Park home of Asiatic one horned Rhino, Lataguri is a quaint village in the Jalpaiguri District

Located 80km from Jalpaiguri, Madarihat is a small town located in the Alipurduar District. Madarihat is situated at the vicinity

Located 20km away from Alipurduar and 18km from Hasimara, Mendabari is a new found gem added to the list of offbeat destination

South Khayerbari

Located 15km from Madarihat, it is a small town located in the Alipurduar District South Khayerbari is the safe haven for

Located 50km from Siliguri and about 6km from Malbazar is a quaint place called Damdim in Jalpaiguri District.

Todey Tangta

Perched at the hilltop in the Neora Valley National Park are two picturesque hamlets named Todey and Tangta which was famous for

At the foothills of Bhutanese Himalayas is a small but growing town Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri district.

Situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas lies Coochbehar, Coochbehar is the biggest and the only planned city

Once the trading centre of the various commercial products located 60km from Jalpaiguri at an altitude of 88mt

A small village on the western side of the roaring Teesta River, Gajoldoba located 10km from Siliguri .

A midsized town located 48km from Siliguri is becoming the new upcoming tourist destination, Oodlabari a small

Located 40km from Siliguri is a quaint village Bagrakote 4km away from Oodlabari under Malbazar Sub-division under Jalpaiguri

Situated at the lower foothill of the Himalayan in North Bengal boarding with Bangladesh, Bhutan and North India State is Jalpaiguri

Located 56km from Jalpaiguri at an altitude of 218mt is a cantonment town, Binnaguri at the Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal

A picturesque town in Alipurduar District located 85km from Jalpaiguri, Hasimara which is famous among the travelers for its

Located 125km from Jalpaiguri deep inside the Jaldapara National Park is a humble abode for the nature lovers, Hollong forest.

Located 123km from Jalpaiguri at an altitude of 188 ft in Coochbehar is Dinhata with a notable political history

Barodabri is a quaint village located 3km from the Hasimara and is adjacent to Chilapata Forest. Barodabri is famous

Located 60km from Jalpaiguri at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas is a place called Meteli, known for the lush tea garden Meteli

Located 65km from Jalpaiguri and 72km from Siliguri is a census town called Banarhat. Tea plantation has always been one

Birpara a small town located 90km from Jalpaiguri is a commercially significant destination. Back in the days

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Gorubathan is a small town in the Kalimpong Subdivision of Darjeeling District. The place is about 97 km From Kalimpong town and about 54km from Siliguri.

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• Offbeat Destinations

Enclosed with the hills of Bhutan and India, 107km from Siliguri, is the last hamlet of West Bengal. Perched at an altitude of 2000ft along the meandering river Jaldhaka, scenically blessed with the view of daunting lofty hills and increase demand of tourism in Dooars, Bindu has emerged as a favored offbeat destination of Dooars region. Located close to Indo-Bhutan border, the meandering river stream running along the picturesque Bindu creates a natural border between Bhutan and India. Bindu is one of the lesser known hill stations which offer astounding vista of pictorial landscape.

Sited on the foothills of Himalayas, Bindu is famous for the cardamom plantation. The journey towards this scenically blessed hill station Bindu is an unforgettable experience in itself. Traveling though the thick deciduous forest of Chapramari, the oldest forest reserve of West Bengal, while spotting some untamed animals like bison and elephant to reach Bindu can be an enthralling experience. On the way to Bindu tourist can also visit a place called Gairibas Diascorrea Plantation which may be the safe haven for botany enthusiast since it has a large area under used for the cultivation of medicinal plants. There are many tourist interest points in and around Bindu which may hype the interest of tourist visiting Bindu like Bindu Dam on the river Jaldhaka between India and Bhutan is one of the famous attractions of Bindu. River Jaldhaka is created by the conjunction of three rivers which meets at Bindu. The three river being Bindu Khola, Dudh Pokhri and Jaldhaka that originates from the Kupup lake, a small glacial lake in Sikkim. The main purpose of the construction of Bindu dam was to control the supply of water to the Jaldhaka Hydel Project at Jhalong. The dam offers panoramic view of the gushing river and hills surroundings Bindu. Apart from offering an astounding vista Bindu dam has also become the ideal place for acting as the breeding ground for the migratory water fouls making Bindu a favored tourist destination in Dooars region. The forest surrounding Bindu is quite famous among adventure seekers as it gives ample opportunities to enjoy activities like trekking and hiking. Tourist can also visit the Godak Village 15km from Bindu. The tribal people of Godak Village worship a rock which is considered as to be a sacred place since the river stream generated from that rock never dries up. One km prior to reaching Godak Village tourist may also visit cardamom curing centre of Bindu which is said to ship the best cardamom in the country after being dyed and processed. Bindu with its astounding places have bewitched the travelers visiting to Bindu.

Bask in the glorious sight of lush green forest with the spiraling river stream from the dam of Bindu. If you want to escape the rambunctious city life and cuddle in the lap of nature, Bindu in Dooars is the ideal destination for you to spend some leisurely time with your loved ones. Take a walk in the virgin while spotting some rare birds or listen to the gushing sound of the flowing water while immerging yourself in the serene ambiance of Bindu.

Best time to visit Bindu

Every season has its own charm in Bindu but to catch the rare glimpse of snow capped mountains from the dam of Bindu, winter season from November to mid January when the sky remains clear is the best time visit Bindu. It is also the time when the migratory birds reside near Bindu.

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Bhutanghat, aptly located beside the Raidak River is a beautiful destination with mesmerizing scenic beauty.

Bindu is a serene hill hamlet of Dooars region famous for its scenic beauty and cardamom plantations.

Chamurchi is a less trodden and one of unknown destinations of Dooars located on the bank of Diana River.

Fagu Tea Estate

Fagu Tea Estate is a scenically blessed paradise beautifully surrounded by dense forest and flower gardens.

Gahunbari nestled beside Sikkim and Bhutan Border became famous for its wonderful view of Kanchenjunga.

Garuchira a small village known as the corridor of wild elephants surrounded by daunting hills of Bhutan.

Jaldhaka, a paradise for bird watchers is one of the prime tourist destination named after Jaldhaka river.

Famous for different varieties of birds, Jhallong has emerged as one of the fun-filled places for nature lovers.

Jhandi located on the hill-top offers scenic views of beautiful landscape, tea gardens, rivers of Dooars.

If you are a nature lover and want to explore some raw wilderness, visit Kathambari Forest.

Khuttimari Forest

Khuttimari is less known forest situated 77 km away from NJP near Gayerkata in Dooars.

At a height of 4500ft. Latpanchar is famous for variety of birds that captivates the minds of the visitors.

Lepchakha village

Lepchakha Village is an less trodden destination near Buxa offers panoramic view of flowing rivers.

Mongpong, located under Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary beside the banks of River Teesta.

Odlabari is situated just 14KM from Malbazar & 24KM from Gajoldoba, on the way to Siliguri.

Paren, located 112km from Siliguri overlooking river Jaldhaka and hills of Bhutan is a picturesque village.

Blessed by emerald green forest, sited along the meandering river Raidak with one of the

Nestled amidst the lush green forest of Buxa Tiger Reserve, 45km from Alipurduar is a quaint forest village.

Rocky Island

Sited amidst the thick emerald forest and green lush valley along the meandering River Murti,

Rongo is an ideal place to reduce the working stress of life and get lost in the serene ambience of nature.

113 km from NJP Salkumar forest village is situated near the southern gate of Jaldapara National Park.

Samsing is perched at an elevation of 3000ft on the foothills of Eastern Himalayas of Dooars region.

Sikiyajhora is a small stream in Dooars that flows through the dense mixed wet forest of Buxa Tiger Reserve.

Suntalekhola

Suntalekhola known as the "Land of Oranges" will mesmerize you with its scenic beauty and variety of birds.

Zurrantee Tea Estate

Zurantee is a pictorial hamlet known for its serene Tea Estate and the vast stretch of tea gardens.

Dalim Khola

Just about 5 km distance away from Gorubathan, Dalim Khola is all about providing natural beauty.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

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Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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25 Places to Visit in Moscow you Can’t Miss

25 Places to Visit in Moscow

Do you know what the most populous city in Europe is? Most people wouldn’t guess that it is actually Moscow. There are approximately 13 million people in the Moscow metro area, which amounts to approximately 1/10th of all Russians.

This former capitol of the Soviet Union is still the political and financial center of Russia. Just because it is a current business and government city, in no way means that it is boring and not worth a visit. Assuming the political tensions get solved, Moscow is a fascinating city you need to visit.

While lots of people can’t explain the nuances of Russian architecture, most can spot and appreciate it immediately. One of the best ways to see the historic sites is by taking a boat tour down the Moskva River that meanders through the city.

Overall, navigating the city isn’t difficult as there is phenomenal and cheap public transportation (roughly 30 rubles/35 cents per ride). You can also use a cheap Uber on the three ring roads that circle the city at various distances from the center.

Still wondering why you should visit this historic masterpiece of a city? Read on to see the top 25 things you need to see in Moscow.

The House with Animals

This former church is famous for the terracotta reliefs of animals that adorn the front of the building. It is a favorite of locals, and famous around the world. It was built in approximately 1900.

Resurrection Gate or Iberian Gate and Chapel

The Resurrection Gate is now one of the most common ways to enter Red Square. This gate is also the only standing part of the wall that was the entrance to to Kitai-Gorod, or Moscow’s historic central business district.

Book your tour: Moscow Kremlin Armory Chamber Entrance Ticket

St. Basils Cathedral

Probably the most famous of the Red Square attractions is St. Basil’s Cathedral. I don’t know if the legend is true or not, but supposedly Tsar Ivan IV poked the eyes of the architect out after completing it so nothing as pretty could be made again. What an awful boss!

Book your tour: Moscow: Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square Private Tour

Book your tour: St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

The State Historical Museum

If you are like me then you can’t help but find all the twists and turns of Russian history fascinating. The State Historical Museum at Red Square is a fantastic place to learn and study the Russian Relics.

Book your tour: Kremlin, Red Square, and Metro Tour with Pick-Up

Moscow River Cruise

The Moskva River cuts directly through the heart of Moscow. Want to see it all but rest your feet? One of the best things to do in Moscow at night is float along on a dinner cruise . The lights of the city are so beautiful. Of course, dinner in included.

Book your tour: Night lights Moscow Cruise (with Dinner option)

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

This is one of the most unique things to do in Moscow. If you know that many American video games paint the Russians as the bad guys, then it’s probably not surprising to learn that you can find an entirely different variety of video games in Russia. This isn’t a recent phenomenon; even historically the video games were different. If you are a video game buff then this stop is for you!

Main Church of the Armed Forces in Park Patriot near Kubinka

This church attempts to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as Russian military leader. Yes, it’s an awkward amalgamation. It caused quite a controversy when there were plans to create murals of Vladimir Putin and Joseph Stalin to go along with the ones of Jesus Christ (those plans were scrapped).

Bunker 42 (Cold War Museum)

Tunnel at Bunker-42, anti-nuclear underground facility built in 1956 as command post of strategic nuclear forces of Soviet Union.

Americans weren’t the only ones afraid during the Cold War! You can now discover the most secret and secure Bunker of the USSR, Bunker 42. Also known as the Cold War Museum . This former military communication center is now a museum. I recommend this tour that will take you on a private two hour visit of Bunker 42.

If you aren’t interested in a guided tour you can book your tickets in advance here.

Get your tickets: Bunker 42 Admission Ticket and Cold War Tour

Tank Excursion and Bazooka Shooting in Moscow

For real – you can book this tour and actually ride in a tank and shoot off military grade weapons. While that’s not my cup of tea, I know tons of guys would absolutely love to shoot a bazooka!

Book your tour here .

Dormition Cathedral

This is another Russian Orthodox cathedral that is located inside the Moscow Kremlin. It is another famous landmark of Moscow. The inside is decorated with ancient frescoes.

The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign”

This cathedral is located in Zaryadye Park (adjacent to Red Square). It is also on the Moskva River. The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign” previously was a monastery.

Komsomolskaya Metro station 

So many of the metro stations are breathtaking works of art. The idea was to create something beautiful that all the regular people could enjoy, or if you are more cynical you could say it was to attempt to show off how well they were doing.

Book your tour: Moscow: Small Group Metro Tour

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Stree t

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Street look super cool and futuristic, except like many communist projects didn’t actually work that well. They were supposed to be something new and different from the standard “Soviet Blocks.”

There are a number of problems with this design. Supposedly the acoustics are awful making the apartments perpetually noisy. The inner circle becomes a wind chamber even when it’s not that windy. My favorite weakness is that the trapezoid shape of apartments is hard to decorate and even harder to do maintenance on.

Izmailovo District and Izmailovo Kremlin

This area has to be one of the coolest places to visit in Moscow. It features a park in the middle of Moscow that is over 3x the size of New York City’s Central Park. The Kremlin in Izmailovo is a complex located in the Eastern Administrative District of Moscow that is known as the center of culture and entertainment. The wooden buildings are in Russian architecture of the XVI-XVII centuries (not original).

Izmailovo Kremlin on Google Maps .

Tretyakov Gallery

For those that appreciate fine art this is where you have to go. The State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow Russia is the best collection of Russian fine art in the world. The museum previously hosted worldwide chess tournaments (I can’t help be think of the Queen’s Gambit).

Book your tickets in advance here. Tickets cost about $13 per person.

Kolomenskoe Estate

This reconstruction of a former royal estate is just a few miles southeast of the Moscow city center. Supposedly really detailed historical plans survived, so the reconstruction and current museum is incredibly authentic. It was completed in 2010.

Old buildings of Arbat

Arbat is an old street, and was previously the “nicest place to live in Moscow. Even though it fell into disrepair, it’s location, it’s historical buildings, and the fact that it is a pedestrian street are quickly making it a top place to live again.

The Melnikov House

Located on Arbat street, the Famous house of architect Melnikov designed this house (and Lenin’s sarcophagus). Melnikov designed it at a time when private ownership was outlawed, but got around this restriction by saying it was an experimental design to maximize space. Even though others weren’t built, he was able to keep it.

The New Maiden Convent

The New Maiden Convent, built was built to resemble a mini-Kremlin. It stands out to me because this “convent” was the place where women who were no longer welcome in the royal court were banished to.

Monument to the Conquerors of Space at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics in the Cosmopark

The Americans may have made it to the moon first, but the Russian cosmonauts were first in a number of other achievements. This gigantic obelisk pays homage to their accomplishments.

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve

This royal estate was founded by Catherine the Great. She was Russia’s longest serving female leader. It is now a gorgeous museum!

Stalinist Skyscraper tour

This group of seven skyscrapers are called the Seven Sisters. They were all made in the Stalinist style, and one was previously the tallest building in Europe. If you want to tour them all while learning about their history book here .

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

It’s ironic that a country that was so anti-religion for so long has so many great churches. The Cathedral for Christ the Savior was made to thank Jesus for saving Russia. If you are interested in visiting this and so many other cathedrals in Moscow I recommend this tour that will take you to The Cathedral of Christ the Savior many other popular churches in Moscow.

Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

This church on Red Square is reconstruction of what was previously there but ordered to be destroy by Joseph Stalin. It is a travesty thinking of all the beautiful things that Stalin destroyed to attempt to implement his vision.

Zaryade Park

Zaryadye Park is one of the main tourist attractions in Moscow. It is located directly next to the Kremlin, and offers truly amazing views. It is also famous for its “floating bridge” and the fact that there are so many unique features underneath it.

Church of Sign of Blessed Virgin in Dubrovitsy Znamenskaya

The Church of the Theotokos of the Sign (Dubrovitsy), or The Church of the Holy Sign of the Mother of God is located in a village amed Dubrovitsy about 20 miles south of Moscow. It is another Russian Orthodox church, but what makes this one unique is that we aren’t 100% sure who made it, or why is has a style that is completely different than other churches of the time.

The Church of Nicholas The Wonderworker

I love the unique style of the Russian Orthodox churches in Moscow. The golden onion domes stand out across the globe. This church dates back to 1657, though it has been partially destroyed a few times since then.

Moscow University

Moscow University is one of the Seven Sisters that are the “Stalin Skyscrapers.” Previously it was the tallest building in Europe. Though it has lost that title, it is still the tallest “educational building” in the world.

So what do you think? Next trip to Moscow?

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