DHUPJHORA ELEPHANT CAMP.......DOOARS

DHUPJHORA

DHUPJHORA, in Dooars, is situated on the south of the Gorumara Forest and on the western bank of Murti river. The Elephants are kept  here by the Forest Department, That’s why this place is also known as “Elephant Camp”. The elephants are regularly check with their Mahouts and forest guards for injured animals. They are also used for Jungle Safari for the tourists. You can enjoy the Elephant Safari either in the morning or evening. Crossing the Murti river on the elephant back and entering the dence jungle is a unique experience. Apart from it, Rhinos, Bisons, Deers, Hornbills etc are also available here. Most Importantly, this part of the Dooars is still not touched by the modern human and the nature is as its own. You can enjoy the Local Cultural Evening too.

DHUPJHORA JUNGLE

Dhupjhora is also popularly know for “GACHH BARI” (Tree House), which is an unique concept of Eco Tourism by the Forest Department. It is place, surrounded by deep forest, lush green tea gardens and meandering river,  where tourists must stay for overnight. Here is a Watch Tower near by the Murti river from where the panoramic view of the park, Murti river and vast grasslands are seen. Here is salt reservoir below the tower. So that the One Horned rhinos and elephants can be expected at any moment.

GACHBARI TREE RESORT

Your entire stay in Dhupjhora Elephant Camp would involve close encounters with the Elephants and the more you come to know about these huge animals the more fascinated you would become. October to March is the best time to visit this place. However the camps stay open throughout the year and arrange elephant safari to the different part of the jungle. If you want to watch wild elephants, rhinos and bisons face to face, the Dhupjhora elephant Camp is a must visit place for you along with Gorumara Forest.

Please go the GORUMARA FOREST to know how to reach Gorumara.

CHAPRAMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

ENTRY POINT OF CHAPRAMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Here I am giving some informatio about CHAPRAMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, Dooars. It is close to Gorumara National Park. So, it can be a joint trip of Gorumara National Park & Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. Chapramari is about 30 kms from Chalsa. So, if you prefer railway, you have to reach at Siliguri first, Or, if you travel by Kanchankanya Express (from Sealdah Station), then you can directly reach to Malbazar (New Mal Junction Station), from where Chalsa is only 8 kms (approx.). If yoou prefer airlines, then you have to reach Siliguri through Bagdogra airport. From Siliguri it will take 2 hrs 30 mins (approx.) to reach Chalsa by road with a wonderfull views of Dooars. Rented cars are available from Siliguri to Chapramari.

The name “Chapra” comes from a variety of small fishes found in North Bengal, and, “Mari” means “Abundance”. Chapramari was declared as a National Reserve Forest under the Indian Forest Act, in 1895. The Chapramari Wildlife Reserve came to be used in 1939. And finally, the Government of India gave it the status of a National Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998. It has only 9.6 sq. kms covered area and is located near the the NH31A and on the northern side of Gorumara National Park. Chapramari receives waters from Teesta, Neora and Murti.

Here, a large variety of flora and fauna are found in the forest. Chapramari is well known for its Elephant population. Apart from it, Gaur (Indian Bison), Royal Bengal Tiger, Deer, Boars and Leopards are also founf here. Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is very much popular with Bird Watchers with Parrots, Kingfishers, Green Pigeons etc.

CHAPRAMARI WILDLIFE

Many private resorts are there for accommodation.

Road Distance : Siliguri to malbazar : 55 kms., Malbazar to chalsa : 8 kms (approx), Siliguri to chalsa : 63 kms (approx).

BUXA FORT & LEPCHAKHA

BUXA FORT

Here I am sharing some information about BUXA FORT and LEPCHAKHA (LAPCHAKHA). You can reach these two destinations on a single way. At first you have to reach Alipurduar. The railway stations of Alipurduar is called, 1) New Alipurduar (NOQ), 2) Alipurduar Juction (APDJ). From Kolkata you can get Teesta Torsha Express (from Sealdah), Kamrup Express (from Howrah), Garibrath Express (from Kolkata) etc to reach New Alipurduar Station and Kanchankanya Express (from Sealdah) to reach Alipurduar Junction. From Siliguri, you can look a overview of DOOARS if you choose Kanchankanya Express. The nearest airports are Bagdogra (Siliguri) and Guwahati (Assam). From Siliguri it will take four hours to reach Alipurduar by railway or by road, and from Guwahati it will take 6 hours by railway. You can get several trains from Guwahati Station to reach New Alipurduar Station. In older post, I have give the Hotel details of Alipurduar.

BUXA FORT

From Alipurduar, you have to go to Santalabari first. It is about 30 kms by road. The jungle view will start from this journey. Fro Santalabari, you have to trek for 5 hours, through dense forest, hills and picturesque, to reach Buxa Fort. Buxa Fort’s origin is uncertain. Before it was occupied by the British, it was the point of contention between the King of Bhutan and the Coch Kings. On invitation of Coch King, the British captured the Fort which was formally handed over to the British on 11^th November, 1865. The British re-constructed the fort from its bamboo wood structure to stone structure. The Fort was later to be used as a high security Prison and Detention Camp in the 1930s. It was the most notorious and unreachable prison in India after the Cellular Jail in Andaman. Nationalist revolutionaries belonging to Anushilon Samiti and Yugantar Group such as Krishnapada Chakraborty were imprisoned there in the 1930s. Some communist revolutionaries  were capivated here in the 1950s. Drepung was one of the most celebrated Monasteries in Tibet with over 10,000 monks. In March, 1959, Chinese troops tasked with quelling the Tibetan uprising moved aggressively against the monastery. Only a few hundred monks escaped to India and set up a monastic study center and refugee camp in Buxa Fort, on the ground of the joungle-bound former prison camp. In 1966, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs was alerted to the conditions of the Buxa refugee camps and it became apparent that the refugees would have to relocated to a more hospitable place. So, you can see this historical place with your own eyes wth Buxa Heritage Museum and the Nature Interpretation centre. This place is also ideal for nature lovers, bird watchers and trekkers. Buxaduar Forest Bunglow and many other private resorts are there for the accommodation.

LEPCHAKHA (LAPCHAKHA)

After one night stay in Buxa, you can start your trek to Lepchakha via Tashigaon. Tashigaon is the highest village on the Rover’s Point Rupam Valley trail. This place offers you an enchanting view of the Buxa Landscape. From Tashigaon, you can take the core forest route to reach Lepchakha. Lepchalha is often called the “Queen of the Dooars” and an hidden treasure of Dooars is a plateau surrounded by five hills. It is a place where silence extends its own magic and loneliness finds its true definition. It is a place to gaze the clear sky on a full moon night. Here you can enjoy the hospitality of the Dukpa community. In fact, the beauty of Lepchakha lies in the view from the plateau, about 12 rivers flowing through Dooars starting from Sankosh to the Torsha look like glistening snakes meandering through the plains below. The night offers a different view when the lights of Alipurduar Town seem to merge seamlessly with the stars all around. Private resorts are available fr accommodation.

So, welcome to Buxa Fort and Lepchakha (lapchakha).

DEOLO (DELLO).........THE MAGIC SPOT

DEOLO (DELLO)

Deolo, also known as Dello,is one of the two hills that the town of Kalimpong stands between. The another hill is called Durpin. The hill is 1704 metrs ( 5590 feet) high and is te highest point of Kalimpong town. The hill is located at North-East of the town. Three water reservoirs, two of which serve as the primary drinking water source to the town, are present atop this hill. Only 6 kms away rom Kalimpong, it is a perfect gateway amidst the majestic mountains for tourists. Deolo, with a quite romantic evening atop a picturesque landscape overlooking the Teesta Valley, followed by one of the best views of the Kanchanjunga, a Must-Visit Place. It is projected as single-day tour, a one-night stay at Deolo is recommended, just for unforgettable view of Kanchanjunga. In season time (October-February), get up at 5 AM to enjoy one of the best view of Kanchanjunga, right from your bedroom or guest house/hotel compund. For the adventurous people, Deolo offers an exciting opportunity of Paragliding, overlooking the curves of the picturesque hills and valleys. Contact your hotel to get details. You have to take a walk around the Government Guest House (DGHC), or a short horse riding nearby. Here, you have to take taste of Momo, Thukpa & Chicken Fry, its really delicious.

DEOLO (DELLO)

Deolo’s nearest jeep/bus stand is Kalimpong, from where Deolo is only 6 kms away. To reach Kalimpong, you have to reach Siliguri first. The main railway station of Siliguri is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). The only one airport to reach Siliguri is Bagdogra (30 minutes journey to Siliguri by rented car, autorickshaw or bus). It will take 2.30 hrs to reach Kalimpong from Siliguri by bus, sharing jeep or by rented cars. The bus/jeep stand is beside Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, Siliguri.

So, welcome to Deolo (Dello).

LAVA - LOLEGAON........THE ANOTHER WORLD

LAVA

LAVA is a small thorp situated 34 kilometres (21 miles) east of the town of Kalimpong in Darjeeling District of the state of West Bengal, India. Easiest way to reach there is to start journey from Siliguri by rented car. You can share the Treckers upto Kalimpong. There is only one airport in Bagdogra to reach Siliguri. In railway your station is New Jalpaiguri to reach Siliguri.

LOLEGAON (LOLEYGAON)

Lava is situated at an altitude of 7016 feet (2138 Mtrs). It is one of the few places in West Bengal to enjoy snow fall in winter. It is the entry point to te Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong. The route to Lava is scenic with the change in vegetation from tropical deciduous to the wet alpine trees of Fir, Pine and Birch. The verdant forests are a popular spot for picnic, trecking and bird-watching. Lava has now become a favorite tourist destination and tourism has become the source of living for the inhabitants. It is also famous for it’s proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and its beautifull view of the Jelep la and Rechi la Passes. Common tourist place around lava include Ratnarishi Gumpha, Neora Lake, Silviculture Research centre and Chhangey Falls. Treks to the Neora valley starts from Lava. Apart from long treks across the valley, small treks are also possible in the region. Common treks include trek to Tiffin Dara, Aluabari etc. A spectacular view of the Himalayan Snow will take you to a different World. LOLEGAON (LOLEYGAON) offers panoramic view of the Kanchanjhanga. The tranquility of the surrounding area remains unfazed by the increase in tourist influx. Nearby places like Hilltop, Jhandi Dara offers beautifull views at sunrise.

KANCHANJUNGA VIEW FROM LAVA

Accomodation for tourists is available at both places in Forest Department Rest Houses. Many small Guest Houses and Lodges has been built including log houses or small huts built in the midst of the forest which you can rent to experience the Wildlife and a famous spot to view the sunrise. Another tourist destination near Lava is RISHYAP, just 4 kms walking pathway with a view of Himalayan Peaks. Wild animals such as the Himalayan Black Deer and Barking Deer are found in these parts. A Buddhist Monastery is present on one of the hills of Lava. Notable sites include Chhangey Waterfalls and Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery.

The ideal time to visit is anytime except the monsoons (July-August). Suggested clothing is light woolen clothes in summer and warm clothes in winter. A foldable handy Umbrella may be usefull.

So, welcome to Lava, Lolegaon (Loleygaon, at Dooars.

GORUMARA.......DOOARS

GORUMARA FOREST AT DOOARS

GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK :

Gorumara Park is the other one to have the Great Indian One horned Rhinoceros. Elephants and bison's are also found here.

Gorumara is situated beside the National Highway 31, which connects Siliguri and Guwahati. From Alipurduar & Siliguri you can reach by rented car. The Gorumara forest, declared a sanctuary in 1976, is also one of the recent introductions to the National Parks map of India. Starting with an area of 8.61 sq km, it now covers 79.85 sq. km. It is famous for being one of the last small pockets in eastern India with a natural population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. According to a recent census, there are 19 one-horned rhinos, more than 50 elephants, 300 bison and 25 leopards in this sanctuary, besides different species of deer and birds. With the Murti and Raidak rivers flowing nearby and the mountain ranges on the horizon, the pleasant natural setting of the Park is an added attraction. From Alipurduar you can get the total tour map towards Gorumara.

There are forest bungalows amidst beautiful surroundings available for stay at Gorumara ( 2 rooms) and Murti. Murti forest bungalow (4rooms and 2 dormitories) with all modern amenities lies on the banks of river Murti near the beautiful forests of Chapramari, a 45 minutes drive from Lataguri. The nearby small town Lataguri has many private resorts as well as the Gorumara National Park nature Tourism center available for stay.

So, welcome to Gorumara Forest, Dooars.

JALDAPARA......DOOARS

JALDAPARA ELEPHENT RIDE

JALDAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY :

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is about 124 km from Siliguri. It was constituted in the year of 1941 for the protection of wild life, particularly Great Indian one-horned Rhinos. The forest is mainly savannah covered with tall elephant grass.  River Torsa runs through this forest sanctuary. The major floras are Sal, Simul, Khair, Sisoo, Sidha, Gamar, Mallotus, Kawla, Dilenia and Ficus.

In addition to the famous single horned Rhinos, the wildlife also has tigers, leopards, wild elephants, sambar, wild pigs, swamp deer, hog deer, spotted deer, barking deer, gaurs or indian bisons, bengal florican, jungle fowl, peafowl, Quail etc. The Sanctuary is home for some rare and endemic species like the hispid hare, hog badger etc, wild boar and sloth bears. Python, monitor lizards, krates, king cobras, geckos and about 8 species of fresh water turtles enrich the reptilian diversity. Elephant riding facility is available in the sanctuary.

Totopara is 22 kms from Madarihat, home to the Toto Tribe, one of the few remaining tribes of its kind in the world. Their customs and culture have invoked great interest amongst anthropologists.

Total area	:	216.51 Sq. Km.
Altitude	:	61-140 Meters
Temperature	:	6°C (Min); 39°C (Max)
Average rainfall	:	3000 mm
Best Season	:	October to May, particularly March and April, when new grass is growing
Best Time To Visit	:	Between September and March, especially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds
Off Season	:	15th June to 14th September (Sanctuary closed)
Clothing	:	Summer- Cottons, Winter- Jackets, Woolen Cloths.

How to get at Jaldapara ( Approach & Access ) : 

The place is well-connected by National Highways and State Highways to important railway stations like New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. The Delhi-Gauhati and Howrah-Gauhati routes also connect this area.. Major stop at Alipurduar & Falakata Railway station. Jaldapara is 19 kms from Falakata and 54 kms from Alipurduar. Only passenger trains from Alipurduar Junction and Siliguri Junction stop at Madarihat, which is 7 kms from the sanctuary. Flights to Bagdogra, which is approximately 140 km from Madarihat are available from Delhi and Kolkata. You can also hire your car from Siliguri or Alipurduar. From Alipurduar it will take 1.30 hrs.

Where To Stay At Jaldapara :

Tourists can find comfortable accommodation and delicious food right in the heart of the Sanctuary at the Hollong Forest Bungalow or the Jaldapara Tourist Lodge. There are also small lodges in Madarihat, just outside Jaldpara Wildlife Sanctuary, where one might stay.

So, welcome to Jaldapara, Dooars.

SOME PLACES TO VISIT IN DOOARS

DOOARS JUNGLE

Here is some places to visit in Dooars :

MONGPONG The journey starts from Sevok Coronation Bridge. The first stop on the Dooars express, Mongpong, is a destination in its own right. Trek through the virgin forests or let the serpentine mud tracks vanishing into the deep woods beckon you on a voyage of discovery. And while you are at it let the moisture laden cool breeze with the fragrance of the forest uplift you.

MALBAZAR At a distance of 40 km from Siliguri and 65 km from Jalpaiguri, Malbazar is one of the most important towns in Dooars. It is famous for its tea gardens and scenic spots and as a base of starting package tours to the hills and other places around. The Siliguri-Alipurduar Junction broad gauge intercity express passes through Malbazar. This is one of the most beautiful train rides anywhere.

SUNTALEKHOLA One can find here  rare one-horned rhinoceros, the mighty bison, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, hog deer, reptiles, huge wild tuskers, wild boars and the rarest variety of animals and birds including plenty of peacocks. Elephant safaris through the Jaldapara forest in search of wild animals, is a memorable experience. Numerous watch towers here allow you to take a real close look at wildlife. Moreover the scintillating light and sound show at Jaldapara guest house adds a wild thrill to your trip.

MURTI Located beside the Murti river, this place has a lovely forest resort. With the nature's generosity at its best, the small village of Murti, by the side of the rivulet Murti, is a desired winter picnic spot for local residents.

CHAPRAMARI The Chapramari forest, also a wildlife sanctuary, is located near the NH31 connecting the north-east with the rest of India. Chapramari is famous for its Elephant population. It is quite close to the Gorumara National Park.

SAMSING Beside Jaldhaka river, it is famous for it's scenic beauty, orange plantations and forest resort.

JALDHAKA All around is a forest so deep and so green, it radiates an ethereal energy. Some of the roads here are so quiet that you can hear the crickets and birds distinctly even at 10 in the morning. Walking around here is a great experience as there is beauty hidden around in every corner.

TOTO PARA A small village on the bank of the river Torsha near the Bhutan border, famous for the Dooars aboriginals - the Totos. Totos are one of the most primitive tribes in the world. Totopara is the only place where the Totos live.

RAJABHAT KHAWA Rajabhatkhawa is a small town situated just outside the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Jalpaiguri district. It is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by forests. It is attractive in its own way for its nature information centre.

JAYANTI This is a beautiful spot encircled by Jayanti river and hills.

BHUTANGHAT This is famous for its scenic beauty beside river Raidak bordering Bhutan.

PHUNTSHOLLING (JAIGAON) It is the border and a major gateway to Bhutan.

SANTALABARI

It is the entrance towards Buxa Fort having a great natural beauty, also famous for the hill food MOMO.

BUXA FORT

The most historical as well as natural place in the Dooars. You can stay at Santalabari as well as at Buxa in many private resorts. And it is really exciting.

GORUMARA

Another pure natural place of the Dooars with the combo of forest, rivers & various animal. Resorts are available.

RAYMATANG

Just look the natural beauty including dence forest and river in the day and feel the natural smell & sounds of the jungle at night sitting on the resort ground.

CHILAPATA

Take a rented car tour through dence jungle, see the various animal like Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, rare one-horned Rhinoceros, Peackok, Sambar etc.

BIRD’S LOVERS are most welcome to cherish their passion.

In the next post I will give more information about our DOOARS.

THE DOOARS.......THE UNREVEALED WONDER

DOOARS

DOOARS – “The place where nature has kept its doors open”. The word Dooars comes from “Door”(doors to Bhutan). This region, located in the district of Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar, forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan & North-Eastern states. The dense natural forests, interwoven with lush green tea gardens, criss-crossed by Teesta, Raidak, Torsha, Jaldhaka, Kaljani and other rivers & their innumerable tributaries rolling down the hills fill up your senses with sublimity.

Dooars is not so much known to the world, but it’s popularity increasing day by day. Tourists from various corner of the World are started to visit the Dooars for its freshness. The best time to visit the Dooars is from October to February, to enjoy Nature with Winter. The Dooars valley stretching from river Teesta on the west to river Sankosh on the east, over a span of 130 km by 40 km, forms a major part of Alipurduar &  Jalpaiguri district. To its north stands the east Himalayas as a natural backdrop. A vast texture of dense forests teeming with wildlife, unending tea gardens, bubbling rivers, interspersed with sleepy or busy settlements, is what Dooars is all about.

As a parmanent resident of Dooars (Alipurduar), here I am describing everything about Dooars. You can mail me at saibal.bumba@gmail.com for more details, and of course I can give you best of my effort for free of cost, because I Just Love My DOOARS.

You can reach Dooars through Alipurduar, Coochbehar & Siliguri from KOLKATA. The only one airport is located at Bagdogra, Siliguri. It takes 45 minutes to arrive from Kolkata to Bagdogra. In railway there are many trains such as Kanchankanya Express (from Sealdah), Teesta Torsha Express (from Sealdah), Kamrup Express (from Howrah), Saraighat Express (from Howrah), Garib Rath Express (from Kolkata) etc by which you can reach Siliguri or Alipurduar. In railway the distance between Kolkata to Alipurduar is 730 km. (approx.). It takes 10 – 15 hours to reach as per train you choose. You can reach by road also. The route to be followed from Kolkata is as follows:

1. NH34 to Dalkola via Barasat, Ranaghat, Krishnanagar, Plassey, Berhampur, Morgram, Farakka, Malda, Raiganj, Karandighi.

2. From Dalkola take the NH31 to Sevoke via Kishanganj, Islampur, Bagdogra, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Maynaguri (by pass), Dhupguri, Falakata, Alipurduar

3. You can reach by road from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Sevok, Malbazar, Binnaguri, Hasimara through NH31. As per my opinion this will be the rocking journey you ever have. You can start taking the taste of the Dooars through this journey.

According to my view, it will be the best to make your tour map Centering Alipurduar. Because from the Alipurduar Main Town, the jungle starts within only 9 kms. And Alipurduar is much more less congested than Siliguri. So, you can avoid the traffic also.

Here are some Hotels of Alipurduar :

Hotel Dooars Mountain : Phone – 03564-251491 / +91 96797 16622

Hotel Sinchula : Phone – 03564-253884 / +91 97349 03280

Hotel Chitra : Phone – 03564-255249

Hotel Elite : Phone – 03564-255707

Hotel Ridhi-Sidhi : Phone – 03564-275195

In every hotel you can find a guidebook how to enjoy The QUEEN Dooars. Apart from this there are many travel agencies who can support you professionally which I will submit later.

PICTURE GALLERY

Towards Jayanti

Often View of Chilapata

Refreshing Moment

In the next post I will give more information about our DOOARS.