North Bengal+ Dooars

viky

Hi,

I need some destinations in North Bengal/Dooars which will be far from madding crowd and serene place.
I've already visited some offbeat destinations in North Bengal ( ie Lava,Tinchuley ).but wanna know more about such offbeat destinations in North Bengal and Dooars.
Can anyone help me find the details of such destinations?

somnath

Hi Viky,
Once I was planning to visit Dooars and did some google search and I came to know about these two tour schedules (sorry can’t remember the URL of the sites):

Schedule - 1

Day 1 : Reception at NJP railhead / Bagdogra airport. Drive to Mongpong (35 kms.), a quiet place on the bank of river Tista. The forest rest house at Mongpong offers a panoramic view of Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary. Enjoy your break at Mongpong watching colourful birds. A refreshing drive through tea gardens and forests takes you to Samsing. Overnight at Samsing / Sonthalekhola forest resort.

Day 2 : Morning optional trek to Mouchaki beat of Neora valley national park for a magnificent bird eye view of the vast plains of Dooars and Bhutan. Alternately you can simply take a quite stroll in the local Faribasti - a picturesque small hill village and also to Suntalekhola. Evening Drive to Bindu. Halt at Bindu.

Day 3: Morning drive to Jaldhaka, Jhalong on Bhutan border. All the places are lesser-known-lower-hill-stations and offer an unimaginable landscape and peace - the true essence of Dooars. A drive to these areas in the monsoon in particular can be a lifetime experience; as the rivers, streams, fountains greet you with full enthusiasm. Drive to Lataguri. Overnight halt: Lataguri.

Day 4 - Visit Gorumara forests in the morning. As you pass through the dense forests you may come across of a leopard licking its paw on a tree or a herd of elephants crossing your way. Watch out! After reaching the main center of the park you will be taken to the much-awaited watchtower. From the top of tower you will get a panoramic view of almost the entire park and the vast grassland. The rhinos leisurely coming to taste the salted soil below the tower, the gaurs or the Indian bison grazing at the distant meadow, a spotted deer suddenly jumps over a small stream and vanishes in the jungle, a flock of hornbill flies away, the monkeys become very active all of a sudden, an elephant trumpets nearby-the mood of the forest changes. Wait and be silent, you are going to experience a priceless sight of a majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, creeping out from a bush to drink water. Overnight at - Lataguri.

Day 5 : Drive to Jaldapara via Chapramari forests. Jaldapara is famous for its diverse collection of flora and fauna. Vast grassland of Jaldapara holds the second largest population of Indian One-horned Rhino in the world. Transfer to forest bungalow and move around the adjoining forests in the evening. Overnight: Jaldapara.

Day 6: Morning starts with elephant safari inside the sanctuary (optional). During the safari you will have ample time to watch wild elephant, rhino, bison, deer and innumerable species of birds in their natural habitat. After lunch drive to Siliguri / Bagdogra / NJP. Tour concludes.


Samsing - Lataguri - Bindu - Rajabhatkhawa (5 nights 6 days)

This tour package is not all that different from the previous one. Here you get to visit Buxa tiger reserve instead of Jaldapara WLS. This package is specially prepared keeping into mind the beauty of dooars during the monsoon months.

Day 1: Tour starts from Bagdogra Airport / NJP rail station. Drive to Mongpong (30kms.), a quiet place on the bank of river Tista. The forest rest house at Mongpong offers a panoramic view of Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary. Overnight halt: Mongpong /Samsing forest Bungalow.

Day 2: Drive to Lataguri (50 kms. from Mongpong). The place is adjacent to the Garumara National Park. Transfer to Silver Ridge Resort. Surrounded by high Sal forests the resort is an ideal place for the nature lovers. A short drive from the resort takes you to Murti River. Spend a peaceful evening on the riverbed listening to the music of the woods and river. Back to the resort in the evening to enjoy warm hospitality. Overnight halt: Lataguri.

Day 3: Morning drive to Jaldhaka, Jhalong and Bindu on Bhutan border (50kms). All the places are lesser-known-lower-hill-stations and offer an unimaginable landscape and peace - the true essence of Dooars. A drive to these area in the monsoon in particular can be a life time experience; as the rivers, streams, fountains greet you with full enthusiasm. The landscape suddenly become more romantic and mysterious as the rain starts pouring and the clouds coming down to your feet. Overnight at Silver Ridge Resort : Lataguri.

Day 4: Get early on a crystal clear morning. Have a morning walk in the surrounding forests and enjoy an unimaginable freshness around you as Sun rays reflect on the dripping leaves and grasses, unknown birds singing sweet tunes from top of the trees. Breath deeply the unpolluted air mixed with a strange smell of soaked soil. Have breakfast and set for a drive towards Rajabhatkhawa (100Kms) near Buxa Tiger Reserve. In this two and half hour journey you will pass through the lush green tea gardens and forests. Watch the dark clouds threatening in the horizon and the rains come to touch you again. Reach Gracilips Hotel at Rajabhatkhawa in the evening. After a warm welcome and hot dinner served, you may need a sound sleep on your cozy wooden room and the rains, creating rhymes on the rooftop, will be a definite assistance in achieving that. Overnight halt: Rajabhatkhawa

Day 5: Morning visit to the Rajabhatkhawa forests. Watch the deer and gaurs grazing in the meadow as the sun breaks in through the woods after the overnight rains. If you are interested to see the true feature of a monsoon river, The Bala River inside Buxa forest would be an ideal place to visit. The roar of the river can be heard from distance. Back to the hotel for lunch and visit to the Rajabhatkhawa nature interpretation centre in the afternoon. Overnight halt: Rajabhatkhawa.

Day 6 : Pack up and set out for Siliguri after breakfast. Tour concludes at Siliguri.

__________________
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somnath

Just another piece of info, which is collected from web:

GARUMARA NATIONAL PARK

This park is located in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri district. River Murti, Jaldhaka and Ingdong have passed through this national park. In the year 1949, Garumara Forest was declared as wildlife sanctuary when it was a small forest. Later in the year 1992, it was declared as a National Park, comprising of 89 kms. of diverse forest. Lataguri is the nearest small Tourist Strip near Garumara National park. Private Resorts / Accommodation are available here. Tourist may visit Garumara in day time staying at Lataguri. Day visit permission to the National Park may be obtained from : Nature Interpretation Centre, Department of Forest 9Govt. of West Bengal), Lataguri

MURTI

Another tourist spot near Lataguri is Murti Forest Resort. This centre is about 9 km from Malbazar and 8 km from Chalsa situated on the bank of Murti river. This resort has double-bedded room and dormitory accommodation. For reservation, please contact Tourism Centre, Reservation Counter, WBFDC. M-4 Building, H.C. Road, Pradhan Nagar, Siliguri - 3.


SAMSING

Approximately 81 km from Siliguri via Chalsa.Transport : Bus service available from Sevok Road Bus Stand at Siliguri.Accommodation : WBFDC has accommodation at Samsing. For reservation, please contact : Managing Director, WBFDC, 6/A, Raja Subodh Mallik Square (7th Floor), Kolkata - 13. Private accommodation is also available.

CHAPRAMARI FOREST

Chapramari is off National Highway 31 from Khunia More on the way to Jaldapara. It can also be approached from the metre gauge railway stations to Chalsa or Nagrakata. There is the Chapramari Forest Bungalow for accommodation. Permission to stay at rest house may be obtained from Divisional Forest Officer, "Aranya Bhawan", Jalpaiguri.


JHALLONG

A small township, 85 km from Siliguri. You can visit 2nd phase of Hydro Electric Power Station constructed on the river Jaldhaka. WBSEB has accommodation at Jaldhaka.For reservation please contact : Liason Officer WBSEB, Pulok Bhawan, Bardhaman Road, Siliguri - 1. West Bengal Forest Development Corp. also has accommodation at Jaldhaka. Please contact the Managing Director W.B.F.D.C. Ltd., 6/A Raja Subodh Mallick Square (7th Floor), Kolkata - 13; Phone : 2370060/61. SUNTALE-KHOLA
3 km from Samsing Forest Bunglow, WBFDC has Tent accommodations at Suntale-Khola. For reservation please contact : reservation counter, Tourism Centre, Siliguri - 734403.

BUXA TIGER RESERVE

175 km from Siliguri. The name "Buxa Tiger" has been derived from Buxa Fort ('Buxa Duar' - a fort at an altitude of 867 metres on the Sinchula Range guarding the most important of the eleven routes into Bhutan), which once was used for detainees during freedom movement of India. This Tiger Reserve comprises the forest area of Rajabhatkhawa, Nimati, Barobisha, Rydak, Raimatang Jainti, Buxaduar and Bhutanghat. The main rivers are Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima and Nonani. Area of the Tiger Reserve is 759 sq. km. with a core area of 331 sq. km. Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year 1982-'83, which later in the year 1992, January, was declared a National Park.Where to stay : There are forest rest houses of WBFDC at Rajabhatkhawa, Nimati, Barobisha, Raidak, Raimatang/Buxaduar, Jayanti and Bhutanghat. For room reservation one may contact Field Director, Buxa Tiger Reserve, P.O.- Alipurduar Court, Dist.- Jalpaiguri, Pin Code - 736122.Best season : October to April of the year.

BINDU

About 107 km. from Siliguri. The last village of West Bengal in Indo-Bhutan border, located on the bank of river Jaldhaka. Journey to Bindu through Chapramari Forest is an awful experience. Next place Gairibus comes on your way, where Diascorrea - a medicine plant is grown.

MONGPONG

32 km. from Siliguri.Transport : Bus service available from Dooars Bus Stand at Sevoke Road in Siliguri.Accommodation : Forest Log Huts. For reservation please contact : Tourism Centre, Reservation Counter, WBFDC, Govt. of W.B., M-4 Building, Hill Cart Road, Pradhannagar, Siliguri - 734403, West Bengal.


MALBAZAR

In the north-west of the Dooars and about 50 km. from Siliguri, a scenic spot surrounded by lush green tea gardens is known as Malbazar.Transport : Regular Bus service available from Dooars Bus Stand at Sevoke Road in Siliguri. Train journey from siliguri to Malbazar is also enjoyable.Accommodation : MeghMallar Tourist Lodge, West Bengal Tourism Development Corp., Malbazar; Phone : (03562)n255183. For Reservation please contact the Manager, Malbazar Tourist Lodge, P.O.- Malbazar, Dist.- Jalpaiguri.

TOTOPARA

30 km from Madarihat, a small village on the banks of the river Torsha near Bhutan border is the only habitation now of the Dooars aboriginals - the Totos. Their number has dwindled to less than a hundred now. A tea garden near Banarhat also bears the name Totopara, probably a survival from days when Toto settlements were more numerous.


And Reservation Authorities

Reservation Authorities For JALDAPARA TOURIST LODGE

P.O.- Madarihat, Dist.- JalpaiguriPhone : (03563) 262230

a) Tourism Centre, Govt. of West Bengal
3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East), Kolkata - 700001Phone : 22485917 / 22488271
.
b) Tourism Centre, Govt. of West Bengal
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar,Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403Phone : (0353) 2511979, 2511974, 2432561Tele Fax : 2511979, 2432561E-mail : maitl@dte.vsnl.net.in


c) Tourist Bureau
1, Nehru Road, The Mall,P.O. - Darjeeling, Gram : DartourPhone : 54050

d) Manager, Jaldapara Tourist Lodge
P.O. - Madarihat,Dist. - JalpaiguriPhone : (03563) 262230


For HOLLONG TOURIST LODGE

P.O.- Madarihat, Dist.- JalpaiguriPhone : (03563) 262228.
[ No. of rooms : 7 double-bedded rooms @ Rs. 425 + Service Charge Rs. 150 for Indians and Rs. 850 + Service Charge Rs. 300 for foreigners. Food (dinner, breakfast & bed tea only ) compulsory @ Rs. 110 for Indians and Rs. 160 for foreigners.]


a) Tourism Centre, Govt. of West Bengal
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar,Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403Phone : (0353) 2511979, 2511974, 2432561Tele Fax : 2511979, 2432561E-mail : maitl@dte.vsnl.net.in
c) Divisional Forest Officer
P.O. & Dist. - Cooch BeharPhone : 227185

b) Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal
1, Nehru road, The Mall,P.O. - DarjeelingPhone : 254050..


For BARADABRI FOREST LODGE

P.O.- Hasimara, Dist.- JalpaiguriPhone : (03563) 262228

[ No. of rooms : 3 double-bedded rooms @ Rs. 100 per d/b room + Service Charge Rs. 60 ]

a) Tourism Centre, Govt. of West Bengal
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar,Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403Phone : (0353) 2511979, 2511974, 2432561Tele Fax : 2511979, 2432561E-mail : maitl@dte.vsnl.net.in

b) Divisional Forest Officer
Wild Life Division,P.O. & Dist. - JalpaiguriPhone : 230838..


For BARADABRI YOUTH HOSTEL

P.O.- Hasimara, Dist.- Jalpaiguri.

[ No. of beds : 14 nos. @ Rs. 30 per head + Service Charge Rs. 30 per head ]

a) Tourism Centre, Govt. of West Bengal
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar,Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403Phone : (0353) 2511979, 2511974, 2432561Tele Fax : 2511979, 2432561E-mail : maitl@dte.vsnl.net.in

viky

Ty very much for these detailed information.
I was thinking of Suntanekhola.Which one would be better place to stay Samsing or Suntanekhola??

somnath

Hi Viky,
Glad to know that you liked the info but I am sorry I do not have any first hand info. One of my friends went to that area and according to him Samsing is a nice place. If you want to have a chat with my friend regarding this please send me a PM I can give you his number (Kolkata - local).

Cheers,
Somnath

arunendra

Hi!
Thanks for the information. But, pls could any one tell me any spot in North bengal, by the bank of Tista or any flowing river and with some jungle around. Preferably away from croud and if anyone could tell me of a forest banglow or sort of that. I want to go for 2-3 days.
Thanks in advance!
P.O. If anyone wanna know something about Tawang I can help!!
Bye
Arun

arunendra

Hi All!!
what about Latpanchar???
Is there any place to stay near the river??
Arunendra

arunendra

Hi Somenath!!
Nice post! But tell me how to reach and where to stay at Bindu!
Arunendra!

travo

You may stay at Shivaji Tourist Inn (http://www.east-himalaya.com/hotels/...touristinn.htm).

I am planning a 7-day-trip to Dooars (Samsing-Suntalekhola-Jhalong-Paren-Bindu-Chapramari-Murti-Gorumara-Mongpong)from 23rd Feb. However, I won't be staying at Bindu.

somnath

Here is a great map of Dooras :
http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s.../size/big/cat/

prepared by our IM member – Chief. Thanks to chief.