Eastern Himalaya

The Sub-Himalayan parts of the Northern West Bengal in Eastern India, presents a large range of foothill forests crawling with wildlife teagardens, transparent rivers interspersed with quiet villages and small townships of vibrant culture. Commonly known as "Dooars" this unique 130Km long and 48Km wide narrow corridor of rich bio-diversity is a paradise for Eco-Tourists and Wildlife-Nature lovers with a variety of flora, fauna and diverse tribal groups.

One under the region of "Koch Dynasty" in the 16th century, the word "Dooars" derived from the local word "Duar" or Door because of the numerals no of road connection with the neiboring country of Bhutan. The region also forms a gateway to the Darjeeling, Hills, Sikkim and other states of Eastern India.

Famous for its well-known corridor of migration for the Asiatic Elephant and the home of Rhinoceros Unicorns (One Horned Rhino) along with Royal Bengal Tiger, the Dooars comprises of deciduous forests of Himalayan trees and grasslands situated at an attitudinal range of 60Mt to 3200Mt. The entire region is the home to fifty different types of Mammals, three hundred species of Birds, twenty types of Reptiles, thirty different types of Amphibians in its 6 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Mahananda Wild Life Santuary

This 129.04 Sq.Km forest is located in the lower hills and terai plains of North Bengal and was first notified as protected area during 1949. Also known as the valley of butterflies, Mahananda was declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1976. Situated 18Kms from Siliguri, 60% of the forest is hilly ranging from150 mts to 1300 mts in the foot hills of Himalaya. There are almost 200 different types of flora, fauna & avifauna in this santuary along with 50 elephants and 16 Tigers. This is the only place in the world where a lucky visitor might see species like Dead-leaf Butterfly and Salamander. Pictures places like Kalijhora, Mongpong, Purbikhola and Sevoke Coronation Bridge are some of the other attractions around this sanctuary.

Garumara National Park

50Kms from Siliguri, Garumara national park is a magnificent diverse forest of Himalayan trees and tall elephant grass. Located in the flood plains of "Murti" and "Jaldhaka" rivers, this 80 sq. kms forest and was declared as national park in 1992. This national park is also a well known corridor for migration of the Asiatic Elephant and there are 21 great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros residing in this park along with almost 50 different types of mammals, 300 species of birds, 20 types of Reptiles and thirty different types of amphibians. Garumara is also connected with a Tondu Reserve Forest and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jungle Activities
A day trek or a jeep safari inside the jungle can give you an unforgettable experience in Garumara. You can also visit the Nature interpretation Centre at the Lataguri Villege adjoining to the park along with some of the stunning natural places like Murthi River, Samshing Villege, Chapramari Wildlife Santuary, Chalsa

Jaldapara Wildlife Santuary
136Kms from Siliguri Jaldapara is the largest wild life reserve in the West Bengal. Spread across an area of 216.56 Sq. Kms, the sanctuary is the home of Rhinoceros Unicornis (One Horned Rhino). The whole Sanctuary is bird watchers paradise and a delight for ornithologists. The other wealth of this jungle are Indian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Sambar Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Indian Civet, Jungle Cat, Otter, Sloth Beer, Hispid Hare etc.

Jungle Activities
One can find some of the most exciting safari destinations in Jaldapara. Elephant Safari in the early morning is the prime attraction of this sanctuary and a Jeep safari in the evening can take you along the virgin forests. The nature interpretation centre and an animal rescue centre are the added attractions of this sanctuary. Here you can also visit nearby places like Totopara Tribal Village, Phunsholing on the border of Bhutan and the ruins of the "Nalrajar Garh" fort hidden in the Chilapata forest.

Buxa Tiger Reserve
Buxa Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Duars and becomes the 15th Tiger Reserve of India in 1982 -83. Located 175 km from Siliguri, the total area of this tiger project is 761 sq kms with a core area of 331.60 sq. kms. Buxas combination of semi evergreen and subtropical hill forests with tropical moist forest and river rain tracts shelter a wide and unusual variety of flora and fauna. The main rivers of the reserve are Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima and Nonani. The trip through the Buxa forest will become highly graceful and elegant when you will meet the running Leopards, Lesser Cats, Civets, Malayan Giant squirrel, Elephants, Gaur, Chital, Sambhar, Barking Deer and many more. Buxa has been declared as national Park in 1992.

Jungle Activities
The wilderness of Buxa Tiger Reserve is irresistible with its whispering forests, the roaring rivers and blooming orchids. You can simply explore the places like Jayanti, Rajabhatkhawa or Bhutanghat around the tiger reserve or enjoy a day hike through the hilly terrain to the ruins of the historical Buxa Fort which was a detention camp used by the British for detaining the Indian freedom fighters. A 10km short teak from Jayanti to the dolomite cave locally known as "Mahakal" can also be a unique experience.

Coochbehar - The Heritage Town
Once the capital of Koch Dynasty in 16th century, Coochbehar being the only planned town with a very rich heritage in terms of buildings, places of worship and folk art. The Coochbehar palace was built in the year 1887 by King Nipendranarayan which is now the prime tourist attraction of the city. Out of the 64Rooms, 04 rooms have been transformed to a museum and the entire palace is remarkable for its unique architecture and beauty. The prevalence of 19th century Victorian buildings in the methodically laid out town doted with huge water bodies adds up to provide a unique heritage ambience. Some of the other attractions of this city are Madan Mohan Temple, Sagardighi, Gosanimari Temple and Baneswar Temple. The Rasik Bill bird Santuary" is an added attraction of the city. Spread over an area of 2500 hectors this is the largest abode of migratory birds in Dooars.

Attraction

The Tea Gardens
The tea country is vast parkland of man made landscape, silver-barked and slim elevated trees stand evenly spaced out over trimmed tea bushes throwing a light shade over them. The Tea story of the region dates back to 1835 through the initiative of the British Governor General, Lord Bentinck and today Darjeeling & Dooars tea is famous around the world for its flavor and is acknowledged as "The Champagne of Teas". The stunning view of the tea garden along with the mountains and the foothill forests of the Eastern Himalayas from our exclusive private bungalow are enchanting. Enjoy a tour of the garden along with the factory and discover the charming character, rich culture and history with the friendly people of the tea estates of the region. Our tea garden tours include the unique experience of staying in a Private Bungalow and explore the life style of the tea industry.

Totopara Tribal Villege
22Kms from the Jaldapara, Totopara is a small village on the bank of river Torsha near the Bhutan Border. "Totos" are believed to be the aboriginal tribes of the Dooars region and only reside in this place. Their number has dwindled to less than a hundred now.

Elephant Safari
For the visitors coming to visit the Jaldapara Wild Life Santuary, an Elephant Safari is the most thrilling attraction. Tourists are taken on the back of an Elephant to the selected parts inside the jungle and a lucky visitor might see the wild animals in their natural habitat.