The Dooars (also spelled as Duars) is a region located in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in Northeast India. It spans across parts of the states of West Bengal and Assam. The name “Dooars” is derived from the word “Duar,” which means door or gateway in several languages spoken in the region, including Bengali, Assamese, and Tibetan.
Key Features of Dooars:
- Geography: The Dooars region is characterized by lush tea gardens, dense forests, and numerous rivers and streams. It acts as a gateway to Bhutan and connects India with its northeastern states.
- Biodiversity: Known for its rich biodiversity, the Dooars is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. These include Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary. These parks are known for their populations of elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, tigers, and various species of birds and butterflies.
- Tea Gardens: The Dooars region is a major tea-producing area, with numerous tea estates spread across the landscape. Tea cultivation is an important economic activity in the region.
- Tourism: Dooars is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors come here to explore the national parks, take safaris to spot wildlife, go on nature walks, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the tea gardens and rivers.
- Cultural Diversity: The region is culturally diverse, with a mix of indigenous tribal communities and Bengali settlers. This diversity is reflected in the local cuisine, festivals, and traditional practices.
Places to Visit in Dooars:
- Jaldapara National Park: Known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants, offering wildlife safaris and birdwatching opportunities.
- Gorumara National Park: Famous for its biodiversity, including Indian bison (gaur), deer, and numerous bird species. Jeep safaris and elephant safaris are popular activities here.
- Buxa Tiger Reserve: Offers trekking opportunities to Buxa Fort, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
- Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its elephant population and beautiful landscapes, ideal for nature walks and photography.
How to Reach Dooars:
- By Road: Dooars is accessible by road from major cities like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
- By Rail: The nearest railway stations are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Alipurduar Junction, from where you can take local transport to reach various parts of Dooars.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Dooars is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife safaris. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, which can make travel and outdoor activities challenging.
