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Dooars is an all-encompassing region in the heart of West Bengal, working as a gateway to the majestic and captivating Himalayas. Famous for lush tea plantations, high biodiversity and serene landscapes, these off-beat destinations attract wanderers to an unexplainable blend of adventure with peace. It could either be exploring the densest of forests looking deep into pristine rivers or involving themselves in the local cultures. This would be a perfect getaway spot for adventure and nature lovers searching for untouched beauty along with a variety of wildlife.
Top 10 Offbeat Places In Dooars
1. Suntalekhola
Photo: Christian Ferrer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Suntalekhola is a small hamlet inside the Dooars region. It gives serenity with no hectic sounds of day-to-day life. When translated, Suntalekhola means Orange Stream. The place is home to numerous birds and butterflies. Suntalekhola is the perfect place for trekking and bird-watching. It also acts as a base for treks to Neora Valley National Park, giving the trekker an adventurous experience in addition to the serenity. Enjoy a peaceful sojourn in an eco-resort or homestay amidst a simple rustic way of living. Peaceful streams and rolling hills come with picture-perfect settings.
Highlight: Trekking and bird watching
Nearby Attractions: Neora Valley National Park, Samsing
2. Jayanti
Photo: Paramanu Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons
Jayanti is a secluded but scenic destination located by the Jayanti River. The location has beautiful scenery, where the river flows between the tall hills of the Bhutan border and the dense forest on the other side. The peaceful surroundings coupled with the refreshing cool breeze make it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Jayanti is especially famous for its quiet trekking trails and panoramic views, making it a paradise for adventure lovers. Jayanti is perhaps one of the hidden jewels in the Dooars region.
Highlight: Adventurous trekking trails
Nearby Attractions: Buxa Tiger Reserve, Mahakal Cave
3. Raimatang
Photo: Kaustav Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Raimatang is one of the lesser-known villages within the Dooars forest, which has both adventurous and peaceful elements in it. Abounded by thick forests and tea gardens, the village is an excellent destination for nature lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts. The very narrow roads leading to Raimatang exhibit fine scenic views of the surrounding forested hills and present an attractive drive through the wild. The locale of Raimatang is meant to be remote and presents beauty untouched by any human interment.
Highlight: Jungle safaris and nature walk
Nearby Attractions: Buxa Tiger Reserve, Bhutan border
4. Lepchakha
Photo: Rajaraman Sundaram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lepchakha is a small hamlet on top of a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Bhutan hills and the Dooars plains below. It is the offbeat destination for serenity in the hills, which is rich in its cultural heritage. The trek to Lepchakha passes through the lush forests of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. There is a very small Lepcha tribe which lives here, and they live their lives according to old traditions. Panoramic views from Lepchakha are simply irresistible where meandering rivers like Raidak, Jayanti and Sankosh flow through the plains of Dooars.
Highlight: Trekking and panoramic views
Nearby Attractions: Buxa Fort, Rovers Point
5. Jaldhaka
Photo: Paramanu Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, Jaldhaka is one of the offbeat tourist destinations reflecting beauty and peacefulness. The place is basically the valley surrounding the Jaldhaka River. The lush green landscape coupled with the serene river makes Jaldhaka an ideal destination for those looking to relax. The region is also known for its agricultural significance, with many orchards and farmlands dotting the landscape. For adventure lovers, it gives opportunities for trekking and birdwatching in the surrounding hills.
Highlight: Views of the river valley and trekking
Nearby Attractions: Jaldhaka Hydel Project, Bindu
6. Gorumara National Park
Photo: Pinakpani / WIkimedia Commons
Gorumara National Park is a haven for wildlife and an absolute must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The park covers 79 square kilometres of land, hosting diverse flora and fauna, including the majestic Indian rhinoceros, elephants, and numerous bird species. The park offers several activities, such as jeep safaris and guided treks, where you can explore the rich biodiversity it has to offer. The watchtowers, along with animals roaming in their natural habitat, should not be missed.
Highlight: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts
Nearby Attractions: Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Buxa Fort
Photo: AURAB / Wikimedia Commons
Part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve, Buxa Fort sits atop a historically steep hill with breathtaking panoramic views. The British period saw this fort as one of the strategic points to gain control over the vast and extensive land of Northeast India. It is believed that the King of Bhutan protected this monument. It has trek views and panoramic views of the hills and valleys surrounding it. The fort is currently in ruins but still expects bustling crowds. There is a memorial and stone tablets inside Buxa Fort.
Highlight: History and Adventure
Nearby Attractions: Buxa Tiger Reserve, Jayanti River
8. Buxa Tiger Reserve
Photo: Rajeshrjo / Wikimedia Commons
Buxa Tiger Reserve, on the edge of Bhutan, lies along the border, keeping hidden treasures that would come to thrill wildlife enthusiasts. Over a huge area of 760 square kilometres, the diversity in flora and fauna there consists of the Bengal tiger, leopards, elephants, and many deer species. Along with its dense forests, meandering rivers, and winding hills, the rich biodiversity of the reserve offers some of the most attractive features for trekking and nature walks. It has safari tours where rare wild animals can be sighted; alternatively, there are visits to nearby quaint villages offering a flavour of local village life.
Highlight: Perfect for relaxation and scenic beauty
Nearby Attractions: Buxa Fort, Rajabhatkhawa
9. Neora Valley National Park
Photo: Kunal Bhowmik / Wikimedia Commons
Neora Valley National Park is an adventure of its kind for die-hard trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts. This gem remains less known, hosting an immense variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like the Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear. There are several trekking trails in the park that visitors can explore to study the lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant ecosystems of the park. During treks in the thick woods, many species of birds are typically observed; hence, it is a unique place for any birder. This park and its unmarred beauty attract many to come here for camping and to have a view of the celestial.
Highlight: A heaven for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts
Nearby Attractions: Lava and Lolegaon
10. Lava
Photo: Saswatamandal / Wikimedia Commons
Lava is the serene hill station located right in the middle of Dooars. As far as the eye can see, lush green forests stand tall along with tall mountains. This place is located at a height of 7200 ft. The main attraction here is the beautiful Lava Monastery. The surrounding area are local trails that allow for great treks taking you deeper into the charming forests, opening their secrets as you go along. Other attractions include Forest Nursery and Nature Interpretation Centre.
Highlight: A serene getaway into nature
Nearby Attractions: Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong
Offbeat Dooars takes one on a journey through the great escapades of nature and culture and invites tourists to look at a less-known aspect of West Bengal. From Lava’s scenic landscape and serene banks of Jayanti River, this is just a different world of hidden gems, making the stay here both a great experience for adventure-lovers as well as people looking to find peace in a secluded place. Let TripXL help plan your journey to the very heart of Dooars: every experience is geared toward building lifetime memories.
Cover Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
