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Cooch Behar is a beautiful and elegant town with a lot of royal heritage, scintillating architecture, and serene landscapes in the West Bengal region of India. It used to be the seat of a princely state, thus carrying some of the great and beautiful palaces. Be it the magnificent view of the Cooch Behar Palace or acquiring blessings from Madan Mohan Temple or admiring the relaxing views of Sagar Dighi, things to do in Cooch Behar offer an immersive cultural taste.
10 Things To Do In Cooch Behar
From exploring the grandeur of Cooch Behar Palace to boating on Sagar Dighi, here listed are the top 10 things to do in Cooch Behar:
1. Visit The Cooch Behar Palace
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The famous Koch ruler Maharaja Nripendra Narayan built the magnificent Cooch Behar Palace in 1887 in the classic European style of the Italian Period. This two-story brick building is situated on a 1.5-meter-high basement and has a total size of 4768 square meters.
Among the more than fifty rooms/halls of various sizes are the library, a place called the ladies gallery, billiard room, dining hall, dancing hall, dressing rooms, bedrooms, and kitchen.
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Major Attractions: Grand domes and balconies, Beautiful Durbar Hall, Royal Antiques Museum, and Serene Gardens
2. Seek Blessings At Madan Mohan Temple
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Madan Mohan Temple, Cooch Behar, West Bengal. This is a major worship place devoted to Lord Krishna, and it was constructed by Maharaja Pranay Narayan in the 18th century. There are intricately carved pillars that are really beautiful and depict pictures from Hindu mythology. Visitors can witness daily rituals and offerings to the deity in this temple. Festivals are highly celebrated at Madan Mohan Temple since devotees assemble there to celebrate with music, dance, and devotion.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM , 4 PM – 9 PM
Major Attractions: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, 18th century architecture, Serene spiritual atmosphere
3. Pray At The Baneshwar Shiva Temple
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Baneshwar Shiva Temple is located in Cooch Behar and is among the most sacred religious destination sites for Lord Shiva. Famous for its structure and the peaceful ambiance the temple provides, it interests both the devotees as well as the tourists coming to this place. These visitors can participate in a daily ritual, attend aarti (prayer ceremony), and pray to this deity, making the journey very spiritual.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Major Attractions: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Daily rituals and aarti
4. Explore The Baradebi Bari
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Baradebi Bari has a significant place in the history of Cooch Behar. It was formerly the royal palace for the ladies of the princely realm, and it was renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance. The name ‘Baradebi’ translates to ‘Elder Goddess’, implying that the dwelling was dedicated to a holy figure, while ‘Bari’ means ‘House’ in Bengali. Over the years, Baradebi Bari has stood as a witness to the grandeur of bygone times, capturing the magnificence of North Bengal’s imperial past.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Major Attractions: Gorgeous statue of the goddess Baradevi, exciting festivals, and peaceful atmosphere for devotees
5. Stroll Through Rasikbil Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Bas van Brandwijk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are a nature lover or a bird watch enthusiast, then you should definitely visit the Rasikbil Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is dotted by thousands of birds ranging in types from egrets and herons to kingfishers and storks. Leopards, deer and reptiles are also spotted here. You can also take a boat safari in Rasikbil Lake to have a close-up look at the wildlife.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Home to a diverse flora and wildlife, beautiful scenery, birdwatching possibilities, and nature trails
6. Relax By Sagardighi
Photo: Shuvo017 / Wikimedia Commons
The town center has Sagardighi where the largest water body is located here, and to one’s surprise, with some colonial-era buildings at the back, the sight appears very peaceful. One will find the District Court, Town Hall, the Commissioner’s Office, amidst a few other structures like the railway station in Sagardighi, as all of these are scattered in or around the lake. The reflection of these great colonial buildings in the still waters of Sagardighi presents a very picturesque view.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Expansive water body, scenic surroundings, ideal for picnics and leisurely boat cruises
7. Wander Through Rani Bagan
Photo: snty-tact / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rani Bagan is one of the very few places in the town of Cooch Behar, where peace and history live together in harmony. This former royal retreat of the queens of the Cooch Behar dynasty has always had lush greenery, meandering paths, and the most colorful flower beds. The landscaping design is a befitting mix of Mughal and British landscaping patterns, and its depiction of the rich life of the royal family makes it one of the most visited spots.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Major Attractions: Lush grounds and a tranquil environment make for great relaxation and leisurely strolls
8. Witness The Architecture Of Kalyan Bhavan
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Kalyan Bhawan is a stunning palace located in the heart of Cooch Behar. It exemplifies the local royal legacy. Built in the nineteenth century, the architectural masterpiece represents a blend of Mughal and European styles, evoking the splendor of Cooch Behar’s former kings. The palace is notable for its white façade, which is embellished with sculptures that give it a brilliant aspect similar to a pearl.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Historical significance, gorgeous architecture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
9. Discover Serenity At Sri Sri Madhupur Satra
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sri Sri Madhupur Satra is one of the prominent Vaishnavite monasteries near Cooch Behar. It is known for its spiritual and historical significance. This Satra is centuries old and important for propagating the teachings of Vaishnavism, a sect that stresses devotion to Lord Krishna. The Satra architecture is simple yet elegant, reflecting the traditional Assamese style.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Major Attractions: Spiritual center of the Vaishnavism tradition, Exquisite temple architecture and colorful religious celebrations
10. Immerse Yourself In Culture At Guriahati Club
Photo: Opoku Daniel Nana Kwame / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Guriahati Club is a very popular cultural and social organisation in Cooch Behar, where the club participates in all the community functions and celebrations. The club, in fact, has been very old, and now it serves as a place for sports, cultures, and getting together. This annual Durga Puja is famous, attracting a huge crowd for its handcrafted idols and vibrant cultural programs. The club in Guriahati has ample involvement in various charitable welfare activities with the local community, and for its citizens.
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Cooch Behar is the most exclusive destination for history enthusiasts as well as nature lovers. Whether you have plans to go through history-laden lanes or some time around its water bodies, the things to do in Cooch Behar promise a very memorable experience. Plan a trip now with TripXL and explore this regal town of West Bengal with its utmost charm!
Cover Photo: Amartyabag / Wikimedia Commons
