An ecosystem steeped with wildlife diversity
Situated to the north of the Brahmaputra River basin, Dooars is widely known for its vastly spread verdant tea gardens, rich wildlife and rich cultures. Also known to be the gateway to Bhutan and Northeast states, the region is popular for being home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The place is also home to numerous trekking and hiking trails attracting nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts from all over the country.
Established as a national park in the year 1994, Gorumara National Park is home to the largest popular Indian rhinoceros in this region along with animal species. The park is surrounded by diverse landscapes and is home to more than 190 species of birds. Scarlet Minivet, Sunbird, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo and Great Indian Hornbill, woodpeckers, pheasants and Peafowl are very common bird species in this region. Most of them are submontane birds and can be easily sighted in this region during the daytime.
Jaldapara is one of the prominent names when it comes to safari and bird watching in Dooars. Spread across 216 sq km of land, the national park has an expansive collection of bird species such as Green Pigeons, Hornbills, Parakeets, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, Cuckoos, Thrushes whistling teals and Goosanders. Summer and winter are the best times to witness these birds. The park is also home to numerous nocturnal birds that can be sighted with night safari.
Located on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas adjacent to the Indo-Bhutan border, the Buxa Tiger Reserve is one of the best places to immerse in a birding experience. Having close proximity to the Jaldapara National Park, the region is home to over 235 species of birds making it a paradise for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Slender-billed vulture, Chestnut-breasted partridge, Rufous-necked hornbill, Greater pied hornbill, Ibisbill, White-throated Redstart, the rare black-necked crane, migratory common teal, black stork, large whistling teal and minivets are some of the bird species that can be sighted in this reserve.
Situated on the hilltop of Kalimpong district, Suntalekhola is a heaven for bird lovers that can be sighted throughout the year. Surrounded by misty hills and verdant greenery, the valley is home to numerous species of birds attracting bird enthusiasts in huge numbers. Some of the common bird species of this region include Grey Nightjar, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Maroon Oriole, Grey-chinned Minivets, Slaty-backed Forktail, Sultan Tit, Ashy Bulbul, Golden-spectacled, Greater Necklaced Laughing thrush and Chestnut-crowned Warblers, Long-tailed Sibia.
A picturesque village located in the eastern part of Neora Valley National Park, Lava is a place where you get to experience the true beauty of nature. Surrounded by lush greenery, the valley is also home to numerous bird species such as Oriental Turtle-Dove, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Rufous-bellied Eagle, White-throated Fantail, Striated Bulbul, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Green-tailed Sunbird and Blue Whistling-Thrush. The valley has numerous locations that have been set up to get the best views of these bird species.
Perched on the hilltop of Buxa Tiger Reserve, Lepchaka is a small village that boasts its beauty with rich wildlife and authentic village lifestyle. However, the village is also a popular destination for trekkers. Situated on the Indo-Bhutan border, visitors need to trek through the inclined hills and cross multiple rivers before reaching the top of the village offering an adrenaline-rushing experience.
The picturesque village located in the eastern part of Alipurduar district is another popular spot to indulge in trekking adventures. Mahakal Baba Mandir located on top of the mountain is the most popular destination that offers trekking adventures starting from Jayanti. The mountain is filled with wild animals therefore it is necessary to seek help from local guides.
Once used to be used as the detainment centre for the Indian prisoners, the fort is one of the popular attractions of Dooars. However, there are no roads connecting to the fort and people need to go on a 3-hour trek for reaching to top of the fort. The fort also connects to the Lepchaka village and is basically used as the exit route for trekkers of Lepchaka Village.
As the name suggests Bhutanghat is a beautiful mountain situated in the Indo-Nepal border that is widely popular among trekking enthusiasts. Visitors are not allowed to stay in these mountains therefore the trek is a one-day journey that offers great experiences and is sure to challenge your physical abilities.
