Explore Dooars (Part 2): Nature, Adventure and Travel Tips
Dooars Nature Tours for Peaceful forest travel
Monali Gupta
In our previous blog, we explored some hidden gems of Dooars, from the lush landscape to the wild beauty of places like Lataguri, Gorumara, Jhalong, and Murti. However, Dooars is vast and has much more to offer, there’s a lot more left to explore. In this second part, we continue exploring the remaining must-visit gems of Dooars.
How to Reach This Side of Dooars
- By Train: Arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway which is well-connected with most towns/cities.
From here, take a local train to Hasimara (the closest station to Jaldapara) or hire a car from NJP to reach Jaldapara directly.
By Road: Take a cab/ shared jeep from NJP/ Siliguri to reach Jaldapara Via the Sevoke-Malnazar-Madarihat route(takes 3-4 hours to arrive)
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport and from there, take a cab to Madarihat or Hasimara (which takes 4 hours to reach)
Must Visit Places In Dooars
This visit will take you deeper into the far eastern parts of Dooars. Quieter forests, offbeat spots, and places where time stands still. We’ll explore from Jaldapara’s rhinos to the fort at the top of Buxa, and to Dooars Balcony Lepchaka with a combination of wildlife, history, and untouched nature’s beauty.
1. Jaldapara National Park
Jaldapara is close to Madarihat and is famous for its population of Indian one-horned rhinos. You can spot them in the early morning Jeep Dooars jungle safari. The National park also has elephants, guars, deer, and various bird species. The South Khayerbari Rescue Centre, a rescue shelter for leopards and tigers near the park is also worth visiting.
2. Santalabari View Point
This serene forest village is the starting point for the Buxa Fort trek. It’s surrounded by tall sal trees and hills that offer a completely relaxed atmosphere. You will find several homestays, some forest checkpoints, and friendly locals.
3. Buxa Fort
Buxa Fort West Bengal is drenched in history. It was a British prison in the past. Freedom fighters like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were said to have been imprisoned here. But long before that, it was a strategic post on the ancient trade route of Bhutan. The Trek to Buxa Fort tour from Suntalabri is going to be an experience of crossing dense forests and the crumbing beauty of old stones.
4. Lepchakha Village
This is the Jewel of Buxa Hills. After a small but steep trek from Buxa Fort, you arrive at Lepchakha, a small village of the Dukpa tribe. The view from here is otherwordly. You see the rolling Dooars plains below and rivers shining like jewels in the sunlight. Spend a night here and the night sky and the quiet will remain engraved in your memory for a long time.
5. Rajabhatkhawa Dooars
A quiet and lush forest area near Alipurduar is a gateway to Rajabhatkhawa Buxa Tiger Reserve. It has a nature interpretation center, and a forest bungalow, and is surrounded by thick greenery. It’s less crowded which makes it ideal for someone looking for a quiet place to relax. Perfect spot for a nature walk, birdsighting, and enjoying the forest vibe without any chaos.
Itinerary (For 4Days/ 5Nights)
| Day | Activities |
| Day 1 | Arrival at NJP and Transfer to Jaldapara |
| Day 2 | Explore Jaldapara and Transfer to Santalabari |
| Day 3 | Trek to Bux Fort and lepchakha |
| Day 4 | Trek Down from Lepchakha and Visit Rajabhatkhawa |
Day 1: Arrival at NJP and transfer to Jaldapara
Take a local train or hire a car to reach Madarihat (3-4 hours to reach NJP).
Check-in at a hotel/resort near Jaldapara National Park. In the evening, go out for an evening nature walk or visit the South Khayerbari Leopard Rescue Centre.
Day 2: Explore Jaldapara + Transfer to Santalabari
Early Morning: Experience the elephant safari or a jeep safari at Jaldapara to spot Indian one-horned rhinos, peacocks, wild elephants, and birds (6-8 AM time slot is best).
Afternoon: Hire a cab/ or take a shared vehicle to reach Santalabari.
Evening: Relax at your hotel/homestay or go for a short walk to explore the forest edges.
Day 3: Trek to Buxa Fort and Lepchakha
Early Morning: Begin your Dooars trekking tour from Santalabari to Buxa Fort which is an easy trek of about 4 km.
Afternoon: By afternoon, complete your trek to Lepchakha to witness the breathtaking sunset. Stay overnight here at any homestay.
Day 4: Trek Down from Lepchakha and Visit Rajabhatkhawa
Morning: After breakfast, start your return trek to Santalabari.
Afternoon: Finish your lunch and drive to Rajabhatkhawa which is around 45 minutes journey.
After arriving at Rajabhatkhawa, visit the Nature Interpretation Centre and relax in the serene nature.
Evening: Stay overnight at Rajabhatkhawa Forest Rest House or begin your return journey to NJP.
Cost Guide (Per Person, Ranging from Budget to Mid-Range)
| Expense | Cost |
| Train (NJP to Dooars) | Rs.500-1500(both ways) |
| Local Travel Cost | Rs2,500-4,000 |
| Stay | Rs.3,000-5,000 |
| Food(Local Meals+Snacks) | Rs.800-1,200 |
| Safaries | Rs.1,000-1,500 |
| Entry/Guide Fees | Rs.300-500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | Rs.8,000-13,000(Approx) |
Dooars Resorts and Accommodations
1. Jaldapara/Madarihat
- Hollong Tourist Lodge (WBFDC)
A forest lodge inside the Jaldapara National Park. You can get to spot wildlife right from your window. Make a pre-booking to stay here. - Jaldapara Eco Resort
The resort is surrounded by greenery built just outside the park. They offer clean rooms and homely food. - Green Touch Resort/Madarihart Homestays
Some Dooars budget tour stay options with basic facilities.
2. Santalabari
- Forest Rest House (WBFDC Santalabari)
Needs to make a booking via forest office. They offer a rustic forest vibe and simple food. - Homestays
Ask locals or your driver to help you find clean warm hospitality homestays.
3. Lepchakaha Village
- Dukpa Community Homestays
Homestays are run by the dukpa community. You will get incredible views and homemade food.
4. Rajabhatkhawa
- Rajabhatkhawa Forest Rest House (WBFDC)
Build around dense greenery, close to the Nature Interpretation Centre. Book through the forest department or local tourism desks. - Local Homestays/ Hotels
Tips for the Trip
- Make bookings in forest lodges and safaris through WBFDC or WBTDCL.
- Don’t forget to carry Cash as ATMs are rare to find around Buxa and Lepchakaha.
- Don’t litter and respect the eco-sensitive areas.
- If trekking, pack light and carry necessary items like water, torch, and raincoats (weather can change)
The first part of Dooars takes you to the charm of Tea Garm and the famous national park while this part takes you deeper from Jaldapara to Lepchakha offering raw and untouched nature’s beauty. Experience an adventurous forest stay with insane views from Lepchakha. So, if you are searching for a peaceful yet little adventure, then pack your bag and explore Dooars.
