Dooars Tour Packages

History of Dooars

The land of Dooars has been under the reign of various dynasties and colonial powers such as the Koch Dynasty, Mughals, Britishers as well as Bhutanese. The place is believed to be one of the oldest places to inhabit humans, which dates back to the early 3rd century. Under British rule, the region was highly utilized for tea plantations, which to date accounts for a major part of the region. Dooars originally known as ‘Doors’ used to be among the few gates that were used to travel to Bhutan from India.

Geography and Climate

Spread across a vast area of more than 880 sq km of land, Dooars is the junction point to Northeast India and Bhutan which has got its name as a gateway to Bhutan and Northeast. Situated within a few km from the Siliguri corridor, the region is connected with major districts of North Bengal which include Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri. The place is widely known for its lush greenery and rich wildlife along with being home to major wildlife parks such as Buxa Tiger Reserve, Samsing National Park and Gorumara National Park.  The region has tropical climatic conditions with severe summers and cool winters.

People and Culture

Being one of the oldest regions of Northern India, Dooars is home to diverse communities and religions that contribute to the overall culture and traditions. Mech, Rabha, Toto, Rajbhansis and Bodo are some of the oldest tribes in this region. Each of the communities has identical traditions and rituals that have been performed for ages. People of Dooars show huge respect for their culture and customs and are fond of dance and music that is mostly seen on the eve of festivals. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood, the region is also known for its vastly spread tea gardens and beetle nuts that add to the overall revenue of these people.

Food and Cuisines

Apart from rich natural beauty and dense wildlife, Dooars is also popular among its visitors for its diverse cuisine and rich food delicacies. Being located in close proximity to major rivers such as Teesta and Torsa, fish is one of the key ingredients of these regions that are available in a variety of food options. There are multiple street food stalls and restaurants located in every part that serves the authentic cuisine of this region. Some of the popular foods of this region include

• Kosha Mangsho
• Shukto
• Chingri Malai
• Bamboo Shoot Curry
• Fish Fry
• Smoked meats

Festivals

Dooars come alive during various festivals throughout the year. Durga Puja, the celebration of Goddess Durga's victory over evil, is a grand affair with vibrant pandals (temporary structures) and community gatherings. Holi, the festival of colours, is another joyous occasion filled with vibrant colours, music, and dance. For a glimpse into Adivasi culture, witness festivals like Magh Bihu (harvest festival), celebrating the bounty of the season. These festivals offer a window into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people.

The real beauty and charm of Dooars arise during the festivals. Home to numerous communities and tribes, the region is highly popular for hosting vibrant festivals that are celebrated with great zeal and zest. From beautifully structured pandals and a well-lit atmosphere to a variety of musical events accompanied by mouthwatering food delicacies, festivals are the best time to visit Dooars. Some of the highly popular festivals of this region include

• Magh Bihu
• Diwali
• Durga Puja
• Holi
• Christmas
• Ramadan