Alipurduar (district)

Alipurduar (আলিপুরদুয়ার Ālipurduyār) is a district of North Bengal, at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Map of Alipurduar (district)

• 26.589.521 Alipurduar (আলিপুরদুয়ার Ālipurduyār) — a city in eastern Dooars, close to the foothills of the Himalayas, forests and wildlife preserves
• 26.7589.352 Hasimara (হাসিমারা Hāsimārā) — picturesque town, surrounded by tea plantations
• 26.8389.383 Jaigaon (জয়গাঁ Joygān) — a trading city for cross-border business with Bhutan
• 26.8314189.314594 Totopara (টোটোপাড়া Ṭōṭōpāṛā) — home to one of India's smallest tribes

• 26.6589.581 Buxa Tiger Reserve — a forested area in Buxa and Jayanti Hills is a habitat for tigers, Asian elephants and other mammals plus a variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles
• 26.55055689.3797222 Chilapata Forest — a migration corridor for rhinos and elephants between Jaldapara and Buxa
• 26.62861189.37753 Jaldapara National Park — a national park with wildlife including one-horned rhinos

Alipurduar was once part of the Kamata Kingdom of the Koch dynasty, the same dynasty that ruled Cooch Behar, and acted as a trade route between Bengal-Assam and Bhutan. The region later came under the rule of Bhutan when the British captured it in 1865 after the Duar War under the command of Captain Hedayat Ali.

Alipurduar is home to animal species like the famous one-horned rhino (গণ্ডার goṇḍār) and numerous other species of animals and birds. The region has an undulating span of tea gardens and rice plantation. Besides, it offers a pleasant environment, and is more relaxed than the nearby tourist destinations of Darjeeling and Gangtok.

Official websites:

• Alipurduar District

Alipurduar is well connected to all regions of India through the wide network of railways. There are many railway stations in the region providing easy mobility. Alipuduar Junction and New Alipuduar are the busiest ones.

Road travel is efficient in Alipurduar. There are many highways connecting the region to different parts of the country. Most road networks to North-Eastern India pass through this region. There are state highways that provide easy transport to places within the state of West Bengal. State Highway 12 (SH 12) connects most of the region. All major national highway systems connecting North-Eastern India with mainland India pass through this region.

The cuisine in this region is mostly similar to that of the general cuisine in the entire Bengal region. In the northern cities of this region, like Siliguri, momo, a steamed filled dumpling, is quite popular along with its variations. Apart from this, bhapa pitha, a traditional rice cake, is quite popular. Chop, a potato and spice-stuffed deep-fried snack is also eaten and well-liked by locals. Chop can also be made with eggs, prawns and other variations.

There are bars in cities. In some rural areas, a fermented rice beverage is available, but it is hard to find. Drinking alcohol in public places is generally frowned upon.

There is a low crime rate in the cities thanks to proactive police forces. Thefts like pickpockets can be seen in crowded areas. The weather in the summer is mostly clear. During monsoons, there are frequent heavy isolated thunderstorms, while in winters, heavy fog at night and early morning reduces visibility.

• Bhutan — if Bhutan is your actual destination, there is a notable border crossing checkpoint at Jaigon that leads to your destination.
• Kaziranga National Park — if you are done exploring, visit the neighbouring Assam known for the one-horned rhinos.