Jalpaiguri (district)

Jalpaiguri (জলপাইগুড়ি Jolpāiguṛi) is one of the largest districts of North Bengal, between the Himalayas and the Teesta River (তিস্তা Tistā).

Map of Jalpaiguri (district)

• 26.51666788.7333331 Jalpaiguri (জলপাইগুড়ি Jolpāiguṛi) — a historic city with the picturesque Teesta River
• 26.751588.58562 Gajoldoba (গজলডোবা Gojolḍōbā) —
• 26.8588.753 Malbazar (মালবাজার Mālbājār) — one of the largest cities in the Dooars region and the main transport hub
• 26.5788.824 Maynaguri (ময়নাগুড়ি Moynāguṛi) —

• 26.788.81 Gorumara National Park — rolling grasslands and the forest is rich with herbivores such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephants birds, reptiles and amphibians

Jalpaiguri 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:

• Jalpaiguri District

Although Jalpaiguri does not have any airport on its own, Siliguri (IXB ^IATA) serves the district too.

Jalpaiguri 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. New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station (NJP) in Siliguri is the busiest one. Direct trains from NJP run from Delhi several times daily. From Kolkata's Sealdah station, the best train is the Padatik Express, running daily at 11:20PM and arriving in NJP by 9:15AM the next day. Apart from this, the train with the shortest travel duration is the Vande Bharat Express leaving from Howrah at 5:55AM and arriving in NJP by 1:25PM.

Road travel is efficient in Jalpaiguri. 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.

• Kalimpong — if Jalpaiguri is not enough, then definitely visit the hilly area at the northern fringes of West Bengal.