Alipurduar: Gateway to Eastern Dooars

Between the emerald forests and fast-flowing rivers of eastern Dooars, Alipurduar is not your typical tourist town where you tick off a few attractions and move on. Here, nature sets the itinerary. This vibrant town serves as the base for exploring some of the region's richest biodiversity zones, dense forests, serene riverbanks, and even the neighbouring Bhutan.

Alipurduar Town

Alipurduar town is gracefully laid out on the western bank of the Kaljani River, which originates from the misty hills of Bhutan. The river loops and bends around the town’s southern and western sides, giving it a serene, water-bound character. The bustling heart of Alipurduar lies along the Buxa Feeder Road (BF Road) — the main north-south artery, also designated as State Highway 12a.

The town’s northern boundary melts into the forests of the famed Buxa Tiger Reserve, offering residents and visitors quick access to wild, unspoiled nature. Alipurduar is woven with threads of colonial history. The name is a tribute to Colonel Hedayat Ali Khan, a valiant British army officer who used the banks of the Kaljani River as a strategic base during the 1865 Bhutan War.

Over time, the modest settlement around his camp blossomed into a prosperous town, eventually becoming an important regional hub connecting India’s heartland to the Northeast.

Alipurduar District

Alipurduar district was carved out of Jalpaiguri in 2007 to improve administrative efficiency. Bordered by Bhutan to the north and Assam to the east, with Cooch Behar district to the south and Jalpaiguri to the west, Alipurduar is strategically located for both nature lovers and cross-border explorers.

The district is divided into six blocks — Alipurduar I, Alipurduar II, Kumargram, Kalchini, Madarihat, and Falakata. Each block offers something unique:

Kalchini and Kumargram boast dense forests and rolling tea gardens under the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Madarihat houses the iconic Jaldapara National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinos. The forest can be approached from the Madarihat or Salkumarhat ends.

Falakata is a charming semi-urban stretch rich in cultural vibrancy.

Alipurduar’s dual identity as a frontier town and nature’s paradise makes it one of the most fascinating yet underexplored districts in West Bengal.

Top Tourist Attractions

Alipurduar itself may appear modest in tourist offerings, but it opens the door to a sprawling natural wonderland all around.

Buxa Tiger Reserve and Rajabhatkhawa

Barely a 20-minute drive from town lies the entry point to the Buxa Tiger Reserve, home to leopards, elephants, Gaurs, Deer and over 300 bird species. The adjoining settlement of Rajabhatkhawa serves as the perfect base for safaris and nature walks. The verdant forest paths, butterfly trails, and riverine landscapes leave visitors enchanted.

Jayanti: The Queen of Dooars

Drive a little deeper (about 15 km from Rajabhatkhawa), and you’ll reach Jayanti, a scenic hamlet tucked between the Jayanti River and Bhutan hills. Often referred to as the "Queen of Dooars," Jayanti’s tranquil riverside settings are perfect for camping, trekking to the mysterious ruins of Buxa Fort, or simply stargazing at night.

Bhutanghat and Hatipota

If you’re itching for more adventure, head towards Bhutanghat along the Indo-Bhutan border. Lush forests, frequent elephant crossings, and the playful meander of the Raidak River create postcard-perfect vistas. Hatipota, nearby, is yet another unexplored gem offering serenity and rich wildlife.

Sikiajhora

A unique spot, Sikiajhora allows visitors to enjoy small boat rides deep into the forest canals, offering a close glimpse into the otherwise hidden life of the Buxa Tiger Reserve.

Jaldapara National Park

Just about an hour’s drive from Alipurduar, Jaldapara National Park is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Take an elephant-back safari into the grasslands to encounter the majestic Indian one-horned rhinoceros and other incredible fauna.

Chilapata Forest

Linked via the Sonapur More, Chilapata Forest is a dense, mysterious woodland, historically part of the princely state of Cooch Behar. It is famed for ancient fort ruins, dense canopies, and occasional wildlife sightings, making it perfect for a small trip.

Cooch Behar Town

A 45-minute drive south brings you to Cooch Behar, where the Cooch Behar Palace, serene lakes, and colonial remnants narrate tales of royal grandeur. A cultural dip here adds a wonderful contrast to your forest adventures.

Border Town of Phuentsholing

Fancy a quick international excursion? Just 60 km from Alipurduar, you can visit Jaigaon and cross into the Bhutanese town of Phuentsholing — a vibrant town blending Indian chaos with Bhutanese tranquillity.

How to Reach Alipurduar

By Rail:
Alipurduar Junction is one of the most important railway hubs on the Northeast Frontier Railway. Almost all major trains heading towards the North East of India make a stop here, making it exceptionally well-connected.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located about 160 km away. Regular flights from major Indian cities connect Bagdogra to the rest of India, from where Alipurduar is a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Dooars.

By Road:
National Highway 31 links Alipurduar with Siliguri, the gateway city to North Bengal and the Northeast. Driving through lush tea gardens and riverside villages is an experience in itself.

Where to Stay in Alipurduar

Alipurduar has seen a surge in accommodations over the past two decades. Most hotels are concentrated around the Sobhaganj area along the main highway and BF Road. These range from comfortable budget hotels to cosy homestays offering a warm Dooars welcome.

For curated stay options, including boutique forest lodges and eco-friendly resorts, NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited can customise your stay to suit your travel style and budget. Contact us at 9733000592 / 593 / 594 for assistance!

Why Choose NBTT?

When it comes to exploring the unexplored, experience matters. NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited brings over two decades of expertise in curating immersive, nature-driven tours across East and Northeast India.

Plan your Alipurduar adventure today! Call us at 9733000592 / 593 / 594 and let’s craft a journey you’ll cherish forever.