Discovering Falakata

Falakata is a small town in central Dooars with a population of just 20000 people. Falakata is the border town of the Alipurduar district and the Jalpaiguri district. Though the town itself is part of the Alipurduar district.

Falakata is part of the Central Dooars, a region crisscrossed with rivers, rich in tribal culture, and fringed by the eastern Himalayan foothills. Though Falakata on its own is not a well-known tourist destination, it serves as a gateway to several hidden and celebrated destinations.

Where is Falakata?

Falakata sits around 90 kilometres east of Siliguri, in the Alipurduar district bordering Jalpaiguri district. It’s located on National Highway 27, forming an important junction that connects you to Dupguri to its West, Madarihat to its North and Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar to its East.

How to Reach Falakata

Falakata Railway Station (FLK) is your best bet for a direct train connection. It is well connected to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Siliguri.

Several express trains and intercity links halt here. Road travellers will find the NH27 route from Siliguri smooth and well-maintained (There are tolls too). From the outskirts of Siliguri, take the 4-lane highway, pass Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri before you reach Dhupguri, where the 4-lane highway ends. This distance will take you about an hour (60 km). From Dhupguri toll gate to Falakata is about 45 45-minute drive. Add to this the time taken to move out of Siliguri traffic, and the drive time from NJP / Bagdogra to Falakata would be a little over two hours.

Falakata’s Quiet Allure: What to See

Falakata is about a cluster of experiences that together make your visit memorable.

Start your exploration with a walk through the town’s bustling bazaar, where everything from bamboo handicrafts to hill produce arrives. The local haats (markets) offer a peek into the everyday life of the region, complete with fresh cardamom, wild honey, and vibrant tribal textiles.

Just 25 kilometres away lies the Jaldapara National Park, home to the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, gaurs, and a rich bird population. Elephant safaris and jeep rides from Madarihat make for thrilling day trips. Head toward Jaldapara on the Falakata Madarihat highway, the Khairbari Leopard Rescue Centre would be your first stop, just 18 kilometres away. It’s a peaceful reserve where leopards rescued from circuses and conflict zones now live in semi-wild habitats — a deeply humane experience. As you drive further, the area is dotted with some of the best resorts and tourist accommodations around Jaldapara.

Nearby Attractions: Where Else to Wander

One of Falakata’s biggest advantages is that it lies close to multiple key destinations. From here, you can plan day trips or short stays at places like:

Jaldapara National Park – 25 km (about 40 minutes)
Cooch Behar – 45 km (about 1 hour), famous for the stunning Cooch Behar Palace and Madan Mohan Temple
Alipurduar – 40 km (about 1 hour), access point to Buxa Fort and Jayanti
Chilapata Forest – 30 km (45 minutes), known for deep, mysterious sal forests and wildlife sightings
Hasimara – 35 km (40 minutes), also a junction town for Bhutan-bound travel

Each of these places is within easy reach, making Falakata a superb base for multi-day exploration of the region.

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Falakata

While Falakata is not a resort hub, it has some clean and comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and locally run homestays that provide warm hospitality. You can expect basic amenities, home-cooked meals, and hosts who’ll go the extra mile to make you feel at home.

Alternatively, you can base yourself in Madarihat or Alipurduar if you want more options in terms of comfort and access to safari infrastructure.

NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd specialises in Dooars travel and offers customised packages with handpicked stays, wildlife safaris, and local experiences in and around Falakata. Call us at 9733000592 / 593 / 594 to plan your ideal Dooars escape.