Cooch Behar is a district and town located in the northeastern part of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated near the border of India and Bangladesh, making it an important strategic location. The town is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, dating back to the ancient Kamata Kingdom.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Cooch Behar, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Cooch Behar Town: Bustling urban center reflecting local culture and daily life.
Rajbari Area: Home to the magnificent Cooch Behar Palace and its royal heritage.
Tufanganj: Picturesque region with lush greenery, tea gardens, and Tufanganj Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mathabhanga: Region of historical and cultural significance, hosting vibrant temples and the Rash Mela festival.
Dinhata: Vibrant agricultural region is known for jute and rice production, featuring the Dinhata Rajbari Utsav.
Haldibari: Border town connecting Cooch Behar with India-Bangladesh, a historically significant trade route.
Explore the grandeur of Cooch Behar Palace and delve into its royal history.
Witness the vibrant festivities of Rash Mela, a cultural extravaganza.
Visit the serene Tufanganj Wildlife Sanctuary for a rendezvous with nature.
Take a stroll amidst picturesque tea gardens and soak in the tranquil ambiance.
Discover the ancient temples of Mathabhanga and experience their spiritual significance.
Indulge in the flavors of authentic local cuisine and savor the culinary delights.
Capture the beauty of landscapes, historical architecture, and cultural celebrations through photography.
Cooch Behar offers diverse accommodations – hotels (budget to luxury), guesthouses, lodges, homestays, and resorts – catering to different preferences and budgets.
Cooch Behar delights food enthusiasts with a diverse range of cuisines, including traditional Bengali dishes like fish curry, shorshe ilish, and chingri malai curry. Must-try street food options include puchka, jhalmuri, and kathi rolls.
Regional specialties like shorshe bata diye phulkopi and kochu pata chingri add to the culinary experience. Don’t miss the chance to savor refreshing tea at local stalls, accompanied by popular snacks like samosas and pakoras.
Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are common local transport options in Cooch Behar.
Humid subtropical climate, hot summers (25°C to 38°C), heavy monsoon (June-Sept), pleasant autumn, ideal winter (10°C to 25°C) for outdoor activities. Charming all year.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Cooch Behar, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Cooch Behar is famous for its royal heritage, highlighted by the magnificent Cooch Behar Palace. It is also known for its natural beauty, with lush tea gardens and wildlife sanctuaries.
By Air: The nearest airport to Cooch Behar is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 170 kilometers away. Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Cooch Behar.
By Train: Cooch Behar has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in West Bengal and other parts of India. Several trains run to Cooch Behar from cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, and New Jalpaiguri. It is advisable to check the train schedules and book your tickets in advance.
By Road: Cooch Behar is well-connected by road networks. National Highway 31 passes through Cooch Behar, making it easily accessible by bus or car. Regular bus services operate from nearby cities like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Kolkata. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle to reach Cooch Behar.
The common payment modes include cash, debit/credit cards (accepted at some establishments), mobile payment apps like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe, and there are also ATMs available for cash withdrawals.
The months of October to February are considered the best time to visit Cooch Behar, as the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures and low humidity. It is ideal for exploring the town’s attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.
Generally, a duration of 2-3 days can provide ample time to explore the major attractions in Cooch Behar, including the Cooch Behar Palace, wildlife sanctuaries, and nearby regions.
Chimney experiences pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during summer and cooler temperatures of 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) during winter.The territory of Cooch Behar was known as ‘Kamta‘ even during the period of Maharaja Viswa Singha and his son Maharaja Nara-Narayan.
In English the district is named as Cooch Behar, whereas in Bengali it is known/named as KochBihar (pronounced as Coach-Bihar), which means the land through which the “Koch” Kings used to travel or roam about (“bihar“).
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