Cooch Behar Tourism

Places to Visit in Cooch Behar

Being one of the vibrant cities in North Bengal with a rich history, there are countless places to visit in Cooch Behar which helped the tourism potential to grow significantly in recent years. The following are worth noting tourist places.

Cooch Behar Rajbari Palace

Cooch Behar Rajbari Palace is undoubtedly the best tourist place in the town. The splendid architecture is one of the major reasons for the growing tourism in Coochbehar. Historians from around the world travel to Coochbehar to visit these ancient monuments, Raj Palace established in 1887 by Raja Nripendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur being the most prominent attraction. Rajbari is also known as Victor Jubilee Palace was built in Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture combining British architectural style with Mughal style.

The Cooch Behar Palace was made with red bricks since its design was inspired by Buckingham Palace. The palace design was also inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Originally Coochbehar Palace was three stories high but during the great earthquake of 1897 measuring 8.7 on Richter scale, the third floor of the palace collapsed. The building of Rajbari covers an area of 4,700 square meters. The Length of the palace is 120 meters North to South and the width East to West is 90 meters. At the present time, Coochbehar Palace has been turned into a museum where travelers can learn about the regal family that once ruled the land of Coochbehar.

Madan Mohan Temple

Located at short walking distance from this Royal Palace is Madan Mohan Temple another favored sightseeing spot in Coochbehar. Built-in 1889, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Madan Mohan. Madan Mohan is the name of the 'Kul Devta' of the Cooch Kings. During the festive time, pilgrims from across the world travel to Coochbehar to visit Madan Mohan Temple. Hundreds of tourists, as well as devotees, flock here to this Hindu religious site every month to explore the temple or to pray to the almighty god. Painted in white, the building of the temple is truly a treat to the eyes.

Sagardighi

The tourism in Cooch Behar is also increasing because of this beautiful tourist site namely Sagardighi. The name of this lake signifies an ocean-like pond. Located in the heart of this city, Sagardighi is an ideal place to spend some quality time alone by sitting or wandering around the pond. It is also a bird enthusiasts' delight as the pond attracts countless migratory birds during the months of winter. Built during the reign of Maharaja Hitendra Narayan, visiting the pond is a must for travelers who are obsessed with serenity and migratory birds.

Rasik Bill

Apart from housing historic monuments, Coochbehar is also famous for its large water bodies. Among them, Rasik Bill is the most famous lake. Surrounded by a dense forest of sal trees Rasik bill is known for its vast collection of birds and migratory waterfowls. During the winter season, migratory waterfowl like Brahimy Duck fly from Central Asia and Ladakh to Rasikbill Lake of Coochbehar. The Forest Department has built a forest rest house in Rasikbill to meet the demands of a growing number of tourists interested in ornithology. Visitors will be amazed to enjoy the serenity of the lake. Spending some time here will make their mind refreshed and help them rejuvenate their souls.

Baneswar Shiva Temple

Not more than 10 km away from the heart of the city, Baneswar Shiva Temple is another worth visit tourist site. There are many legends revolves around this Hindu Temple. According to some, Baneswar Shiva Temple was built by King Jalpeshwar who also built the iconic Jalpesh Temple. However, according to some, a prominent king of Khen Dynasty namely Raja Nilambar had constructed it. Some even have a notion that Maharaja Nara Narayan of Koch Dynasty had started to build it but Maharaja Pran Narayan had completed it.

Painted in white, the shape of the temple is squarish with a dome. In the temple, visitors will get to see a Shivalinga. There is also a statue of Arthanarishwar in the temple. Another major attraction outside the temple is a large pond full of tortoises. Visitors can even enjoy a large Mela organized here during Shiv Chaturdashi for a week.

How to Reach Coochbehar

By Air: Traveling to Coochbehar is really convenient since Coochbehar has its own airstrip, making it a well-connected destination in the North Bengal region. However, in Cooch Behar Airport, there is no operational flight available. Only military or VIP flights occasionally occur here. In this scenario, travelers have to board a flight to Bagdogra Airport and after landing, get a hired car to reach the city comfortably.

By Road: The most convenient way to reach the town is by road. It is nicely connected with most of the nearby cities and cars are available to hire. The distance from Siliguri to Cooch Behar is around 170 km. From Jalpaiguri, the approximate distance to this town is around 99 km.

By Train: The train service is quite good in the town. Railway service is one of the major reasons for the growing tourism in Cooch Behar. The town has multiple railway stations connected with many other notable stations of Bengal.

Best Time to Visit Cooch Behar

There is no best time to visit Coochbehar since the weather remains favorable throughout the year. The land of regal palace and temples, this princely town Coochbehar is the perfect destination to learn about the historic era of the 18th century. The well-planned town structure with old architectural buildings along with the monuments is a treat for all historians and Coochbehar is a paradise for the people who love to dwell in a historic town and enjoy the laid-back life of this place. So, why wait? Pack your bags to visit Cooch Behar, the princely town in Bengal that has attracted the minds of travelers because of its magnificent tourism potential.