Jalpaiguri (Baikunthapur)

The district situated in the northern part of West Bengal has international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh in the North and South respectively and borders with Assam and Darjeeling hills in the East, West and Northwest. The district is the gateway to the entire North-Eastern States and Bhutan. Having high percentage of migrated population Different cultural groups (Ranjbanshi, Ravas, Totos, Metch, Cooch, Khen, Dhimal, Tharu, Garo) have created unique cultural harmony which is rarely seen in other districts of West Bengal.

Rarely one can find a place like Jalpaiguri that is so potentially rich in tourism. But a major part of it still remains to be exploited. Turbulent rivers battling out of the steep gorges, the vast stretches of forest cover, the undulating span of Tea Estates and the panoramic grandeur of the Himalayas are only a few jewels that made the British ground their roots deep into the heart of this land. Just drive around or take a hike, never will your eyes feel to rest. If a tourist is a nature lover or an admirer of Wild Life there cannot be a better place than this for him. He can run wild in the various Sanctuaries, National Parks & Tiger Reserves that are on offer. Garumara N.P., Jaldapara W.L.S. etc. are only a few. One cans leisure out his time by the sides of the turbulent rivers or simply roll through the Tea Gardens. The more adventurer’s ones may prefer to trek to Rupang Valley & Buxa-Duar in Buxa Tiger Reserve. Apart from these, there are very old temples like the Jalpeshwar, Jatileshwar, Batesear,Sodorkhoi, Devichoudhuranies Temple, Bhabani Phathaks Temple, Gatteswari Temple And Bhramori Devies Temple.

Jalpaiguri is the district town, a municipality and the Civil Division in North Bengal. Situated on the right bank of the River Teesta. The River Karola divides the town into two parts and connected with few beautifully bridges. Jalpaiguri is a picturesque town having several avenue shaded by huge trees. A glimpse of snow-clad peaks of Kanchanjangha Mountains can be viewed from the town. A big well-maintained park by the side of Karala River is a nice place to spend some leisure hours among the fresh environment. Boating in the gentle Karala River up-to the confluence of Teesta can be a nice experience.

History of Jalpaiguri

The land and people of Jalpaiguri have a long history, which includes part of Assam, Coochbehar and the Rangpur District of present Bangladesh. Jalpaiguri has a presence in Mahabharata, which goes back to 10th century BC. There is mention of a king named Bhagadutta, a ruler of Pragjyotish, who joined the great battle of Kurukhsetra on the side of Kourav.. Bhaskarbarmana, the best known King of Kamrup Dynasty. The modern district of Jalpaiguri are part of the Pragjyotish, Kamrup, Kamtapur, Coochbehar & Baikunthapur Dynasty. Several rock inscriptions excavated from Jalpaiguri district refer the presence of some great ruler of ancient India.

During the medieval period there was a long chain of dense forest tract moving from east bank of Tista to the west bank of Bagmati River in Bangladesh Rangpur. These jungles were the territory of three Mongoloid tribes - Koch, Mech and Tharu. The Raikats - ruler of Baikunthapur had an important role in uniting Jalpaiguri. The evidences of their kingdom and palaces are still visible in Raikatpara in Jalpaiguri town.

PLACES OF INTEREST

• Baikunthapur Rajbari
• Sun rise, sun rise at Teesta spur is real refreshment.
• River Karala, Walking through the bank of river Karala and enjoy the nature.
• Jubilee Park, a park located on the spurs of the River Teesta.
• Teesta Udyan, a children's park along the banks of the River Karala.
• Jogomaya Kalibari, a famous temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali on Temple Street. It also houses a temple of Baba Loknath.
• Several Tea Gardens (Karala Valley Tea Garden, Raipur Tea garden, Jaipur Tea garden, Denguajhar T.G.) are very near to Jalpaiguri Town and are worth a visit.
• Devi Choudhurani Mandir (A historical place)
• Kalu Sahebs Mazar