Even though Cooch Behar is not the largest district of West Bengal, it peeps deep into the heart of the visitors as a well-planned town with evidences of rich royal heritage of the past. Resting in peace at the Jalpaiguri division, Assam surrounds it in the east, the Indo-Bangladesh border in the west and in the south. The name Cooch Behar has a meaning – The word 'Cooch' refers to the 'Koch kings' who once ruled the kingdom and the word 'Behar' means 'roam or travel.' Hence, Cooch Behar means “the roaming/travelling place of the Koch Kings.” History Time line witnessed the kingdom developing into the state and then from the state to the status of district (as it is today).
Cooch Behar: Attractions
Known as one of the pious holy spots in Bengal, it has several temples, palaces, water bodies and edifices of ancient history. Located in the peaceful lap of nature, it beacons visitors from far and wide. The wonderful buildings reflect its own class and architecture of ancient times. Some of the prime attractions of the region, given below:
The Rajbari or the royal palace
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| Rajbari or the Royal Palace of the Koch Kings |
The prime attraction of the Cooch Behar is the Rajbari or the royal palace of the Koch kings. Maharajah Nripendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur built this palace in the concept of the St. Peter's in Rome. The top of the palace has a big dome. The plan of the palace drawn by N. Barkley. The double story-ed building houses the costumes of the royal family, costly plates and precious equipment during war. The museum remains open from 10am to 5pm every day except Friday. The entry fee is RS 5 per head. The outside of the palace surrounded by beautiful flowers and water bodies
Madan Mohan Bari Temple
Located at the centre of the town, the temple has the idols of goddess Kali, goddess Tara and goddess Bhavani. The temple dedicated to the brothers, Lord Krishna and Balarama. The morning and evening prayer with religious musical instruments sanctify the heart of both the locals and the visitors here. People celebrate the Raas Puja festival of Shri Madan Mohan (Shri Krishna) with great pomp and glory. Moreover, a tradition fair, Raas Mela, held during the festival inviting volumes of visitors to participate and witness the occasion. Besides, the Rath Yatra festival is equally famous and one of the prime festivals celebrated here.
Baradebi Bari
This temple dedicated to the goddess Durga and locates at Debibari in Cooch Behar. The temple reflects confluence of the European architecture at the best form during the time. During the festival of Durga Puja, a major festival in the region, it attracts thousands of visitors here. The Durga Puja festival celebrated here for four days like in any other regions of the West Bengal State. A fair held during this festive time representing a tradition through the ages.
Some of the other attractions of the town are Sagar Dighi (artificial lake), Jenkins School, ancient Baneswar Temple. Among the different water bodies the surrounds the place, Rasikbill deserves a special mention. People visit here during the winter as the region flocked by hundreds of migratory birds. Learn more about Rasikbill, how to get there and other important information from the website.
How to visit Cooch Behar
Suitable buses and trains available to visit the Cooch Behar. Kolkata connects well with the Rocket Bust Service to the place. Trains available from the Howrah and Sealdah Stations (Kolkata) to the Cooch Behar Station. The Uttar Banga express goes directly to the Cooch Behar Station. Furthermore, one may board any of the trains like the Kanchenjunga express, Teesta-Torsa express, Kanchanjunga express, etc., and get down at the Aliporeduar. Cooch Behar locates 17 kilometres away from the Aliporeduar. However, both places well-connected with the regular bus services.
Lodging
Most of the hotels available here for suitable lodgings are private. A brief list of suitable hotels available for lodging, given below:
Ben fish's Hotel Maharaja – The rent for the double beds range from RS 400 to RS 1000.
Maharani Palace – The rent ranges from RS 1000 to RS1200
Some of the hotels available near the Rajbari or the Royal Palace are:
Royal Palace – Rent for the double beds range from RS 600 to RS 1000
Hotel Ellora – Rent for the double beds range from RS 600 to RS 1200
Besides, Atithi Niwas of the Zilla Parishad and the Pantha Niwas of Municipality available for comfortable lodging.