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Bird Images 1  Gajoldoba Barrage Bird Images


© Sumit
Buxa Duars

Duars (Dooars) ~ Doorway to Paradise


The Bengal Duars (or Dooars) is the gateway to the North Eastern parts of India and stretches from Siliguri in the west to Buxa in the east. This 150 km stretch of dense evergreen moist deciduous Himalayan foothills plays host to some of the most sought after birds in the world.

The Duars are breathtakingly beautiful. The mostly flat terrain is lush green with large patches of towering forests. The land is crisscrossed by some great rivers like the Teesta and Torsa and by innumerable seasonal rivers whose broad pebble dry beds add to the overall beauty of this unforgettable wilderness. Chapramari, Gorumara, Jaldapara, Buxa Duars are all protected forests in this area and aside from preserving nature, is home to Floricans, Cuckoo Doves, Bazas, Hornbills, Sultan Tits, Falconets and many others. Large mammals include the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard and Gaur. While the forests in the west resemble high rainfall type terai vegetation, the Buxa area is very similar in  bio-diversity to the Manas area and is close to Manas National Park.

 

Bird Images 1  Bird Images

© Sumit

 

Map Birds seen List Duars Checklist

 

© Sumit
Tusker, Chapramari Duars

How to reach: Siliguri is the best start point. Siliguri is connected by air (Bagdogra) from N Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata and by rail (New Jalpaiguri) from Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata. Siliguri is about 10 hours by road from Kolkata.
From Siliguri, Chapramari and Gourmet are an hour and half away. Jaldapara is a 3 hour drive and Buxa will take upwards of 4 hours to reach. Road and rail transport are available choices. The National Highway is in very good condition and driving is comfortable.

Where to Stay: Various resorts/lodges around Gorumara. The Forest department has 2 rooms each at Chapramari and Gourmara. Great property, book well in advance and carry your own food. The Sinclairs Group has a star property at Chalsa (www.sinclairs.com), which is near Gorumara/ Chapramari.
Jaldapara has Forest Dept. accommodation both inside (Holong) and outside (Maderihat). Holong is recommended. Buxa has very basic Forest Department bungalows.

Best season: October to April

Places to visit: Lava/Lolegaon is a short drive from Gorumara/Chapramari. The protected forests of Chapramari/Gorumara are birding hotspots and provide the best opportunity to see many lifers. The Buxa area presents the greatest challenge due to the weak logistics, but some very rare birds are only to be spotted in the tall and thick evergreen canopy which characterizes the area.

Travel and stay arrangements: Help Tourism at www.helptourism.com

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Kolkata, India: June 2002, 
Last updated April 2007


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