Once a princely state, Cooch Behar boasts of a glorious past, filled with rich culture and heritage. It is the only planned town in the whole of North Bengal. Located on the eastern side of West Bengal, Cooch Behar shares its borders with Assam in the east and neighboring country Bangladesh, in the south. The town of Cooch Behar beautifully depicts the old world charm, with its awe-striking monuments and palaces. Apart from the majestic and imperial buildings, there are numerous other tourist attractions in this culturally rich heritage town. In the following lines, we have provided a detailed info on the tourist places in Cooch Behar.Places to See In Cooch Behar
Cooch Behar Palace (Rajbari)
Built in 1887, by the illustrious Koch king Maharaja Nripendra Narayan - also referred to as the ‘architect’ of modern Cooch Behar town, the Royal Palace is a sight to behold in the city. The palace is an excellent example of the imperial and regal glory of the bygone era. A colonial structure, it once used to be the dwelling of the first family of Cooch Behar. Just as the imposing exteriors, the interiors of the Royal Palace are extremely gripping and riveting. A newly built museum, coupled with vast stretch of beautiful landscaping lawns, make the outlook more beautiful and stunning.
Madan Mohan Temple
A mesmerizing structure, the temple was constructed during the years 1885 to 1889, by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. A divine structure, the temple enshrines the idols of Lord Madan Mohan, Ma Kali, Ma Tara and Ma Bhavani. It is located in the heart of Cooch Behar town and is a must-watch for tourists in the city. On the occasion of Rush Purnima, one of the biggest festivals of North Bengal, the temple celebrates the traditional Rash Yatra, along with Rash Mela.
Sagardighi
Sited in the heart of Cooch Behar town, Sagardighi is a huge tank, excavated by Maharaja Hitendra Narayan. Surrounded by heritage buildings, including Victor House and a War Memorial, on all sides, Sagardighi is a popular destination during the evenings. The square-shaped tank is also famous among feathered animals, as a lot of migratory birds can be spotted on the water surface and the nearby trees, during winters. The lake extends tourists a calm and serene ambience, coupled with scenic beauty.
Baneswar Siva Temple
A popular tourist spot in Cooch Behar, Baneswar Siva Temple is located at a distance of about 10 km to the north of the city center. The temple houses a Shivaling that is 10 feet below the plinth level. Apart from this, the temple has 'Gouripat' and statue of Ardhanariswar installed in it. During Madan Chaturdashi and Dol Purnima, the statue is carried to the famous Madan Mohan Temple, which is why the statue has been given the name of Movable Baneswar. In the temple premises, there is a big pond that has a large number of tortoises, some of which are very old and big in size.
Light & Sound Show
Enticing and enchanting - the light and sound show, organized every Friday and Saturday, by the cultural dept of West Bengal is fascinating and worth watching. Sited in a well-maintained garden, at the amusement park just beside the Cooch Behar Palace, the show is absolutely compelling and exciting with its colorful lighting and fountains. The show starts with the fall of evening and continues till 8 o'clock at night. With the start of the show, the whole place comes to life. Once in Cooch Behar, the Light & Sound Show would be a fine recreation zone, for spending leisure time.
