Situated in the Terai region of Himalayas, Jalpaiguri is one of the most important districts in West Bengal. The name of the place has been under contention for quite some time now. Some believe that the name Jalpaiguri came from the amalgamation of two words - jalpai meaning ‘olive’ and guri standing for ‘place’, thus meaning 'place of olives'. There are others, who think that the place was named after Jalpesh, the presiding deity (Shiva) of the entire region. Yet others are of the opinion that the name Jalpaiguri comes from the Bhutanese term je-le-pe-go-ri, which means 'a place where warm clothes are bought and sold'.Talking about the geographical location of Jalpaiguri, the district is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, sharing international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh in the north and south and with Assam and Darjeeling hills in the east, west and northwest, respectively. The district was once a part of the Duars area of the old Kamarupa and later, the Bhutanese kingdoms. In 1864, with the British annexation, Jalpaiguri came under the British rule, who divided the area into two parts. While the eastern half was known as the Goalpara district (now, in Assam), the western half became recognized as Western Duars.
In 1869, the district was reorganized and renamed as Jalpaiguri, with Jalpaiguri town becoming the district headquarters. The topography of the place is such that it is crisscrossed with rivulets, rivers and hills. Situated at an elevation of 75 meters above sea level, Jalpaiguri lies in the middle of the vast fertile plains (Terai), to the south of the Himalayas. Teesta River, the second largest river in West Bengal after the Ganges, flows through the town. The district extends a panoramic vista to the tourists, what with the magnificent hills and the roaring rivers enthralling the area.
Jalpaiguri serves as the gateway to the Northeastern region of India. Due to its strategic location and inviting climate, the district has been home to various cultural groups, including Ranjbanshi, Ravas, Totos, Metch, Santhals, Madasia and Oraons, which have created a unique cultural harmony. While cultivation of tea is its main industry, small scale industries like making woolen garments and wooden furniture also thrive herein. Jalpaiguri forwards tourists a plethora of attractions, such as Rajbari, Jubilee Park, Jogmaya Kali Mata Temple, Kali Temple at Paharpur and Jalpesh Temple. With so much to see, Jalpaiguri surely makes way to be one of the favored destinations in West Bengal.
Buxa National Park
Home to a large number of wildlife and plants species, Buxa National Park is one of the most interesting places in Jalpaiguri, for travelers with an adventurous mindset. Sprawling over acres of land in the Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) is located inside the national park and spreads over 760 square kilometers.
Jalpaiguri Excursions
Jalpaiguri is the one of the important districts in West Bengal. The district has a town with the same name. Jalpaiguri town is not only the headquarters of Jalpaiguri district, but also the divisional headquarters of the North Bengal region. Talking from the tourist point of view, Jalpaiguri has a lot to offer to the travelers. Right from the beautiful sightseeing places that are within the town premises to the ones that are located a little away,
Gorumara National Park
Located in the Terai region of the Himalayan foothills, Gorumara National Park offers its tourists exquisite splendor and the scenic beauty of the unperturbed nature in the region. Deemed as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1949, this medium-sized park, with grasslands and forests, rose to become a national park in the January of 1994.
How to Reach Jalpaiguri
Jalpaiguri is better known as the headquarters of the district having the same name. The town is located at a distance of about 16 km from Siliguri. Jalpaiguri is well connected to state capital Kolkata as well as the other states of India, by bus, train and aerial route.
Tourist Attractions
Known as the land of tea, timber and tourism, Jalpaiguri has a lot to offer to those looking for an escapade to a scenic and picturesque land. The place is a combination of old world charm and contemporary beauty. Jalpaiguri has a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its numerous sightseeing places. Once the abode of the royal family, Jalpaiguri has beautifully retained the regal charm, till date.
