Oodlabari

A very popular tourist destination in Dooars area of West Bengal, Oodlabari boasts of astonishing natural beauty and vivid greenery. Situated in the midst of river Chel and Leesh, Oodlabari has become a very popular tourist destination of Dooars due to its unique location. On the west of the town is river Leesh and on its east is river Chel. Enclosed by meandering river streams and dense forest, Oodlabari is bestowed with abundance of Mother Nature. The view of lush tea plantations surrounding the quaint town of Oodlabari which stands against the backdrop of the towering Himalayas is a sight to behold. Just 47 km from Jalpaiguri, Oodlabari is blessed with nature's bounties in abundance. Lush green tea shrubs, dense emerald forests and burbling Himalayan rivers make this place look completely out of the world. Embraced by soothing greenery all around, Oodlabari brings a big relief from the mundane daily routine of city dwellers.

Things to do

At Oodlabari, life is slow and lazily. You will wake up to the call of birds. As you sip a cup of hot tea and look out of the window, you find a whole world of greenery waiting to be discovered by you. You can effortlessly take a walk on the forest trail and breathe in some pollution-free air while treating your eyes with the sights of untouched nature. Located in the periphery of Baikunthapur forest, Oodlabari is endowed with rich flora and fauna. Several tea gardens like Ranichera, Rungamatee, Gurjanjhora and Oodlabari tea estate are located at a close proximity to Oodlabari. The bank of river Chel where the junction of three river streams can be seen is a famous picnic spot close to Oodlabari. The place is ideal for spending some quality time with your loved ones. You can also visit the first water reservoir of Dooars region built in the Teesta Basin at Gajoldoba.

Sightseeing

Gorumara National Park

Gorumara is located close to Oodlabari. An hour drive from Oodlabari, this forest covers an area of 79 square km. One can see rhinos, elephants, bisons, leopard, gaur, sambhar and many other species of deer here. You will also see innumerable peacocks dancing. There are four watch towers - Yatraprosad, Medla, Chandrachur and Chukchuki. In winter lots of birds can be seen at Chukchuki.

Baikunthapur Forest

The Baikunthapur forest located 5 km from Oodlabari. Legend has it that Lord Krishna with his principal wife and queen Rukmani chose Baikunthapur Forest for hiding, which is also the reason behind ISKON choosing the nearby town of Siliguri as the site for the biggest Krishna Centre in North East India. Revel in the beauty of this enchanting forest by going on a jungle walk. Listen to the melodious chirping of birds, smell the aroma of exquisite wild flowers and picnic on the bank of Chel River. And if you are lucky, you might even spot some untamed wild animals.

Gajoldoba

Gajoldoba is a tiny village on the western side of Teesta River, 18 km from Oodlabari. Located in close vicinity to the Baikunthapur forest, Gajoldoba is known for the Teesta River Barrage that was built for irrigation of agricultural land in the surrounding areas. The dam has resulted in the creation of a large water body upstream which has become a hotspot for migratory birds during the winter.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. Oodlabari is 40 km from New Jalpaiguri station. You can get a car from New Jalpaiguri to reach Oodlabari.

Accommodation

Manabari Greens
Tariff: Rs. 2000 per person inclusive of all meals
Tel: 9830737313, 9874880613

Kajori Heritage
Tel: 9830649376