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GAJOLDOBA

Gajoldoba is a village in the northern part of Malbazaar CD block of Malbazaar sub division at Jalpaiguri district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Gajoldoba is a perfect gateway for tourists seeking peace and tranquillity within natural ambience. Apart from that Gajoldoba is mainly known as a birding hot spot as wide number of migratory birds flew every year from far flung countries in the winter season. Gajoldoba is mainly recognised as a rural area with the population are mainly rural based. Gajoldoba is nestled in the south western part of Himalayan foothills with the region guarded by two important rivers of Northern West Bengal namely River Mahananda to the west and River Teesta to the east. A large part of Gajoldoba is encompassed by the woodlands of Baikunthapur forest. At the backdrop of Gajoldoba the faded mountains of North Bengal are clearly visible. Apart from that few tea estates are located nearby Gajoldoba. In the year 1985 a dam named as Teesta Barrage was constructed at Gajoldoba for irrigation purpose with its reservoir became an important tourist attraction with the maximum bird’s activity. A myth goes about Gajoldoba that Lord Krishna along with his principal wife and queen Rukmani choose Baikunthapur forest and its surrounding reservoir as their hiding place, due to which ISKON decided to build their institution nearby and it became the biggest centre of Lord Krishna of the entire North East.

Activities and attractions around Gajoldoba:
Gajoldoba being a birding hot spot of migratory offers ampule options for bird photography. Apart from that Gajoldoba also offers tourists with wide arrays of attractions and activities nearby the spot which are worth enjoying.

  1. Boat Ride: Tourists visiting Gajoldoba can opt for a boat in the narrow sized country boats those are mainly used during safari for bird watching. This boat safari at Gajoldoba starts early in the morning and continues till the daylight tends to get low. Through this boat safari tourists will get the chance for close encounter of the migratory birds resides on the small islands of Gajoldoba.
  1. Teesta Barrage and Gajoldoba Reservoir: Teesta Barrage is one of the largest irrigation projects not only in West Bengal, but also in the entire eastern region. The Teesta Barrage at Gajoldoba is a sight of must visit for tourists, as this long barrage offers excellent view of the surrounding landscape of Gajoldoba along with the meandering flow of River Teesta. The waters from Teesta Barrage forms a reservoir which is named as Gajoldoba Reservoir and surrounding this reservoir most of the migratory birds are spotted.
  1. Baikunthapur Palace and Gate: Baikunthapur (presently known as Jalpaiguri) is a town nearby to Gajoldoba located at a distance of 31 km away via Denguajhar Road. Baikunthapur is the earlier name of Jalpaiguri and the royal palace of Jalpaiguri is still known as Baikunthapur Palace. This palace at Jalpaiguri was the former residence of the local rulers of Baikunthapur Estates, the Raikats. Just at the entrance of this palace there is a massive sized gate which is now became a landmark of this spot.
  1. Rajbari Dighi or Lake: Just opposite to the Baikunthapur Royal Palace or Jalpaiguri Rajbari there is a massive sized lake known as Rajbari Dighi. It is learned that during the reign of the royal family there were different places near the lake where the then queen used to take bath. Presently this lake also became an important landmark of Jalpaiguri and a place of recreation and hangout.
  1. Devi Chaudhurani Temple: On the outskirts of Jalpaiguri town lays a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali which was built by Devi Chaudhurani, who was a bandit queen. From Gajoldoba at a distance of 30 km away by Gajoldoba Road one can reach at this temple. It is believed that till date this temple carries the myths and legacies of this bandit queen.
  1. Bhavani Pathak Temple: Another noteworthy structure is the temple of Bhavani Pathak resides within Shikarpur Tea Estate. From Gajoldoba at a distance of 17.8 km away lies this temple of Bhavani Pathak, who was a mentor of Devi Chaudhurani. Both of them led a gang of dacoits who used to fight against the rights of the peasants against the British. The temple of Bhavani Pathak is a pagoda-shaped temple which was built by Darpadev Raikat, the then landlord of Baikunthapur. This tea estate of Shikarpur is a part of Baikunthapur Forest division.
  1. Bhamridevi Temple: This temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths spread across the world and it is believed that ‘Vama Pada’ or the left leg of Sati or Goddess Durga fall here. Bhamri Devi temple is situated at Bodaganj area amidst Baikunthapur forest division and is an important pilgrimage and religious site of Hindus. Located at a distance of 19 km away from Jalpaiguri and 26 km away from Gajoldoba by Gajoldoba Road, this temple attracts numerous devotees and also nature lovers for its serene ambience.
  1. Jalpeshwar Temple: Jalpeshwar Temple is another point of tourist interest located at a distance of 48 km away from Gajoldoba. Jalpeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located 15 km north of Jalpaiguri town. This temple was built by King Nara Narayan in 1563 and further renovated by Koch King Pran Narayan in 1663.
  1. Gorumara National Park: From Gajoldoba at a distance of 32 km away lays Gorumara National Park which is mainly known as the native habitat of Asiatic One Horned Rhinos along with its wide availability of flora and fauna. Lataguri the main entry point of Gorumara National Park is also located at a distance of 26 km away from Gajoldoba via the Canal road.
  1. Damdim: Damdim is a village in the Malbazaar CD block in Malbazaar sub division of Jalpaiguri district and is located at a distance of 26.8 km away from Gajoldoba. Damdim is mainly known for its lush green tea gardens and moist deciduous forest all around. There is a bungalow named as ‘Burrashahib Bungalow’ located at Damdim that dates back to around 150 years old.

Birding at Gajoldoba:
Gajoldoba attracts numerous visitors mainly during the winter season for birding. Several species of migratory birds along with native birds are seen from the onset of winter till the spring season. During this time the water level remains on the lower scale for which small islands emerge from the river which becomes the temporary residence of these birds. Some of the migratory birds usually spotted at Gajoldoba are Common Shellduck, Goozander, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Black Yard Kite, Great Cormorant, Lag Goose, Palas Gull, Tundra Bin Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Siberian Stone Chat, Sand Lark, Pacific Golden Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Sandpiper, Tricolour Shrike, Olive Backed Pipit, Long Legged Bazard, Asian Openbill, Eurasian Wijon, Purple Heron, Lesser Whitsling Til, Common Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Little Grib, Bronze Winged Jakana, Red Watailed Lap-Winged, Great Crested Grib, White Browed Wagtail and Blue Rock Thrush, Oriental Magpie Robin, Pied Kingfisher, White breasted Kingfisher, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Kentish Plover, Little ringed Plover, Lesser Racket Tailed Drongo, Mallard, Citrine Wagtail, Brahmini Ducks, Bronze Winged Jacana, Ferruginous Pochard, Green winged Teal and many others. These birds comes to Gajoldoba as their temporary residence long away from Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Ladakh, Europe, Central Asia, Tibet and other countries.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Gajoldoba located around 39.5 km away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From Bagdogra Airport via Siliguri tourists can reach at Gajoldoba.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri railway station is the nearest rail head to Gajoldoba located around 30 km away via Gajoldoba Road. New Jalpaiguri is well connected by good railway networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From NJP railway station by shared vehicles tourists need to reach at Gorar Crossing or Ashighar and from there by another local transport one can reach at Gajoldoba. For group tourists can opt to hire reserved vehicles from NJP railway station directly upto Gajoldoba.

By Road: Gajoldoba is well connected by good roadway networks with Siliguri (25 km), Jalpaiguri (40 km) and Alipurduar (117 km). From all these major places tourists will get hired vehicles both on reserved or shared basis to reach Gajoldoba.

Best time to visit: Gajoldoba remains open for tourist’s entry throughout the year. But the winter season is the most demanding season to visit Gajoldoba this is because the maximum bird’s activity happens during this time. Summers are less visited as from March onwards most of these birds return to their native habitat and only few of the local residents of Gajoldoba remains here. Monsoon is best avoided as due to heavy rainfall the water level of River Teesta rises substantially making it less prone for tourist’s activity.

WBTDCL BHORER ALO TOURISM PROPERTY

Bhorer Alo Tourism Property at Gajoldoba is run and maintained by West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (WBTDCL). Bhorer Alo Tourism Property is a perfect gateway for tourists to stay amidst the lush green landscape of Gajoldoba. Bhorer Alo Tourism Property is spread over 200 acres of land area. Presently Bhorer Alo Tourism Property operates with 24 cottages (both two-storey and single-storey). Bhorer Alo Tourism Property is becoming one of the sought after tourist destination within the region of Gajoldoba. The periphery of Bhorer Alo Tourism Property is beautified with gardens and lawn where tourists can opt for a stroll in the leisure evenings. By the side of Bhorer Alo Tourism Property flows River Teesta and Mt. Kanchenjunga throws a purple shadow on it.

Amenities available:
24 hours generator facility.
All rooms are equipped with AC.
All rooms have attached western toilets.
Car parking area available.
Washrooms are equipped with geyser facility.
All rooms have colour LED TV.
Room service available.
24 hours security available.

Room Types and Tariffs:
AC Cottages: 2900/-
Deluxe Cottages – Suit (Chalet B): 3600/-
Duplex Cottages – 01st floor: 3200/-
Duplex Cottages – Ground Floor: 3200/-
Lake Side Cottages (Chalet C) – 550 meter from reception: 2500/-
GST @ 12% on the above room tariff, payable at spot.
10 % Discount (Senior Citizen, Cancer Patient, Single Occupancy) will be applicable on Weekdays (Mon-Thurs).
No discounts on Weekends (Fri-Sun) and Govt Holidays.
Extra person charge @ 20% on the room tariff, payable at spot.
Extra Cot charges @ 30% on the room tariff, payable at spot.

HOW TO BOOK: Call 9831311606 , 9830381306 and get the current rooms availability status or use the query form below. Or visit us at 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003, near Manindra Chandra College. Or drop your query by Whats app in the above numbers