Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar

About Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar is one of the most beautiful historical places to visit in West Bengal, the “Royal Heritage City of North Bengal”, which has many beautiful lakes, a lush green landscape, a large number of ancient temples, heritage buildings and magnificent royal palaces. Cooch Behar is in the northern part of West Bengal, the district headquarters of Cooch Behar district and was once the capital of the princely state of Koch Bihar. One of the main attractions of the city is the magnificent Cooch Behar Palace, also known as the Palace of Victor Jubilee, which features impressive European-style architecture inspired by Buckingham Palace, London. The city has maintained its royal legacy beautifully with ancient monuments, historic temples and architecture. Other popular sites are Madan Mohan Temple, Sagar Dighi, Baneswar Shiva Temple, Rasik Beel and the beautiful Madhupur Dham. Cooch Behar is also famous for the traditional festivals, the celebration of Ras Mela, the Rajbanshi culture, handicrafts and the mouth-watering regional cuisine. The surrounding countryside is peaceful and picturesque, with a network of rivers and wetlands, as well as forests and scenic villages. Cooch Behar has so much in it to provide wonderful experiences of history, nature, wildlife sanctuaries, culture of North Bengal and much more.

Best Time to Visit Cooch Behar

The weather is good between October and March, making it the best time to visit Cooch Behar for sightseeing, visiting historical monuments, temples, nature excursions and visiting the city's cultural attractions. Exploring Cooch Behar Palace, Madan Mohan Temple, Sagar Dighi, and the lovely wetland of Rasik Beel is very pleasant in the winter months (Nov-Dec-Jan). The Ras Mela, a traditional event, is also a special occasion to be celebrated in the month of November with performances, colourful events, handicraft exhibitions and cultural programmes. Another great time to visit the city's historical sites and local countryside is in the Spring (February - March). During the monsoon season (June-September), the nearby forests, wetlands and farming areas are saturated with water, and outdoor activities are possible, but with the chance of flooding and waterlogging. Sightseeing can be a bit uncomfortable during the summer months (April – June) when it is hot and humid.

Cooch Behar: Places, Experiences & Food
Places to Visit in Cooch Behar

• Cooch Behar Palace (Victor Jubilee Palace)
• Madan Mohan Temple
• Sagar Dighi
• Rasik Beel
• Baneswar Shiva Temple
• Madhupur Dham
• Kamteswari Temple
• Siddheshwari Kali Temple
• Dangar Ayee Temple
• Baradebi Bari
• Gosanimari Rajpat
• Gosanimari Archaeological Site
• Dhaluabari Temple
• Siddhanath Shiva Temple
• Buxa Tiger Reserve
• Chilapata Forest
• Jaldapara National Park
• Buxa Fort
• Rajmata Dighi
• Sagardighi Park
• Narendra Narayan Park
• Cooch Behar Madan Mohan Temple Complex
• Debibari Durga Temple
• Tufanganj
• Dinhata
• Mathabhanga
• Mekhliganj
• Haldibari
• Torsa River
• Raidak River
• Sankosh River
• Teesta River
• Cooch Behar Railway Station
• Naranarayan Park
• Kamteswari Temple, Gosanimari
• Patlakhawa Forest
• Bania Dighi
• Ghughumari

Things to Do in Cooch Behar

• Cooch Behar Palace and admire its royal architecture
• History of the Koch dynasty at the palace museum
• Madan Mohan Temple and experience its peaceful spiritual atmosphere
• Famous Baneswar Shiva Temple
• Beautiful surroundings of Sagar Dighi
• Enjoy peaceful walks around the historic lakes and gardens
• Rasik Beel and enjoy birdwatching in its beautiful wetlands
• Spot migratory birds and explore the rich biodiversity of the region
• Archaeological remains of the ancient Gosanimari Rajpat
• Madhupur Dham and explore its religious significance
• Colourful celebrations of the famous Ras Mela
• Traditional markets and handicraft stalls during local festivals
• History and architecture of Kamteswari Temple
• Photography around the royal palace and heritage monuments
• Explore the beautiful forests and wildlife of nearby Chilapata
• Enjoy an exciting wildlife safari at Jaldapara National Park
• Visit Buxa Tiger Reserve and discover its rich natural biodiversity
• Explore the historic Buxa Fort and its surroundings
• Enjoy nature walks through the peaceful forests and countryside
• Experience traditional Rajbanshi culture, folk music, and dance
• Discover the local handicrafts, traditional textiles, and regional products
• Enjoy scenic drives through the beautiful villages and green landscapes
• Explore the riverside surroundings of the Torsa River
• Visit nearby wetlands and enjoy nature photography
• Discover the traditional cuisine and street food of North Bengal
• Experience local festivals and cultural celebrations
• Historic temples and religious landmarks of the region

What to Eat in Cooch Behar

• Shidol Chutney
• Shidol Bhorta
• Panta Bhat
• Chheka
• Phool Bori
• Chyang
• Bamboo Shoot Curry
• Fish Curry with Mustard
• Shorshe Ilish
• Macher Jhol
• Chingri Malai Curry
• Pabda Macher Jhol
• Rui Machher Kalia
• Rajbanshi-Style Fish Curry
• Alu Bharta
• Begun Bharta
• Aloo Posto
• Shukto
• Ghugni
• Luchi and Aloor Dum
• Bengali Thali
• Rice and Dal
• Pithas
• Chitoi Pitha
• Bhapa Pitha
• Patishapta
• Dudh Puli
• Pithe Puli
• Malpua
• Payesh
• Mishti Doi
• Rasgulla
• Sandesh
• Pantua
• Chhanar Jilipi
• Kheer Kadam
• Nolen Gur Sandesh
• Jhalmuri
• Puchka
• Singara
• Beguni
• Telebhaja
• Vegetable Chop
• Muri
• Jalebi
• Local Rice Cakes
• Coconut Naru
• Kheer Puli