The Dooars, which means ‘doors’ in Bengali, is the gateway to the Himalayas and Northeast India—an enchanting stretch of land nestled between the Bhutanese hills and the plains of Bengal. Known for its lush tea gardens, forests teeming with wildlife, and rivers that glisten like silver under the sun, the Dooars remains one of India’s most underexplored natural regions.
While tourists often flock to popular spots like Gorumara, Jaldapara, or Buxa, a lesser-known but stunning circuit called the ‘7 Points of Dooars’ is fast gaining attention among nature lovers, road-trippers, and photographers.
This article takes you through the 7 iconic points of this region—each offering its own distinct flavor of nature, adventure, and serenity.
🌄 1. Jhalong – The Riverside Dream
Nestled on the banks of the Jaldhaka River, Jhalong is a peaceful border hamlet near Bhutan. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and hydroelectric project, Jhalong offers the soothing melody of flowing water and a majestic river valley surrounded by lush hills.
Highlights:
- Jaldhaka Hydel Project and dam
- Birdwatching: crested kingfishers, wagtails, herons
- Riverside picnics and evening bonfires
- Indo-Bhutan border views
Best For: Nature lovers, families, and birders
🏞️ 2. Bindu – Where Two Rivers Meet
Just 12 km ahead of Jhalong lies Bindu, the last village on the Indian side of the Bhutan border. Famous for the confluence of three rivers—Jaldhaka, Dudh Pokhri, and Bindu Khola—it offers surreal landscapes and an old-world Himalayan village vibe.
Highlights:
- Bindu Barrage and suspension bridge
- Confluence viewpoint
- Short treks to Bhutan border trails
- Beautiful orange orchards (in winter)
Best For: Adventure seekers, offbeat travelers, photographers
🌲 3. Samsing – The Tea & Forest Retreat
Perched at an altitude of around 3,000 ft, Samsing is known for its rolling tea gardens, cool mountain air, and the blend of Dooars forests with foothill charm. The road to Samsing is a scenic delight, winding through villages, green carpets, and fluttering butterflies.
Highlights:
- Samsing Viewpoint
- Tea Garden walks and tea-tasting
- Traditional village homestays
- Gateway to Neora Valley National Park
Best For: Honeymooners, eco-tourists, photography lovers
🌿 4. Suntalekhola – The Gateway to Neora Valley
A few kilometers from Samsing lies Suntalekhola, literally meaning “orange stream” in Nepali. It’s the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park, one of India’s most pristine and untouched biodiversity zones.
Highlights:
- Hanging footbridge over the river
- Nature interpretation center
- Trekking routes to Neora Valley
- Tent stays and riverside cottages
Wildlife: Red panda (rare), Himalayan black bear, wild boars, exotic birds
Best For: Trekkers, forest explorers, birdwatchers
🏕️ 5. Rocky Island – The Adventurer’s Paradise
As the name suggests, Rocky Island is a rugged riverside camping destination along the Murti River, known for boulders, natural pools, and thrilling outdoor activities. It is one of the best places for eco-tourism and adventure sports in Dooars.
Highlights:
- Camping and bonfires
- River crossing, rock climbing, and rappelling
- Birdwatching in nearby forest trails
- Night sky photography
Best For: Backpackers, campers, adventure tourists
🦚 6. Murti – The Heart of the Dooars
If Dooars had a soul, it would lie in Murti—a picturesque settlement named after the Murti River. It sits on the edge of Gorumara National Park and is surrounded by lush forest, rolling hills, and crystal-clear water. It’s one of the most serene and accessible locations for those wanting to be close to both wilderness and comfort.
Highlights:
- Riverside resorts and eco-cottages
- Gorumara Jeep Safari
- Evening walks on the riverbanks
- Sunset photography
Wildlife: Elephants, peacocks, gaurs, Indian bison
Best For: Families, honeymooners, wildlife enthusiasts
🐘 7. Chapramari Forest – The Untamed Reserve
Adjacent to Gorumara, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest forest reserves in West Bengal. Known for its elephant population and dense sal forests, the sanctuary offers an authentic, raw forest experience.
Highlights:
- Elephant and bison sightings
- Watchtower visits for sunset forest views
- Short jungle hikes with local guides
- Rich birdlife including green pigeons, parakeets, and eagles
Best For: Wildlife photographers, jungle lovers, school excursions
📍 7 Points in One Journey: Suggested Itinerary
This circuit can easily be covered in a 2- to 3-day road trip starting from Malbazar or Chalsa:
Day 1:
- Start from Malbazar/Chalsa
- Visit Murti for lunch and riverside walk
- Continue to Chapramari for a jungle safari
- Overnight at Murti or Lataguri
Day 2:
- Early morning drive to Samsing
- Explore Suntalekhola and nearby trails
- Head to Rocky Island for lunch or camping
- Overnight at Samsing
Day 3:
- Visit Jhalong and Bindu
- Return to Chalsa/Malbazar by evening
Optional Day 4:
- Add a detour to Laliguras, Gorubathan, or Kalimpong hills
🌿 Best Time to Visit the 7 Points of Dooars
- Winter (October to February): Best for safaris, riverside stays, orange orchards
- Spring (March to May): Lush greenery, ideal for camping and photography
- Monsoon (June to September): Waterfalls and mist, but forest entries may be restricted
🧭 How to Reach
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – 90 km from Murti
- By Train: New Mal Junction, New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- By Road: Excellent connectivity from Siliguri via NH-17 and NH-31C
Local Travel: Hire a private car or jeep for the full 7-point circuit. Shared cars available from Malbazar, Lataguri, and Chalsa.
🛏️ Where to Stay
- Murti: Riverwood Forest Retreat, Banani Eco Resort
- Samsing/Suntalekhola: WBFDC Cottages, Tented stays
- Rocky Island: Community-run camps
- Jhalong/Bindu: Home stays, small guest houses
- Lataguri: Mid-budget resorts for safari lovers
💡 Travel Tips
- Always book forest safaris in advance (Gorumara, Chapramari)
- Respect local customs, especially near tribal areas and Bhutan border
- Carry binoculars, a torch, and power banks
- Wear neutral-colored clothes for forest visits
- Avoid littering or using loud music in forest areas
🌟 Final Thoughts
The 7 Points of Dooars isn’t just a tourist circuit—it’s an experience that encapsulates the soul of North Bengal’s natural heritage. From rivers and tea gardens to wildlife sanctuaries and Bhutan-border hamlets, this journey offers something for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re planning a short escape, a road trip, or a nature-immersion retreat, the 7 Points promise refreshing landscapes, rare silence, and a chance to rediscover the bond between man and nature.
So the next time you want to escape the chaos, remember—there’s a magical trail awaiting in the green heart of Bengal.