Cooch Behar: Unheard Tunes Of Nature

The cool breeze. The beautiful scenarios. The bliss. The silence, far far away from the metropolitan’s cacophony. Fellow Traveller, if you are thinking about taking a short trip at the beginning of the new year, visit Cooch Behar and refresh yourselves. Once famous as a princely state, Cooch Behar is now a district under the Jalpaiguri division in West Bengal. One of the most beautiful towns of Bengal, known for its fine climate, natural freshness and beauty.

[Image: bharatonline.com]

During the 11^th and 12^th century A.D, the Pala- Senas ruled Cooch Behar. The sculptures and coins of the Sultanate and Mughal periods, the temples and mosques of Madieval, post-Medieval period reveal that the ancient kingdom of Kamrup played it’s part in the development of the present Cooch Behar.

Being declared a heritage town, it is the maternal home to Maharani Gayatri Devi and the location of the famous Cooch Behar Palace and the Madanmohan Temple. The name Cooch Behar is derived from the name of the Koch or Rajbongshi tribes indigenous to this region for many years. During the British Raj, Cooch Behar was ruled by the Koch Dyanasty.

Cooch Behar Palace [Image Courtesy: skyscrapercity.com]

 The main tourist attraction is the the Cooch Behar Palace. Idealized and designed to resemble the classical European style of Italian Renaissance, this magnificent palace was built by the famous Koch king Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887. Raised on a basement of 1.5 metres in height, this double storied brick building covers an area of 4768 square metres. It extends 120 metres from north to south and 90 metres from east to west. Beautifully designed, this majestic structure is going to stay in your mind for long. The museum inside is worth your while. Beautiful paintings on the ceiling and the interior walls of various rooms are worth mentioning.

Madanmohan Temple [wikimapia.org]

Madanmohan Temple is another “Must go to” place in Cooch Behar. The Madan Mohan temple, in heart of the town Cooch Behar, was built by Maharaja Nripendra Narayanduring the period 1885-1889.

The deities include Lord Madan Mohan, Ma Kali, Ma Tara, Ma Bhabani and Katyayani.

Rasik Bill [Image: dooarsecoviillege.wordpress.com]

Other notable places to visit are the Rasik Bill, which is famous for the huge number of migratory birds that assemble here every year. Another is the Chilapata Forest Range, a paradise for Nature lovers.

The Ras Chakra [Image: Wikipedia]

Popular festivals in Cooch Behar include Ras Purnima, when a big fair is organised in the town near the famous Madanmohan Temple. Cooch Behar Ras mela is the oldest in the North Bengal region. Cooch Behar’s Ras Mela is a well known festival around the country.

Fellow Traveller, meet you the next year, For now, Let me take my leave. Adios!

P.S: One will get good accommodation in Cooch Behar.But, book in advance. The best way is by aeroplane (Bagdogra being the nearest airport) or by train.

• About the Author

About Shreejit Guha

Run, Jump, Climb to the cliffs of Isolation and jump into the sea of madness and cacophony. Listen intently to the paroxysm and choose your way. Be content. And be Confused. Thus is my philosophy.