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Sightseeing
Highlights
The magnificent Cooch Behar palace was built by Maharaja Nripendra
Narayan in 1887 on the lines of classical Italian Renaissance architecture. The
front displays a series of impressive arches and Corinthian pillars, flanking
an enormous porch that leads to the Durbar Hall resembling St. Peter's at Rome. The palace has more
than fifty rooms and halls, a billiard room, ball room, library, and the ladies
gallery. Some of the rooms have
beautiful paintings on the ceiling
and walls.
Cooch Behar?s
famous Madan Mohan temple is situated
in the heart of the town. It was built in1885 and has the deities of Lord Madan
Mohan, Kali, Ma Tara and Bhavani. On the occasion of Raas Puja the traditional
Yatra Festival along with Fair or Mela is held. This is the biggest festivals
of North Bengal. Other famous temples in the
city are Bara Debi Bari and Rajmata
Temple.
The Cooch Behar museum is located inside the Cooch Behar Palace. It has a variety of photographs
and articles used by the maharajas, as well as costumes, jewellery and weapons
used by the tribals of North Bengal.
The ancient Baneswar Temple,
on the way to Alipurduar is famous for the rare giant turtles, protected by the
local people as part of their religious faith.
Nestling in the foothills of the Himalyas
in North Bengal district this former princely
state is steeped in royal nostalgia. It is dominated by the regal Cooch Behar Palace and other stately buildings
reflecting European architecture. Cooch
Behar is named after the Koch tribes who have lived
in this region for many centuries. It is the largest town and headquarters of
Cooch Behar District. The Torsa river flows along its western boundary and the
area experiences heavy monsoons, often resulting in floods. The region has a
mixed population of Bengalis, Gorkhas, Marwaris, Biharis and Rajbangsis, all of
whom co-exist peacefully. Durga Puja is celebrated with great pomp here, and so
is the Raas Purnima, where a big fair is held near the town?s famous Madan Mohan
Temple. Due to its
proximity to the hills, the climate is very pleasant all round the year.
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