If you are looking for a reliable tour guide for Cooch Behar, you have come to the right place. As mapunseen brings you the best and up-to-date information that will help you enjoy the royally incredible Cooch Behar. Here, you will geta bit of interesting information about the glorious past of the tourist place as well as what it offers to experience now. Therefore, without wasting any time, let’s kick off this Cooch Behar tour guide!
This Cooch Behar Tour Guide Gives a Glimpse into the Royal Past
Before we start on our Cooch Behar tourism guide, it is important to highlight what makes this place so special. It all starts when Cooch Behar was the seat of the Koch Dynasty. The kingdom’s origins can be traced all the way back to the 16th century, but its “Golden Age” began in the late 19th century under Maharaja Nripendra Narayan.
The Maharaja, often hailed as the architect of modern Cooch Behar, was a visionary leader who shaped the city into a refined urban hub with broad streets, grand buildings, and expansive water bodies. Unlike many other princely states, Cooch Behar retained its semi-independent status under British protection until it officially became part of India on January 1, 1950.
One of the fun facts you might be interested in is that the Maharani of Cooch Behar, Gayatri Devi, was once listed by Vogue as one of the most beautiful women in the world. She was the daughter of Maharaja Jitendra Narayan. This shows why, even till now, Cooch Behar is hailed as the most beautiful city to visit in West Bengal. However, how do you visit the tourist spot in the first place?
Best Cooch Behar Tour Guide Helps You to Reach the Tour Spot
There are many avenues to reach Cooch Behar, but one of the most popular choices of travel is train, which covers the 700 Km from Kolkata in the fastest time. Most travellers prefer the overnight train journey to the New Cooch Behar (NCB) station. You can also choose between many options, like the Saraighat Express (Howrah), which is the fastest. In addition to the Padatik Express and Darjeeling Mail (Sealdah), which are excellent for overnight comfort. The journey will take approximately 11–13 hours.
However, if you prefer something speedier, then taking flight is your best option. You can take a direct flight from Kolkata (CCU) to Cooch Behar Airport (COH). The flight takes roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes. You can also take a connecting flight from Kolkata (CCU) to Bagdogra (IXB) and take a 3-hour taxi or train ride to Cooch Behar.
But if you are in the mood for an early adventure, you can always hit the road. A long drive via NH12, passing through Malda and Raiganj, is ideal for a road-trip enthusiast. But if you are carrying a big group with you, the NBSTC (North Bengal State Transport Corporation) operates daily “Rocket” buses (AC/Non-AC) from Esplanade/Babughat, which can be a great option for a fun roadtrip.
When is the Best Season To Visit Cooch Behar?
If you want to experience the peak time of touring and are fine with dealing with a high concentration of tourists, winter is the best time. From October to March is the ideal time, thanks to the cool and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This is the ideal time to enjoy heritage walks and bird-watching at Rasikbil. The famous Ras Mela kicks off in November, starting on November 5th in 2026, turning the city into a lively and colourful fairground.
However, the summer and monsoon are also considered fairly good times to visit Cooch Behar. During the period of April to June, the mercury stays between 20°C and 32°C. Which is cooler than the plains of South Bengal, but the humidity can be quite high. Early mornings and late evenings are still comfortable for sightseeing. Between July and September, the region experiences heavy rainfall, transforming the landscapes into vibrant shades of green. It’s a wonderful time to visit if you love the rain, with the added charm of witnessing the lively Rath Yatra celebrations.
Best Places to Visit According to Our Cooch Behar Tour Guide
This Cooch Behar tour guide will lay out the best places to visit when you finally reach the destination. Every corner of Cooch Behar is stuffed with unforgotable beauty that will remain etched inside your mind for ages. Now let’s have a look at this top tour spot in Cooch Behar one by one:
1. Cooch Behar Palace (The Rajbari)
Finished in 1887 and inspired by Buckingham Palace, this stunning Italian Renaissance-style building is a sight to behold. Be sure to check out the Durbar Hall with its impressive metal dome and the museum showcasing royal carriages and weaponry.
2. Madan Mohan Temple
A tranquil white temple devoted to Lord Krishna, serving as the spiritual heart of the town and the centre of all significant religious festivals.
3. Sagardighi
This sprawling man-made lake is framed by historic administrative buildings, creating a picturesque backdrop. As evening falls, the shimmering lights dance on the water, making it a favourite hangout for both locals and visitors.
4. Baneswar Siva Temple
Just 10 km from the city, this ancient temple is famous for its sacred giant tortoises, known as Mohan, that reside in the temple pond. Feeding them has become a cherished tradition for visitors on pilgrimage.
5. Rasikbil Bird Sanctuary
Just a 40 km drive from the city takes you to a stunning wetland paradise. In winter (Nov–Feb), it comes alive with thousands of migratory birds, including storks, teals, and ducks. Below you can find what other things you can try in Cooch Behar.
| Feature | Details |
| Local Food | Try “Bori” (lentil drops) and “Teesta Fish Curry.” |
| Commute | Totos (electric rickshaws) are the most convenient. |
| Shopping | Buy Shitalpati (hand-woven bamboo mats) and handloom sarees. |
Conclusion
Now you know when to visit and which places to visit in Cooch Behar. Cooch Behar is one of the most revered tourist spots in West Bengal. It is our royal crown that shines through every season of the year. Our Cooch Behar tour guide aimed to help you with the best tips and information to make your journey more memorable. Therefore, if you are interested in knowing more about other places, check out our Darjeeling tour guide as well.
FAQs
- Is the Cooch Behar Palace open every day?
- The Palace is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it is generally closed on Fridays. It is best to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend rush.
- What is the significance of Ras Mela?
- Ras Mela is a month-long fair celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna. It is the largest cultural event in North Bengal, featuring local crafts, traditional music, and a massive marketplace.
- Is it possible to cover Cooch Behar on a budget?
- Yes! Cooch Behar is very budget-friendly. Most major landmarks are within walking distance or a short toto-ride away, and local eateries offer delicious, affordable Bengali meals.
- Can I combine a trip to Cooch Behar with the Dooars?
- Absolutely. Cooch Behar is a great gateway to the Dooars region. From here, you can easily travel to Jaldapara National Park (approx. 1.5 hours) or Chilapata Forest.
