Cooch Behar is a city in the Indian state of West Bengal. It has a lot of history and culture. From the world-famous Madanmohan Temple to the majestic Cooch Behar Palace, there are plenty of incredible places to visit in Cooch Behar.
It is home to many monuments, temples, and palaces that have been around for generations, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and nature lovers.
History Of Cooch Behar
Cooch Behar is a beautiful city situated in the state of West Bengal, India. It was once the capital of the Koch dynasty, an ancient ruling family that dates back nearly four centuries.
Since it was first built in 1773, Cooch Behar has been an important place for trade and culture. Over the years, many people have moved to and invaded the area, making it one of the most diverse places in India.
The name “Cooch Behar” comes from two words: “Koch,” meaning prince or king, and “Behar,” representing part or division. This shows how important it was in the past as a place where kings ruled when Maharaja Nripendra Narayan first built it in 1773.
Why Should You Visit Cooch Behar?
Cooch Behar is a beautiful town in the east of India, right next to the borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh. It is known for its immense natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage, history, and architecture.
Cooch Behar is an excellent place for nature lovers and people who like to try new things. It has beautiful woods and a wide range of animal reserves. Cooch Behar, Bengal’s oldest town, has a long history.
The royal family of the Koch dynasty that ruled this region has left some exquisite monuments that visitors can explore. These include the famous Rajbari Palace built in 1773 CE by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan and other smaller palaces like Keshab Chandra Roy’sRoy’s Palace, Jagadamba Temple, etc.
10 Places To Visit In Cooch Behar
1.Cooch Behar Rajbari
Cooch Behar Rajbari is a royal palace in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is in the Cooch Behar district.
Maharaja Nripendra Narayan built the palace in 1887. The Archaeological Survey of India has said that it is a protected monument.
The architectural style of this majestic palace is Indo-Saracenic, and it consider to be one of the most beautiful palaces in North Bengal. The front of this heritage site is imposing, with its long balconies and gabled roofs adding to its grandeur.
Inside are many rooms with intricate designs, including paintings, murals, and carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. There are also two grand Durbar Halls, which were used for formal court proceedings during their reign.
2. Madan Mohan Temple
One of the most important temples in Cooch Behar, India, is the Madan Mohan Temple. It is part of a large complex, and it is thought that King Nripendra Narayan built it around 1885 AD.
The temple was built to pay tribute to Lord Krishna and is adorned with intricate carvings from Hindu mythology. The temple consists of three chambers.
Each chamber has an idol dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consorts Radha and Rukmini made out of panchadhatu (a combination of five metals). The temple is also home to several other deities, including Vishnu, Shiv Lingam, Laxmi Ganesh, and Navagrahas are all worshipped here.
Devotees come here to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the gods to wish themselves good health, wealth, and prosperity.
3. Baneswar Shiva Temple – Places To Visit In Cooch Behar
The Baneswar Shiva Temple in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, is an example of old religious art and construction. It is a centuries-old pilgrimage site in Baneswar, a little village on a river.
The last Cooch Behar king, Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, erected this Shiva temple. This gorgeous Hindu temple is surrounded by lush nature and has impressive walls that only visitors can appreciate.
This temple’s principal deity is Lord Shiva’s lingam, which lies in the middle sanctum sanctorum alongside other Hindu deities, including Vishnu and Hanuman.
4. Sagar Dighi
Sagar Dighi, in the West Bengal state of India, is one of the country’s largest natural dighis (or ponds). It is in the Cooch Behar district.
It is thought that King Lakshman Sen and his son Maharaja Pran Narayan built it sometime in the 1600s. This beautiful temple is a holy place for Hindus and takes up an area of about seven square miles.
Sagar Dighi has several notable features that make it a unique landmark. First and foremost are its three islands: Bhairab Kunda Island, Gangchil Island, and Lakhindar Kothi Island, which are connected via bridges made of stones.
In addition to these islands, many temples around the pond draw tens of thousands of worshippers each year.
6. Siddheswari Kali Bari – Places To Visit In Cooch Behar
One of India’s oldest Hindu temples, Siddheswari Kali Bari in Cooch Behar, is devoted to Kali. The temple was established by King Nripendra Narayan, who ruled the princely realm in the 19th century.
This temple has been there for almost 500 years, according to mythology. “Siddheshwari” Kali is the temple’s principal goddess.
Devotees from India and outside flock here to adore her. Many devotees come here to worship and perform rituals around Diwali, Navaratri, and Durga Puja.
7. Siddhanath Siva Temple
One of the most well-known Hindu temples in the area is the Siddhanath Siva Temple in Cooch Behar. It is a popular site for locals and tourists, who pay homage to the deity and enjoy its rich history.
King Raja Nripendra Narayan first built the temple in 1829. It has been there ever since.
The architecture of this shrine is unique, as it has a distinct mix of Indian and Islamic styles. Inside the temple, you can see paintings and carvings that show scenes from Hindu mythology.
Its walls are decorated with colorful murals that depict stories from ancient scriptures like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, etc. Visitors can also find several beautiful sculptures of gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, and more inside the temple complex.
8. Gosanimari Rajpat
One of India’s earliest archaeological sites is Gosanimari Rajpat, a tiny village in Cooch Behar, West Bengal. Pala Dynasty remains from the 6th century AD, suggesting the location was a capital city.
The remains cover five acres and are thought to have held numerous huge palaces. Temples, water tanks, and stupas are made of brick.
Archaeologists think these monuments were created for religious and governmental purposes in ancient times. ASI and UNESCO have safeguarded the temple complex at Gosanimari Rajpat.
9. Kamteswari Temple
Kamteswari Temple, in Cooch Behar, India, is a beautiful example of traditional Hindu temple architecture. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamteswari and is home to many faithful followers who come daily to worship the deity.
Built-in 1788 by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, this majestic temple stands as an iconic landmark in the region. The rich history of the Kamteswari Temple can be seen through its intricate design and grandeur.
Every detail has been meticulously sculpted, from its four-sided tower to its intricately carved walls with Hindu iconography. Visitors may also see vivid artwork of gods and goddesses on temple walls and pillars.
10. Madhupur Satra
Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar is a religious monument located in the Salbari district of West Bengal. It is one of the holiest shrines linked with Mahaprabhu Shri Sankardev, a 15th-century saint and social reformer who founded the Vaishnavite faith in Assam.
The Satra is an outstanding example of devotion and dedication to religion. The sacred site was built by Birkumar, the son of Sankardev himself, and has become a significant attraction for pilgrims from all over India.
The Madhupur Satra complex includes several temples and shrines dedicated to gods such as Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, and Goddesses Radha and Kali.
How To Travel Safely In Cooch Behar?
Traveling to Cooch Behar can be an exciting and rewarding experience. But it is essential to take the necessary safety precautions.
Travelers must know the potential risks they could face in this region.
Here are some tips on how to travel safely in Cooch Behar:
First, familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before you leave home. This will help you avoid trouble with the authorities or locals while abroad.
Also, ensure that your passport and other documents are up-to-date, valid, and secure. Finally, before traveling, ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage just in case of any medical emergencies on your trip.
Second, research your accommodation options carefully before selecting a hotel or guesthouse. Finally, ensure it’s safe with reasonable security measures such as locks on doors and windows.
Is Cooch Behar A Costly Place To Visit?
The answer depends on what you’re searching for when visiting this region.
Suppose you are content with exploring the natural beauty and spending time with the locals. Then Cooch Behar won’t be too expensive as most activities here are free or low-cost.
But on the other hand, indulging in luxury accommodations or shopping can make your trip more costly than expected. Additionally, food prices in this part of West Bengal tend to be higher than in other places due to its remote location.
How Much Does The Average Hotel Cost In Cooch Behar?
The average price of a hotel room in Cooch Behar is around 1000 Rs. per night. However, if you want something more upscale or luxurious with additional amenities like swimming pools or spas, prices range from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 8500 per night.
There are also several budget hotels available for those who want to save on their stay in Cooch Behar – these can find from Rs. 500-1000 per night.
Best Time To Visit Cooch Behar
Best time to visit Cooch Behar is during the winter months – November through February. This period sees warm weather with occasional light showers making it perfect for enjoying sightseeing and exploring the town’s attractions without getting too hot or uncomfortable.
During this season, you can witness the famous ”Terai” paddy fields in full bloom, turning into golden carpets with their ripe grains ready for harvest.
Furthermore, you’ll also be able to partake in festivities like Durga Puja, and Diwali, celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Cooch Behar during these months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cooch Behar is a city rich in culture and history, making it an ideal destination for any traveler. From its ancient temples to its lush forests and landmarks, Cooch Behar is sure to please anyone looking for a memorable experience.
Whether you’re looking for an educational trip or want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, Cooch Behar has something to offer everyone. So what are you waiting for?
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.