Jalpaiguri district General information
Jalpaiguri district is the largest district of North Bengal, covering an area 6,245 sq.km. It is situated between 26° 16' and 27° 0' North latitudes and 88° 4' and 89° 53' East longitudes. The district was established in 1869.
Origin of Name
The name Jalpaiguri came from the word "jalpai" means "olive" which grew in the town and were seen even in 1900. The suffix "guri" means a place. The name as well be associated with Jalpesh, the presiding deity (Shiva) of the entire region. The district situated in the northern part of West Bengal has international borders with Bhutan and Bagladesh in the North and South respectively and borders with Assam and Darjeeling hills in the East, West and Northwest.
Topography
The entire topography is crisscrossed with rivulets, rivers and hills. Jalpaiguri - this narrow stretch of land lying between the Sikkim - Darjeeling Himalayas and Gangetic West Bengal has more than often evoked a sense of both eerie and romanticism in many a heart since the early British Rule. Veined by mighty rivers like the Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka, Dyna, Neora, Sankosh etc. this piece of land has been aptly named as the land of 'Tea, Timber and Tourism'. A major stretch of area is bordered in the north by Bhutan and hence the name - Dooars/Duars which mean - Door of Bhutan.
Climate
The average annual rainfall is 3160 mm and the average temperature ranges from 30.9 to 10.8 degrees throughout the year. The average relative humidity is about 82%.
Culture
It had seen the arrival of various Indo-Mongoloid tribes, who came in to settle in this fertile land. Most of them continue to live on even today. The majority of the Indo-Mongoloid class are the 'Raj Bangshis'. Apart from them there are the Mech, the Ravas, the Totos etc.Some Limbus and Lepchas had also (migrated) immigrated through the terai crossing Mechi River. Then, came the British, and with them the Bengalees from present Bangladesh. Many forest areas got cleared for Tea Plantation and Agricultural lands. The planters brought from the Chotonagpur Plateau area - the Nageshias, the Uraons and the Mundas to work as labour in the Tea Gardens. All these various tribes brought along with them, their culture and beliefs.
Forest
A major part of Jalpaiguri district is covered by forests. Even today this area remains one of the most prominent wildlife areas of the country and bears the best Sal forest in India. The main forest cover comprises of Semi-Moist-Deceduous vegetation. Apart from these high rise forests there are floodplains of rivers like Murti, Jaldhaka, torsa etc.covered with grasslands which nourishes a wide spectrum of wildlife.
The forests of Jalpaiguri is home to many rare and endangered species of mammals and birds. The Indian One Horned Rhinocerous is found in both Gorumara National Park and Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Near extinct species like the Hispid Hare and Pygmy Hog have been reported from the Gorumara National Park. Bengal Florican an endangered bird had been photographed in Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary. Apart from this species like Tiger, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Wild Boar, Sambar, Cheetal, Hog deer, Barking Deer are also found in the various forest tracts of Jalpaiguri.
Tourist Place
Jalpaiguri
This narrow stretch of land lying between the Sikkim - Darjeeling Himalayas and Gangetic West Bengal has more than often evoked a sense of both eerie and romanticism in many a heart since the early British Rule. Veined by mighty rivers like the Teesta,Torsa, Jaldhaka, Dyna, Neora, Sankosh etc. this piece of land has been aptly named as the land of 'Tea, Timber & Tourism'. A major stretch of area is bordered in the north by Bhutan and hence the name - DOOARS/DUARS which mean - Door of Bhutan.
Gorumara
The scenic landscapes, magnificent forests, tall elephant grasses and rippling streams are added to the nature of this park. The main attractions are Rhinoceros, Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Hornbill etc.
Chapramari
It provides a breathtaking view of forests against the backdrop of the Kanchanjungha and other Himalayan peaks. It is the home to diverse avifauna and mammals like Elephant, Gaur, Leopard etc.
Chalsa
From the balcony of a room one can enjoy the scenic beauty of hills and tea gardens. The Kurti river flows down the small hillock and tea gardens.
Jaldapara
Largest population of Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros in West Bengal is found at Jaldapara. It also provides excellent habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger and other animals like Gaur, Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Hog Deer, Barking deer etc.