Things To Do
in Belākoba

Expansive green rows of tea bushes at dawn with misty hills and working tea pluckers; excellent for landscape and cultural portraits.

Wildlife photography opportunities for Indian rhinoceros, elephants, deer and diverse birds during early morning safaris.

Scenic river bends and quiet pools framed by forests; good for birding and reflective water shots, especially at sunrise.

Candid street photography of daily life, colourful produce, fish stalls and traditional Bengali architecture.

River and freshwater fish prepared in mustard or light tomato-based gravy; best sampled at local Bengali eateries in Jalpaiguri and Belākoba market restaurants.

Must-Try!

A Bengali classic when available — common in family-run restaurants and festive menus when fresh river fish is in season.

Fish or lightly spiced mixtures steamed in banana leaf, often available at local markets and street stalls during festivals.

Comfort vegetarian Bengali dishes (potato with poppy seed paste and lentils), widely available and a safe choice for vegetarians.

Small daily market with fresh produce, fish stalls and affordable snack vendors selling items like jhalmuri (spiced puffed rice), samosas and tea.

Larger market a short drive away with regional sweets (rosogolla, sandesh), street food vendors and seasonal specialties to try.

A respectful ‘Nomoshkar’ or a nod is common; handshakes are fine, but some older or religious residents may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender — follow their lead.

Dress modestly in villages and religious sites; women may prefer to cover shoulders and wear longer skirts or saris/shalwar-kameez.

Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes. Ask before photographing people in private and always ask permission before entering crop fields or private property.

Defer to elders in conversations and public settings; offering seats and polite language is appreciated.

Tipping is appreciated but modest: rounding up bills, leaving 10% at nicer restaurants, and a small tip for guides, drivers and hotel staff. In small eateries and for casual services, tips are optional.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in small shops and markets. Debit/credit cards and UPI/mobile payments are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and some shops — always carry enough cash for rural areas.

March to May brings warm to hot days (humid). Mornings and evenings are pleasant; ideal for early-morning safaris and tea-garden walks, but afternoons can be tiring — carry water and sun protection.

June to September sees heavy rain and high humidity; roads can become muddy and some forest areas may close. Lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but plan for delays and occasional local flooding.

October–November offers cooling temperatures, clearer skies and good visibility for wildlife watching and photography; a comfortable time to visit.

December to February is cool with crisp mornings (possible fog), pleasant days and chilly nights — great for safaris and tea-plantation photography; carry warm layers.

Gentle trails near Chapramari (adjacent to Gorumara) suitable for short hikes and birdwatching; check with forest authorities for permitted paths and timings.

Lowland walks and guided nature trails near Jaldapara National Park — good for observing elephants, deer and grassland birds (guided walks recommended).

Longer treks and hill trails in the broader Dooars-Buxa area for more experienced hikers; require planning and possibly a guide for safety and permits.

Riverside walks and informal trails near the Mahananda and smaller tributaries for easy day hikes and birding.

Main gateway for northern West Bengal and the Dooars region (near Siliguri); about 60–100 km drive depending on route — most visitors fly here and then travel by road or train to Belākoba.

Smaller regional airport to the east/northeast; limited commercial flights — check current schedules if considering this as an option.

Vegetarian food is widely available (dal, rice, vegetable curries). Make sure to specify ‘shakahari’ and confirm there’s no fish/egg in mixed dishes. Street-food vendors are hit-or-miss for strict vegetarians.

Vegan options are less common but possible with plain rice, dal, vegetable preparations and seasonal sides; confirm use of ghee or milk in preparations.

Rice-based eating makes gluten-free travel easier; avoid wheat-based snacks and request no atta (wheat) in preparations when in doubt.

Carry translations or allergy cards — small eateries may not understand cross-contamination issues. Pack medicines if you have severe allergies.