Blueprint to hardsell eastern Dooars Department seeks central funds to show case Cooch Behar

The lesser-known Eastern Dooars may soon come under the spotlight as the Tourism Department is seriously considering promotion of this area with Coochbehar as the hub. The proposal has already been sent to the Central Government for allotment of required fund for the improvement of the infrastructure.

The Managing Director of the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Mr. S.N. Bhttacharya said that the project is part of Central Government 's plan to promote an area each year as a tourist destination. Bishnupur was last years attractions and Coochbehar and east-Dooars will be this years. The Tourism Corporation is expecting some positive response from the Central about the project. He added that they have to wait for two or three months for the confirmation from Delhi.

In spite of the rich culture and heritage of the area, Coochbehar failed to realize its tourism potential. The project sent to the Central Government includes proposals to set up a crafts museum, art gallery, tourist information center, pay-and-use toilets, tourist lodge near Coochbehar and landscaped gardens. A trek route to Buxa may also be developed. Mr. Bhattacharya invited private entrepreneurs to invest in tourist lodges in this area. The proposal of converting the Victor Palace - which was the house of the Coochbehar kings in past - has been sent to the State Department. All these activities are raising the hopes of local tour operators.

Latest Travel News