Cooch Behar Travel Guide: Palaces, Temples, and Local Gems
Ever dreamt of stepping into a royal palace, walking around serene lakes, or catching a local festival that lights up an entire town? That’s Cooch Behar for you — a charming destination in West Bengal that feels like a hidden chapter from a fairy tale.
Let’s wander through the best places to visit in Cooch Behar — from grand palaces to peaceful parks and festive streets. ✨
Why Visit Cooch Behar?
Cooch Behar is like that underrated gem your favorite traveler friend tells you about. It’s a mix of heritage, nature, temples, and old-world charm — all wrapped in the warmth of Bengali culture.
Once a princely state, Cooch Behar still holds onto its royal elegance. Whether you're a history lover, a nature chiller, or someone who just loves exploring new corners of India, you’ll find magic here.
How to Reach Cooch Behar
Getting here is easier than you'd think!
🚆 By Train: The New Cooch Behar railway station is well-connected to Kolkata, Siliguri, Guwahati, and more. Trains are frequent and comfy.
🚗 By Road: If you’re driving or taking a bus from Siliguri, the distance from Siliguri to Cooch Behar is about 150 km, and the scenic route takes around 4 hours.
✈️ By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. From there, it’s a road trip through tea gardens and little towns.
Top Attractions in Cooch Behar
Time to dive into the heart of the place! 🧡
Cooch Behar Rajbari Palace
Welcome to the Cooch Behar Rajbari, also called the Cooch Behar Palace — the crown jewel of this town. Built in 1887, it looks straight out of a European postcard with its domes, marble corridors, and sprawling lawns.
📸 Don’t forget to click some stunning Cooch Behar Palace photos — especially around sunset. It lights up golden!
🕰️ Opening time: 10 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ Ticket price: ₹25 for Indian citizens, ₹300 for foreigners
🌳 There's also a beautiful Rajbari Park right beside the palace for a calming stroll.
Madan Mohan Temple
In the middle of the town lies the soul of Cooch Behar — the Madan Mohan Temple. Built by the royal family in the 1800s, it's more than just a temple. It’s where locals gather, celebrate festivals, and find peace.
🛕 During Rash Mela, this temple becomes the center of all joy — with lights, music, and colors!
Sagardighi Lake
Need a moment of peace? Head to Sagardighi Lake, right in the heart of the city. This serene water body is surrounded by colonial buildings and leafy pathways.
🦆 Spot some migratory birds in winter. Great spot for early morning walks or just watching the sky change colors.
Rash Mela Festival
This isn’t just any mela. Rash Mela is the heartbeat of Cooch Behar — a grand festival usually held in November to celebrate Lord Krishna.
🎡 Expect huge crowds, colorful stalls, sweets, folk music, and so much local love. It’s a festival you feel.
Royal Family and Heritage
Did you know that the Cooch Behar royal family was one of the most culturally influential in Bengal?
🏰 Maharaja Nripendra Narayan built the iconic Rajbari, and their legacy still lives on in the city’s architecture and stories.
👑 And yes, people are still curious about the Cooch Behar royal family now — they’ve moved on from politics but are still part of Bengal’s proud history.
Parks and Local Nature Spots
Besides Rajbari Park and Sagardighi, Cooch Behar has cute little public parks perfect for a quiet picnic or lazy afternoon read.
🌸 Pro tip: Walk around early in the morning for the best vibes and friendly smiles.
Hill Stations Near Cooch Behar
Planning to extend your trip?
⛰️ Hill stations near Cooch Behar include:
Kalimpong
Darjeeling
Jalpaiguri
Buxa Hills (for wildlife & forest vibes)
A quick getaway to the hills can be just the escape you need after soaking in all the culture here.
Plan Your Visit: Tips, Hotels, Safety
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March — when the weather is cool and festivals are on.
🏨 Where to Stay:
Budget: Hotel Royal Palace, Orbit Hotel
Mid-range: Hotel Cooch Behar Residency
Local guesthouses give you the coziest vibes!
✅ Travel Tips:
Always check local timings (especially for the Rajbari)
Try local sweets like Chhanar Payesh
Carry cash — not all spots accept cards
Final Thoughts
Cooch Behar isn’t just a place on the map — it’s a storybook waiting to be read. From its grand palaces to temples with soul, festivals full of heart, and quiet corners where time slows down — it’s everything you didn’t know you needed.
So pack your curiosity and let Cooch Behar surprise you. I promise it’ll leave a little imprint on your heart 💛
