West Bengal’s Gajoldoba to get shikara rides as new tourist attraction

Gajoldoba, located in Oodlabari in Jalpaiguri district of Dooars region in West Bengal, is probably the state’s best kept secret. Also located between the Mahananda River and Teesta River, Gajoldoba is a very scenic village.


As of now, Gajoldoba is mostly popular among the local tourists, but soon that is going to change. The village will soon bring in shikara rides as a new tourist attraction. The plan is to attract more domestic and international tourists.


"We will try to make these houseboats better than the ones at Dal Lake, and provide the best experience to the tourists," said Babul Supriyo, Cabinet Minister of Information Technology and Electronics and Tourism, Government of West Bengal.



Did you know that the offbeat village of Gajoldoba is also a birder’s paradise? The vast and scenic reservoir on the Teesta River, and the dense forest surrounding it attracts a very large collection of migratory birds every year. Birding enthusiasts who know of this little paradise love to come out here, take a scenic slow boat ride along the Teesta River and check out birds like bar-headed goose, greylag goose, cotton teal, Eurasian wigeon, northern lapwing and grey headed lapwing to name a few.



Gajoldoba is a gem of a place if you are looking for an offbeat destination to start your year with. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet countryside will welcome you with a mesmerising view of the snow-clad Mount Kanchenjunga.