Before 20th August 1949, Cooch Behar was a Princely State ruled by the ‘Koch‘ Kings of Cooch Behar, who had been a feudatory ruler under British Government. By an agreement dated 20th August, 1949 the king of Cooch Behar ceded full and extensive authority, jurisdiction and power of the state to the Dominion Government of India. The transfer of administration of the state to the Govt. of India came into force on 12th September, 1949.
Cooch Behar district is situated in the north-east corner of West Bengal state of India. It is bounded by the district of Jalpaiguri in the north and north-west, state of Assam in the east (bounded by the districts of Kokrajhar & Dhubri in Assam) and the International Border in the form of Indo-Bangladesh boundary in the south and south-west. Beside this bounded area there are enclaves (called Chhits) which are outlying and detached tracts of land situated inside Bangladesh. There are 110 such Chhits.
Eventually, Cooch Behar was transferred and merged with the province of West Bengal on 19th January, 1950 and from that date Cooch Behar emerged as a new District in the administrative map of West Bengal. However, the district of Cooch Behar had been created with the same area and boundaries as the old state of Cooch Behar. In course of time, Cooch Behar has been transformed from a kingdom to a State and from a State to the present status of a district.
Nestling in the foothills of the Himalyas in North Bengal district this former princely state is steeped in royal nostalgia. It is dominated by the regal Cooch Behar Palace and other stately buildings reflecting European architecture. Cooch Behar is named after the Koch tribes who have lived in this region for many centuries. It is the largest town and headquarters of Cooch Behar District. The Torsa river flows along its western boundary and the area experiences heavy monsoons, often resulting in floods. The region has a mixed population of Bengalis, Gorkhas, Marwaris, Biharis and Rajbangsis, all of whom co-exist peacefully. Durga Puja is celebrated with great pomp here, and so is the Raas Purnima, where a big fair is held near the town’s famous Madan Mohan Temple. Due to its proximity to the hills, the climate is very pleasant all round the year.
Near by Destinations :
Jaldapara: Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary is a famous wildlife spot of West
Bengal and is in Alipurduar sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District. Oldest sanctuaries, established in pre-independence days of 1941. The River Toorsa runs through the sanctuary, which is nestled in the foothills in the region popularly known as the Dooars.
Rajabhatkawa: Rajabhatkhawa is a small yet beautiful town located just outside the Buxa Tiger Reserve cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for its beautiful forests and wildlife.
Suntalukhola: Suntalekhola is a small village and newly added tourist spot in West Bengal. It comes under Darjeeling district. It lies at an altitude of 750 m above sea level and is one of the untouched and unexplored tourist destinations in West Bengal.
