Rasikbil Tourist Places list
Site Name: Rasikbil.
Site Type: Forest.
Location: Rasikbil is a small lake situated in the
Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, India.
Nearest Railway
Station: New Cooch Behar.
Nearest
Airport: Kolkata.
How to Reach: Rasikbil
is situated one-and-a-half hours from a town in Cooch Behar district called
Toofanganj. From Alipurduar, it is 74 km. The nearest railway station is New
Cooch Behar, 35 km away. Cars are available for hire at the station.
Rasikbil or Rasikbeel is a small lake
situated in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, India. This lake attracts
a lot of birds which make nests in the trees around the lake. The bird
varieties which live in and around the lake includes cormorants, different
varieties of storks, ibis, spoonbill, kingfisher, parrots, owl and many others.
There is a deer park and a crocodile rehabilitation center by the side of the
lake. There are also a leopard house, a python house, Aviary & a Tortoise
rescue entre. This following water birds found in Rasik Beel- Lesser Whistling
Teal, Common Teal, White eyed pochard, Red Crested pochard, Shoveler, Pintail,
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| Watch Tower at Rasikbeel |
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| Rasikbil lake |
Wigeon duck, Grey headed Lapwing, Northern Lapwing, Pied Kingfisher, Stork
billed kingfisher, Small blue kingfisher, Little Cormorant, Large Cormorant,
Gadwall etc.
North
Bengal is an ideal getaway for those wanting to escape the bustle of the
metropolis. Hills, forests, historical monuments, temples and, last but not the
least, wildlife have made the region a tourists paradise. Few are aware that
the region has two bird sanctuaries in different districts - Raiganj in North
Dinajpur and Rasikbil in Cooch Behar.
The
latter is unique for several reasons. For one, it remains unspoilt by large
numbers of tourists. Situated around a huge lake with a wide variety of
avifauna, it is a great spot for eco-tourism. Its picture-postcard scenic
beauty is breathtaking.
Rasikbil
is a waterbody spread over an area of 175 hectares and surrounded by three
dense forests, known as Nagurhaat, Bochamari and Atamochar. They are parted by
a small canal called Batikata.
In
the past, the area was a hunting ground for members of the Cooch Behar royal
family. So, at one time, the forests were full of wild animals and birds.
The
beauty of Rasikbil is evident wherever you go ? into the forest, by the lake or
in the park. The forests are deep and dark, with trees like sishu, kadam and
minjuri.
The
lake is a perfect contrast against the green forest in the background. A
plethora of sweetwater fishes is found in the lake. Two very popular varieties
of north Bengal, the borali and the kutiputti, are also found here.
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| Rasikbill Forest |
A
bridge over the lake adds the finishing touch to the picture. Boating is the
best way to enjoy the lake. A ride in a paddleboat is like being in the arms of
Mother Nature.
The
most popular tourist spot in Rasikbil is the bird sanctuary. The lake and
adjacent forests are home to innumerable rare birds. The sanctuary is becoming
a very attractive destination for nature lovers.
Rare
birds like cormorants, storks, ibises and spoonbills, and common birds like
kingfishers and parrots can be spotted around the lake. There is a watchtower
especially constructed for a better view of the birds. Try the recently opened
Nature Study Centre, which provides details of the birds seen in Rasikbil and
their photographs.
On
the banks of the lake, visitors can enjoy another kind of entertainment. A park
with more than 50 deer is a nice place to relax. Recently, an aquarium with
rare fish and a small crocodile rehabilitation centre were also made part of
the park.
The
beauty of Rasikbil even attracts film-makers from Bollywood. Shah Rukh Khan and
Sushmita Sen were spotted there some time ago, shooting for Main Hoon Na.
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| Rasikbill Forest Map |
Those
planning an overnight stay and those who love history must visit the nearby
Baneshwar temple, as well as the royal palace and the Madan Mohan temple in
Cooch Behar.
Hotel: The
state forest development department has a lodge with cottages and a 16-bed
dormitory. Bookings can be made from the office at 6/A, Subodh Mullick Square
(Ph: 22370060/1). Another option is Nagurhaat Waterland Resort. Contact the
district forest officer in Cooch Behar to book rooms here. The zila parishad
has also opened a budget hotel.
Directions kolkata to Rasikbil 760km in Google Satellite
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