totopara tourism

Siliguri Tourism

Totopara: a must-visit picnic spot in dooars .

Totopara, a small village surrounded by imposing hills near the Indo-Bhutan border and situated beside the riverbank of Torsa, is the perfect destination for those who wish to observe the rich culture and lifestyle of one of West Bengal’s most renowned tribes. This idyllic hamlet offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and is an excellent location for a picnic with friends and family. Come explore this picturesque village and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of its surroundings.

History of Totopara Village 

Totopara derives its name from the local Toto tribe, an indigenous community that comprises the majority of the village’s residents. Their unique culture and traditions make Totopara a must-visit destination in India. The village is conveniently located near the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, and its tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas make it an ideal spot for a picnic or a quiet retreat. Totopara’s welcoming people make the village even more captivating, attracting a large number of tourists to the area. Don’t miss the chance to witness the culture and beauty of this enchanting village.

Totopara Tourism 

Totopara is a new and unexplored destination in Dooars. Not many travelers visit there yet, making it a serene and peaceful place to enjoy. Breathing in the fresh and oxygen-rich air can purify your mind and soul. If you’re looking to spend time with loved ones after a long period apart, the Totopara Picnic Spot could be an excellent choice for you.

Things to Do in Totopara Village 

Blessed with a scenic location, Totopara Village offers hefty of things to do to its tourists. Some of the worth mentioning activities to do are: 

1. Stroll around the Totopara Village 

Exploring the Totopara Village is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you choose to take a peaceful stroll alone or with your loved ones, the serene surroundings will transport you into a world of tranquillity and peace. The calm and quiet atmosphere will certainly make you feel like you are in heaven. So why not take a break from your daily routine and cherish the peacefulness of Totopara Village? Come and see for yourself, and you won’t be disappointed.

2. Enjoy Picnic at Totopara Picnic Spot 

Totopara has gained recognition as a captivating picnic spot, drawing visitors from all over the state who seek a delightful picnic experience. You with your friends and family can have a memorable picnic here.

3. Get to Know the Culture of Toto Tribe 

One of the fascinating aspects of the Toto tribe’s culture is their interesting traditions and unique family system. Monogamy is the most common form of marriage, but they also follow polygamy in certain cases. Interestingly, love marriages are also common in the Toto community. However, divorce is not taken lightly in their culture and is considered a serious matter. The Toto tribe’s customs and beliefs are worth exploring, and visitors will undoubtedly find them fascinating.

Staying Options near Picnic Spot

There are many accommodation options available for visitors to Totopara Village, including a range of resorts, homestays, and hotels that can be booked in advance. Due to its growing popularity, it is highly recommended to book your accommodations before visiting this charming village. Tour operators can be very helpful in arranging your stay, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable visit. So, make sure to plan in advance, and take advantage of the many options available to ensure an unforgettable experience in Totopara Village.

Nearby Tourist Attractions 

There are numerous tourist attractions near Totopara that visitors can explore during their stay, including the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Madarihat, and the Bhutan Border, among others. The Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to rare and exotic animals such as the one-horned rhinoceros and Asian elephants. Madarihat is a quaint little town that is perfect for exploring local culture and customs, while the Bhutan Border is just a short drive away, offering magnificent views of the Himalayan Mountains and stunning landscapes. There is so much to see and do near Totopara, so don’t miss the chance to explore its many attractions and make precious memories.

Conclusion 

Totopara is a complete package for tourists who seek a unique and serene destination that offers a wide range of attractions. With its distinct culture and traditions, stunning picnic spots, tranquil environment, and pleasant weather, Totopara has something for everyone. Moreover, the village is conveniently located near many popular tourist attractions, including the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, the town of Madarihat, and the Bhutan border. Adding Totopara to your next travel itinerary is a great idea if you’re looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a variety of experiences. So pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Totopara.

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Totopara – The Idyllic World of Toto Tribes

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• 1001 Things

• February 27, 2021

Totopara derives its name from its unique inhabitants; the Toto tribe. Totos are one of the primitive tribes in the world. They are known for their peculiar ethnicity and culture.Their unique traditions and practices set them apart from other communities. A solitary haven for indigenous tribes, Totopara is one of the exotic destinations in the dooars region. Inhabited by the peculiar tribe, the village is an ideal escape to witness the extraordinary heritage and culture of one of the oldest tribes in the world.

A brief history of Totos

In the 1950s, Totos remained on the verge of extinction. Several measures were implemented to protect their area from being flooded.

According to the 1951 census, the total population of the Totos was 321 – living in 69 houses at Totopara. In 1991, their population increased to 962 who dwelled in 180 different houses. In the 2001 census, the population of the Totos living in Totopara had increased to 1,184.

Ethnicity, Language, Society, Religion

Totos are regarded Mongoloid people with tender facial features and dusky skin, which reveals their closeness to the equator. Totos are endogamous are divided into 13 exogamous clans from which, they choose to marry.  

Toto language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of the sub-Himalayan group.The Toto family’s structure is patrilocal and dominated by a nuclear type. While they commonly practice monogamy, they do not ban polygamy.

Totos describe themselves as close to nature. They mainly worship two deities – Ishpa and Cheima. Of late, a lot have converted to Christianity, largely associated with Christian missionary work.

The village falls under the Madarihaat-Birpara CD block in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. Totopara is about 22 km from Madarihat. It befalls under the periphery of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the major attractions in the Dooars region. The entire village sprawls over an area of 8.08 sq. km. This tiny hamlet nestles just to the south of the border between Bhutan and West Bengal, on the bank of the Torsa River.

The best time to visit Totopara.

The best time to visit Totopara is from October to March. You can experience the culture, lifestyle, heritage of these secluded tribes of North Bengal.

How to get there?

By Road: There are well-networked roads that connect the region with Siliguri, Darjeeling and, other provinces of North Bengal. You can get North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt.

Mini Buses and Private Buses from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat. Travel time from Siliguri to Totopara is about 4 hours. Totopara has a well-established connection to Madarihat (Jaldapara National Park area), which is about 22 km away.

Trains are available from NJP and Siliguri Junction to Madarihat.

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Wants to know about the old tribal culture, visit Totopara

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The old tribal culture village located in the district of Alipurduaer of West Bengal in India is Totopara village. This village is a home to a Toto tribe which is one of a kind in the world and the village Totopara is almost 22 kilometres away from Madarihat which is the entry point of the famous national park of West Bengal, Jaldapara National Park. The Totopara village is quite near to Indo-Bhutan border and it is beside the riverbank of Torsa which is one of the ideal picnic spot and it is surrounded by hills.

A person who wants to learn and who wants to know about the old tribal culture then Totopara is one of the best destinations and Toto people belong in the Indo-Bhutanese tribal community. Till now their lifestyle remain nearly traditional. The Toto people marry within their own tribe to preserve their ethnicity hence they are very conservative, their marriages take place between cousins too. The Toto tribe defines themselves as Hindu but they believe in two other Gods namely Ishpa and Cheima and as per their believes God Ishpa live in the hills of Bhutan and they offer him an animal and drink Eu to please him and the other God Cheima is pleased with rice, fowls and Eu and it is also believed that God Cheima protects them from all kinds of trouble and sickness whereas if God Ishpa is unhappy then the people may face sickness. Like other Indian community, the Toto tribes also believes in joint family system and most of the families in the Toto tribes are joint family. The traditional houses of Toto tribes are building with bamboo, straw and clay.

The nearest village from Totopara is Ballaguri which is approximately 5 kilometres away. There is a primary school, a high school with hostel facility and one primary health centre in the village. The main and primary occupation of the people of Totopara is cultivation and there are about 5000 population in the village. The village is well connected by road and it is easily accessible from Darjeeling, Siliguri and other parts of West Bengal. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport and the nearest railway station is Falakata which is almost 19 kilometres away from Jaldapara national park and the other railway station is Madarihat railway station which is almost 7 kilometer away from the national park. The main railway station is New Jalpaiguri railway station of Siliguri. The various mode of transportation from airport or from railway station is public bus, shared cabs, hired taxi etc.

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Boat Safari at Sukhiya Jhora

Sukhiya Jhora is a small jhora(stream) that flows inside the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The small stream turns frenzied during rainy season. Sukhiajhora is located near Alipurduar and it is comparatively new tourist spot in Dooars region of West Bengal. The place where the stream comes out of the forest is known as the famous tourist spot Sukhiajhora. Basically it is the forest fringe area (about 1 hr drive) where tourist can enjoy boat safari. Boat safari will take tourist deep inside the forest area along with some beautiful scenic environs. The small stream and impenetrable foliage makes tourist thrilling and totally insane. The boat journey is seriously exhilarating journey for any tourist visiting out there.

Chandrachur watch Tower

Chandrachur watch Tower is located in the Gorumara National Park. It is also known as Khunia Watch Tower which offers the panoramic view of wild-lands and untamed beauty of certain typical wild sections of the Gorumara National Park including forest trees, shrubs, grasslands carved by rivers and rivulets and the animals found out there in Park. This Watch Tower is mainly built for watching wild elephants and Indian Bisons. If the visitors want to see dense forest with wilderness looks they can straight go this Chandrachur Tower without any confusion.

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest forest located just on the Northern side of Gorumara National Park. It is about 80kms distance from Siliguri and about 20kms from Chalsa. The murti River flows by the western boundary of the Chapramari forest. Basically it is a small Sanctuary in India comparing to others. The whole forest area is filled with dense greenery which provides real natural shelter to the animals and birds living there. Chapramari Sanctuary seems like heaven in Earth for all the visitors because of the huge tall trees, thick bower of greenery, several small bushes and so on.

Chukchuki Watch Tower

Chukchuki Watch Tower also called Chukchuki Birding Point is located inside the Gorumara National Park. It is an ideal destination for bird watches where different spices of birds seen here. The Chuckchuki Watch Tower is situated towards the end of the park which provides perfect view of birds. It is one of the famous among many others watch tower in the park from where tourist can spot different animals like rhinos, bisons, gaur, Asian elephant, sloth bear, chital, and sambar deer for which the park is famous.

Elephant Riding at Gorumara

Gorumara Forest is a wonderful forest to introduce people to Wildlife Tourism. This is one of the famous forests in Dooars region of North Bengal. It has a wide range of wildlife like gaur, Elephants, Rhino, deer’s and varieties of birds. There is a huge water body where you can also view birds like hornbill. It is cheap and easily accessible. This is a big forested area where you cannot roam around easily. There are lots of sightseeing in and around Gorumara Natonal Park which capture tourist attractions immensely and lot more places to visit around also.

Elephant Riding at Jaldapara

Elephant riding is the best way to explore the Jaldapara Wildlife sanctuary. This is one of the major attractions in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephant ride takes tourist deep inside the forest areas, the grassland and sightseeing of the famous one horned rhino which is quite common. Elephant riding is available both in morning and afternoon. The best time to go for elephant safari around 5:30 in the morning where wildlife sightseeing is more common during the morning. The first preference for elephant riding is those who staying in Government resort and for rest depend upon availability. This ride cannot be booked in advance through any other agency.

Elephant Safari at Chilapata

Chilapata forest is located near the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Dooars region. It is a quite dense forest comparing to others. Chilapata Wildlife Sanctuary is the most important migration corridor of large herbivores such as One Horned Rhinos and Asiatic Elephants. It is one of the famous tourist attraction areas in North Bengal. An Elephant safari is a new experience that offers a new found appreciation of elephants, providing a more personal and deeper understanding. There are lots of in and around tourist attraction area where they can go through elephant safari. Elephant riding towards Mendabari watch tower and Kodal Basti forest is very interesting; one can get an opportunity to see several trained elephants, rhino, and species of birds, tall grass area for photography and many more.

Jatraprashad Watch Tower

Jatraprashad watch tower is situated in the Gorumara National park. It was established in remembrance of the most favourite pet elephant of the forest which was died in long time back. The tower is located deep inside the forest. The watch tower offers a panoramic view of wildlife of the forest wilderness, wild lives and rivulets running through the Gorumara National Park which is the most popular place among the visiting tourists in the park. Jatraprasad watch tower is undoubtedly the best watch tower in Gorumara National park.

Jungle Safari at Buxa Jayanti

Buxa Tiger Reserve located in the Alipurdual district of West Bengal. Jungle safari is the most interesting experience to every tourist visit there. Now in Buxa Tiger Reserve they introduced car safari and boating routes facility also. Earlier, tourists had to hire local vehicles to enter the forest and they were mostly allowed only in the fringe areas but now under new project, tourists would be allowed into a portion of the forest’s core area as part of car safaris, four watchtowers would be built in the core area, picnic spots would be built in the fringes, tents would be set up and a butterfly park would be constructed. Tourist can be able to visit the core areas of Buxa through five routes as part of car safaris and no food items would be allowed inside the forest except drinking water.

Jungle Safari at Gorumara

Gorumara Jungle safari is the real treat and entertaining experience for that adventurous tourist who enjoy being in the midst of the forest and revel in watching their lives in the jungle. The experience that he gained out there will be attached in his memory lifelong. The surrounding areas enriched with flora and fauna are birdwatcher paradise where various species of birds found there. To experience entire forest area, rivers stream, small villages, there will be jeep safari and elephant riding available every morning and evening

Jungle safari at Jaldapara

Jaldapara Wild life Sanctuary is the most popular forest in Dooars region of North Bengal. Jungle safari is one of the famous tourist attractions in Jaldapara which is also called Jeep safari. Jeep safari is the only way where you can tour the entire area of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. While doing jeep safari you see the variety of Wildlife, particularly the Great Indian One Horned Rhinos. The river Torsha flows through this rain forest sanctuary which is mostly covered with tall grasses, the sanctuary encompasses luxuriant vegetation and a rich variety of wildlife where you capture photography.

Medla Watch Tower

The Medla Watch Tower of Gorumara National Park is located just next to Ramsai. It is one of the famous watch towers near Ramsai from where tourist can view lots of ravishing activities and the natural extreme beauty of the place. Tourist visiting Medla tower is completely new experience as they have to go there on bullock carts. A newly built watchtower offers the glimpses of the inner part of Gorumara National Park. Medhla Watch Tower is built on the vicinity of river Murti. From Medla Watch Tower tourist can watch the elephant herd crossing the river, rhinos, bisons, deer etc. Mt. Kanchenjunga is clearly visible from Medhal Watch Tower which is very interesting to see.

Pokhri Hill

There are in fact quite a number of places to visit in jayanti near Buxa Tiger Reserve of Dooars region. Among them one of the famous historic places to visit is Pokhri hill just 4km distance from Jayanti village is a must visit sightseeing destination of Jayanti. One staying at Buxa can go through car of jeep safari half way and has to trek the distance to reach Pokhri hill. But from Jayanti to reach Pokhri one has to trek the distance partly through forested hills and partly through previously used roads. The whole trek is quite a sparkling experience and provides an opportunity to come close to nature, to know more about the real natural environment, to feel the quaint environs, to know the history of Pokhari, many more. People visiting Jayanti hardly misses a chance to visit the Pokhri (pond) else they will surely visit in any hard condition.

Totopara is a small village on the Indo Bhutan border in the Dooars West Bengal and the place located on the fringe of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Totopara names come from Toto tribe and majority of the people lives in Totopara comes from Toto tribe. Totopara is famous all over because of its unique Toto tribe and its originality,ethnicity culture. Totos are one of the main ancient communities in the world and this secluded tribal group residing only in Totopara at the foot of the Himalayas. Totopara is one of the best tourist spot in Dooars region. They used to live in elevated bamboo hut lifting machas and their main food marua but now their food includes rice, milk, vegetable, meat and curry like others. Basically this is one of the best places for tourist where they can enjoy real taste of tribal village, their culture, heritage and lifestyle.

Trolly line

Trolly line is located in the Jaldapara National Park. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and the best tourist attraction point in Dooars region. The river Torsha flows through this rain forest sanctuary which is mostly covered with tall grasses, the sanctuary encompasses abundant vegetation and a rich variety of wildlife. The main attraction of the sanctuary is Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros. The sanctuary holds the highest rhino population in India .The other animals found are tigers, elephants, deers, sambhar, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, wild pig and bisons.

India > West Bengal > Dooars > Totopara

Totopara and Toto Tribes

Totopara name comes from the Toto tribes. The majority people lived in Totopara belong to the Toto community. Some Nepalese are also there, but it is very minimum populous. The total area of Totopara is nearly 8 square kilometres, which is located on the northern fringe of Jaldapara National Park (formerly Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary), one of the famous wildlife in Dooars and Southern area of the indo-Bhutan borderline for the largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros in West Bengal.

There is a river Torsha flowing to the east of the village. Totopara divided into six small parts or sectors; they called it Gram or Gaon (Villages) namely, Panchayatgaon, Mandolgaon, Subbagaon, Mitranggaon, Pujagaon and Dumchigaon. Subbagaon is a Nepali-speaking dominated village and the people belong to the Limbu community of Gorkha. A primary school, a High School with hostel facilities and a primary Health Centre are there in Totopara. Total numbers of 1,184 Totos (according to with 2001 census) live in nearly 200 houses in Totopara. As on 2013, the numbers of Totos had increased to 1,346 (unauthorised source) and all of them lived in Totopara.

(Children of Toto Tribal, Totopara)

Toto People: Toto people belong in the Indo-Bhutanese tribal community. It is a very primitive inheritance, considered as Mongoloid people. Now a day's all Toto people concentrate in Totopara, 22 km away from Madarihat, Alipurduar District. They have flat nose, small eye, broad and square cheeks, thick lips and black iris.

Life-style of Toto-tribes

Toto tribes believed in joint family system as like as other Indian communities people, but nuclear family are also available. Monogamy is common form of marriage among the Toto but polygamy is not prohibited. Among the Totos love marriage is also acceptable. But divorce system is not accepted by them. One can remarry after one year of his or her spouse’s death. A man can marry his deceased wife's sister but a woman must not marry her deceased husband’s brother. Totos are very much conscious and conservative about their tribal identity, and marriage with other community people is not acceptable. In general four types of marriage are available in Toto community - marriage by negotiation (Thulbehoea), marriage by escape (Chor-behoea), marriage by capture (Sambehoea) and love marriage (Lamalami).

A traditional Toto house builds with bamboo, straw and clay. These are hut with four folded roof make with straw, and all roofs are joined at the top elevation and decline towards the side wall. Kitchen and cattle-and-poultry house remain separate from the main living house.

Basically main foods of Totos are making with millet. Now a day, they habituate with pure Bengali foods like- rice, carry of vegetables, dal, fish and meat. In each occasion they take a drink called Eu. The liquor Eu made from fermented marua, rice powder and malt, which is served warm in Poipa (wooden glasses).

Toto tribes define themselves as Hindus. Apart from the Vedic Gods the Totos have two main gods Ishpa and Cheima. Toto tribes believe that the god Ishpa live in the Bhutan hills and if he unhappy then they faces sickness. Totos offer him animal and drink Eu to pleased him. Other hand the Goddess Cheima protects Toto tribes from all kinds of trouble and sickness. Totos offer rice, fowls and Eu to please her.

Close to Total Extinction

The Totos are very conservative and marry within the tribe to preserve their ethnicity. This means marriages take place between cousins too. The result is that many children born from such wedlock become thalassemia. Research has revealed that the Totos have a high thalassemia carrier rate of 45 per cent. This has put the tribe in the danger of losing their members to the disease.

The only other option is to marry outside the tribe. But the members are opposed to the idea since their ethnicity would be at stake if they marry people from other communities. The Totos are caught between customs and ethnicity on one hand and science on the other.

In addition to this, recent finding by the Indian Anthropological Survey says that the average lifespan of the Toto tribal people is 35 years.

Attraction at Totopara

If you want to take a test on the old tribal culture, then Totopara is one of the best tourist spots for you. Toto people belong in Indo-Bhutanese tribal community. Till now their lifestyle remain nearly traditional.

Totopara situated at the northern edges of the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a village on the Indo-Bhutan border-line and just 22 KM road distance from Madarihat town. Madarihat is on the entrance of the famous Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. From Madarihat to Totopara is well accessible with some private Bus and any other vehicle.

By Road : Jaldapara is well connected by road with Darjeeling, Siliguri and other towns of North Bengal. North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Mini Buses and Private Buses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat. Journey time from Siliguri is about 4 hours. Route :- a) Darjeeling -> Siliguri -> Jalpaiguri (via New Teesta Bridge) -> Maynaguri -> Dhupguri -> Gairkata -> Birpara -> Madarihat (204 km) b) Darjeeling -> Siliguri -> Sevoke -> Bagrakote -> Mal -> Chalsa< -> Nagrakata -> Binnaguri -> Birpara -> Madarihat (214 km).

By Rail : Nearest railway station is Falakata (19 Kilometers from the sanctuary) and Madarihat (7 kilometers away). But all train do not arrived here. New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Railway Station are the main railway station in this area. You can change train from New Jalpaiguri or can follow the road journey from New Jalpaiguri to the park or Siliguri to the park.

By Air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra. It is a domestic airport under Indian Army. All major air services are available from all over India. Distance between Bagdogra and Siliguri is 13 km. You can find out various vehicles to come in Siliguri, and then follow the above road route.

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• About Totopara

The little town of Totopara is arranged on a hillock, at a separation of 22 km from Madarihat, the section purpose of the Jaldapara National Park. The Torsa River is arranged to its east, the lower regions of Bhutan is arranged on the north and the Titi Reserve Forest and the Titi River on the south-west.

It is the home of the remarkable Toto clans, the native clans of the area. Vacationers can likewise visit the town of Ballalguri that is arranged toward the south of Totopara, at a separation of around five kilometers.

The aggregate territory of Totopara is almost 8 square kilometers, which is situated on the northern edge of Jaldapara National Park once in the past Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the well known natural life in Dooars and Southern zone of the indo-Bhutan fringe for the biggest populace of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros in West Bengal.

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Jaldapara National Park

Sampurna Majumder Sampurna Majumder / Times Travel Editor / NATURE , DOOARS / Updated : Jul 30, 2015, 15:29 IST

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Situated on the banks of the River Torsa, Jaldapara National Park is one of the popular places to visit in Dooars. Before 1800, when the place was inhabited by Toto and Mech tribes, it was known as Totopara. The sanctuary was esta … Read more

Situated on the banks of the River Torsa, Jaldapara National Park is one of the popular places to visit in Dooars. Before 1800, when the place was inhabited by Toto and Mech tribes, it was known as Totopara. The sanctuary was established in 1941 with an aim to protect Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros, and was eventually declared a national park in the year 2012. Read less

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Situated on the banks of the River Torsa, Jaldapara National Park is one of the popular places to visit in Dooars. Before 1800, when the place was inhabited by Toto and Mech tribes, it was known as To...

Published on March 22, 2017 at 3526 × 2292 (Full Size Image) in 10 Places that must be visited while traveling to Dooars

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Photos | Totos of Totopara: Glimpses of an endangered tribe

• The Toto tribe of West Bengal lives in a remote village near the border with Bhutan. They are one of the most endangered tribes in the world, with just over 1,600 members surviving. Younger generations strive to maintain a balance between the world of their elders and the world of today. Some use their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts to talk about their unique culture. Abhijit AA, a photojournalist and former communications executive, spent five years documenting the Toto tribe’s way of life. In April 2022, he published his work as a photobook called Totos of Totopara: An Indigenous Tribe in a Globalised World. here are a few glimpses from the book.

A jeep ferries traders to the village of Totopara, home to the Toto tribe of West Bengal. The village is in a remote area near the border with Bhutan. These jeeps transport the traders from the nearest town, Madarihat, 24 km away, along a route that winds across six river beds. In the monsoons, Totopara becomes inaccessible.(Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

A woman harvests marua, a type of millet used to brew Eu, the local liquor. Her shakha-pola (white and red bangles typically worn by Bengali women) indicate the infusion of Bengali culture in the Toto way of life.(Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

Marua is planted, harvested, winnowed and threshed before it is brewed into Eu. It used to be stored in earthen pots, and is now stored in large aluminium ones. The Totos drink Eu on all important occasions, from birthing ceremonies to funerals. When a marital match is fixed, the two families also exchange large pots filled with freshly soaked marua seeds. No Toto wedding is complete without the exchange and consumption of Eu.(Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

Totopara’s weekly market is held on Tuesdays. Vendors sell everything from clothes and bags to groceries and snacks. The Doya, people from Bhutan, cross the border to buy and trade at Totopara’s weekly market. (Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

A general view of Totapara's weekly market.(Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

A doctor draws blood from a Toto tribal to test for malaria. Totopara has only one Primary Health Centre. In cases of emergency or serious illness, patients are generally sent to the general government hospital in Birpara, about 35 km away.(Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

A Toto man climbs an electric pole to fix a broken wire. Given their remote and mountainous location, power outages caused by storms and bad weather are a common occurrence, so the Totos have learned to do fix some glitches themselves.(Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

Men representing the 13 clans of the Toto tribe, photographed after an important meeting about an upcoming festival. A few of the clans are more endangered than others, with some consisting of only one family each, and a few down to two or three members.(Abhijit AA / Totos of Totopara)

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Jaldapara Forest Resort

Dooars, in Jaldapara region has a brand new property ready with all modern amenities in the the lap of Nature. At stone throwing distance from the woods, Jaldapara Forest Resort boasts of facilities and squeaky clean rooms and surroundings, a great place for nature lovers to stay out of the city life for a small but enriching trip. Awesome place for bird watchers and wild life lovers.

Check In : 12 A.M.

Check Out : 11 A.M.

Place code : BE1747

Outdoor Activity

Set out with a binocular and see the majestic flight of hornbill, racket-tailed drongo and paradise flycatcher.

Enjoy jeep safari inside the Jaldapara Wild Life Sanctuary.

Excurse the nearby tea gardens to see the manufacturing of tea with prior arrangement.

Go for Anthropological excursion in nearby Tribal village, Totopara.

Nearby Attractions

Totopara 30 km from Jaldapara inhabited by primitive Toto tribe of Dooars.

Chilapata a forest on eastern bank of Torsa with the ruin of a thousand year old fort of Nal King.

Khayerbari Tiger Rescue Centre situated 15 km from Jaldapara.

Gorumara National Park: 80 km (2 hours) Phuentsholing – Bhutan: 30 km (1 hour) Buxa Tiger Reserve: 30 km (1 hour)

Best Time To Visit

The best season to visit Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is the winter and the onset of summer season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for visiting wildlife and enjoying an elephant safari in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. The best months tovisit are September, October, November, December, March, and May.

How To Reach

Air : Bagdogra 145 kms from Jaldapara is the nearest airport from where tourist can reach Jaldapara by road-route via Siliguri, noted below. (Siliguri to Bagdogra – 13 km).

Rail : The most important railway station in the North East India is NJP about 140 kms away. NJP is directly connected with all major stations in India. The nearest station is at Madarihat (5 kms) and Hasimara (10 kms) where some trains have a stoppage.

Road : Jaldapara is connected by National Highway with Siliguri and can be reached by car within 3hrs.

Pocket Pinch

Non AC Room: INR 1750 + 5% GST per day per head including all meals and taxes AC Room: INR 2050 + 5% GST per day per head including all meals and taxes

Kids between 1 to 5 years are complimentary

Kids between 6 to 9 years will be charged at half price

Kids from 10 years will be charged as an adult

NJP to Jaldapara : INR 3500 Approx per car (one way)

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Biswakarma Jhora

South khayerbari eco park, kunjanagar eco park, jaldapara national park, the dooars or duars are the foothills of the eastern himalayas.

Duar means ‘door’ and the region forms the gateway to Bhutan from India. There are 18 passages or gateways through which the Bhutanese people can communicate with the people living in the plains.

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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