Gajoldoba is a small village on the western side of the Teesta River close to the Baikunthapur forest. The village is in the Oodlabari area of the Jalpaiguri district. Gajoldoba was famous for the dam on River Teesta that is being created for irrigation of agricultural land of North Bengal. The dam has created a large water body upstream which has become home to migratory birds during the winter. The natural beauty of the place with its view of the forest, river, and mountain has always attracted tourists and locals to the area. The barrage over the Teesta river at Gajoldoba is also a major route of road connection between the Dooars and Terai areas of North Bengal
Gajoldoba took increased prominence due to the state government's initiative to promote mega tourism in the area. An area of more than 200 acres has been demarcated for the purpose and infrastructure is being developed. Shortly, the area is expected to become one of the high-end tourist destinations of North Bengal.
The location of Gojoldoba is also quite advantageous. The place can be reached from Siliguri (30 km, 1 hour) or Jalpaiguri town (40 km, 1.5 hours). Oodlabari is 20 km (45 minutes) and the Gorumara National Park area is about 26 km.
To See
The area around Gajoldoba is full of interesting sightseeing places. The Gajoaldoba barrage in itself is worth spending some time. You may also take a ride in the local fisherman's boat in the downstream Teesta, during monsoon months avoid the ride as the water volume increased substantially. Also, do not venture into the upstream river as it can prove to be dangerous. Across the river is the Apalchand forest famous for its population of a pachyderm. The Baikunthapur forests on the western side of the river are also home to a variety of wildlife.
Accommodation
The Hawa Mahal building of the irrigation department has 4 rooms that are occasionally let out on request. There is no regular commercially available tourist accommodation in the area at the time of writing. A few budget tourist accommodations have started sprouting here and there, and shortly, as Gajoldoba mega tourism hub takes shape, there may not be any dearth of tourist accommodation here. Meanwhile, tourists may visit Gajoldoba while being based in Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, or Gorumara.
