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 The
history of Cooch Behar is synonymous with the grandeur of kings, palaces
and temples – and its influence can be witnessed in the magnificent
palaces and temples that dot the entire land of this lesser known district
in North Bengal. It possesses a rich cultural, historical and traditional
heritage that is ancient and magnificent.
Cooch Behar was a princely state ruled by the feudal
Koch Kings until 20th August, 1949; powers were ceded by the kingdom to
the Government of India by the force of an agreement on the above date.
Thereafter, Cooch Behar was merged with the state of West Bengal in 19th
January, 1950, and was identified as a district. It should be remembered
that Cooch Behar was a kingdom that was transformed to a state and finally
came into being as a district of West Bengal, however, the boundaries
of the state still remains intact.
 Cooch
Behar is well known for its palaces and royal buildings; prominent among
them is the Royal Palace of the Koch Kings called Rajbari. Other royal
buildings and palaces are used as Government offices, hospitals and defence
quarters. There are numerous fact, myths and stories associated with each
of these buildings and palaces that old people love to share with anyone
who is interested in its history. Today, Cooch Behar is a well planned
modern city minus the chaos, noise and pollution found in other cities
of India.
Cooch Behar has also gained importance from an archaeological
perspective since the excavation of remains at Gosanimari Rajpat where
ancient stone sculptures, stone engravings and a water system were found
recently.
Cooch Behar is an ideal place for visitors who want
to experience the nostalgia of a bygone era when larger than life kings
ruled the land; to hear the stories of their glorious past; and to witness
the rich heritage and legacy they have left behind for the people.
 Sub-divisions
of Cooch Behar
• Cooch Behar Sadar
• Mathabhanga
• Dinhata
• Tufangunj
• Mekhligunj
Places of interest in Cooch Behar
• Rajbari Palace
• Madan Mohan Temple
• Baneswar SivaTemple
• Madhupur Dham Temple
• Kamteswari Temple at Dinhata
• Madan Mohan Temple, Mathabhanga
• Rasik Bill
• Gosanimari Rajpat excavation site
• Ranir Bagan (Memorial of the Kings and Queen)
• Sagar Dighi (a lake where migratory birds come)
Fairs & Festivals of Cooch Behar
• Raas Mela
• Raath Yatra
• Baradebi Mela
• Sri Panchami Mela
• Dol Purnima
• Annapurna Puja
• Durga Puja
• Shibratri Mela
• Astami Snan Mela
Apart from these fairs and festivals, book fairs, flower
& fruit fairs are regularly held in Cooch Behar. |