Key hubs
Cooch Behar airport and railway station
- Airport
- Cooch Behar Airport (COH), about 6 km from the town centre, has had only limited, intermittent services; check current flights. Bagdogra (IXB) is about 140 km away
- Railway station
- New Cooch Behar Junction (NCB), about 5 km from the town, is the main station; the old Cooch Behar station (COB) is in town and has a small railway museum
- Getting around
- Toto (e-rickshaw) and rickshaw for the town; hire a car and driver for Baneswar, Gosanimari and Rasikbil
How to reach Cooch Behar by air
Cooch Behar Airport (COH) is about 6 km from the town, but services have been limited and intermittent, mainly to Kolkata, so check the airline before booking. Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri, about 140 km away, is the main alternative, and the road drive takes several hours.
How to reach Cooch Behar by train
New Cooch Behar Junction (NCB), about 5 km from the town, is the main railhead on the Northeast Frontier Railway with several routes. The old Cooch Behar station (COB) is in town and has limited traffic. Many travellers also use Alipurduar Junction for the Dooars.
How to reach Cooch Behar by road
The national highway NH17 passes through Cooch Behar, linking it with Siliguri and Assam. State and private buses run from the town, which is also the headquarters of the North Bengal State Transport Corporation. Roads to Jaldapara and Alipurduar are well used.
Getting around Cooch Behar
Totos (e-rickshaws) and cycle rickshaws are the usual way around town, and walking is fine between the palace, lake and temple. For Baneswar, Gosanimari, Rasikbil or the Dooars, hire a car and driver, ideally arranged through your hotel.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Cooch Behar
- Use a toto or taxi between sights rather than walking in the midday sun.
- For day trips, carry water, snacks and any medicines, since facilities near Baneswar, Gosanimari and Rasikbil are basic.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.