The name Jaigaon is probably the first thing that comes to mind if you've ever wanted to travel to the incredible country of Bhutan from India by road. The most common land entrance point into Bhutan is this busy Indian town, which lies directly on the Indo-Bhutan border. You might connect with a licensed travel agency in Jaigaon for your Bhutan travel.
So, your adventure generally starts at Jaigaon, whether you're a nature lover hoping to climb across Bhutan's beautiful highlands, a tourist seeking a spiritual retreat in the country's top-notch hilltop monasteries, or someone interested in the beautiful culture of the monarchy.
This blog will explain why Jaigaon is regarded as the entry point to Bhutan, its significance, and how visitors might maximize their time there. Let'sexplore.
The Location of Jaigaon
The Indian state of West Bengal has the small / census town of Jaigaon in the Alipurduar district. It is located directly over the border from the bustling border town of Phuentsholing, Bhutan, surrounded by lush green hills. The Bhutan Gate, an iconic gate in the traditional Bhutanese design that also acts as a symbolic entryway into Bhutan, separates the two settlements.
The location of Jaigaon is the natural land entrance point for visitors entering Bhutan because Phuentsholing is only a short distance away. Because of its strategic position, it serves as a nexus for trade and tourism between the two nations.
Why Jaigaon is the Gateway to Bhutan
Phuentsholing's Direct Connection
One of Bhutan's most beautiful border towns is Phuentsholing. And, permits and immigration are managed here for the majority of visitors arriving in Bhutan via land. The obvious stop before formally entering Bhutan is Jaigaon, which is located immediately next door.
Reachability from Indian Cities
Jaigaon has excellent access to both Assam and West Bengal's largest cities. The place is around 155 kilometers away from Siliguri, one of North Bengal's major transportation hubs, and can be reached by car in four to five hours.
The closest airport is Bagdogra, which is around 170 miles from Jaigaon, while the closest train station is Hasimara, which is about 17 km distant (located in Alipurduar District).
Ease of Travel for Foreigners and Indians
With the right ID documents, Indian people can visit Bhutan with relative ease. Jaigaon is where international visitors start the permission application process, which is hence a crucial starting place for tourists of all stripes.
Commerce and Trade
The land of Jaigaon is the primary trading hub between India and Bhutan, in addition to being a popular tourist destination. Every day, goods pass through this town, showing its significance for the local economy as well as for its tourists.
Let’s Know What Makes Jaigaon Important for Tourists?
Even though Jaigaon is frequently used as a stopover by tourists before entering Bhutan, the town itself has pristine elegance of its own:
- Entry permits: These are required for foreign visitors and may be obtained from the Bhutan Immigration Office situated in Phuentsholing. You may stay overnight at Jaigaon or Phuentsholing before finishing the paperwork because it's located directly across the gate.
- Options for lodging: Jaigaonand Phuenstholinghave a number of reasonably priced hotels and guesthouses. Those who need to relax before visiting Bhutan and arrive late in the day may find this very useful.
- Cultural Experience: Although Jaigaon has the feel of a normal Indian town, there is a blending of cultures due to its closeness to Bhutan. The markets, cuisine, and architecture close to the border all have Bhutanese influences.
How to Get to Jaigaon
Here are your travel choices if you're thinking of visiting Bhutan via Jaigaon:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, is the closest airport. And, from there, it takes around four to five hours to get to Jaigaon by taxi, or you may take a shared taxi.
- By Train: Hasimara, which is about 17 kilometers from Jaigaon, is the nearest train station. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Alipurduar Junction are two more stations in the vicinity. Rental taxis or cabs, and buses are readily accessible from these stations.
- By Road: Siliguri, Cooch Behar, and other nearby towns are accessible to Jaigaon via road, and for a more pleasant ride, many tourists use private buses or cabs.
Although the most common access point is Jaigaon-Phuentsholing, Bhutan also has additional border entry points:
- Gelephu (boundary of Assam)
- SamdrupJongkhar (boundary with Assam)
However, due to their poor connectivity and lack of visitor convenience, these locations are infrequently visited. Therefore, the most popular and most accessible entrance is still Jaigaon.
A few things you should keep in mind when you enter Bhutan:
- Permits: The immigration office in Phuentsholing is where foreign visitors (apart from nationals of Bangladesh, India, and the Maldives) must get permits.
- Documents: Indian nationals may enter Bhutan with a voter ID card or a passport.
- Timings: On weekdays, immigration offices typically operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make appropriate plans for your arrival.
Note: During busy times, lodging in Jaigaon and Phuentsholing fills up fast, so make reservations in advance.
Here’s Why You May Begin Your Bhutan Journey from Jaigaon
- Convenience: It is the most convenient alternative due to its easy accessibility by plane, rail, and road.
- Facilities: Usually, travelers may find reasonably priced hotels, restaurants, and stores in Jaigaon.
- Experience: As soon as you cross the Bhutan Gate, you can see the contrast between the bustling Indian city and the serene environment of Bhutan, starting from Jaigaon.
The Bhutan journey starts at Jaigaon because of its commerce and cultural significance, as well as its closeness to Phuentsholing, ease of entry, and relevance for permits.
Travelers utilize it as a location to stop, get ready, and enter a whole new world beyond the Bhutan Gate,besides using it as a transportation stop.Therefore, if exploring Bhutan is on your bucket list, remember that Jaigaon is the starting point for your journey into this enchanted Eastern Himalayan nation.
