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.

The name "Cooch-Behar" is derived from the name of the Koch tribe that is indigenous to this area. The word "Behar" is the Sanskrit word "bihar" (to travel) which means the land through which the "Koch" Kings used to travel or roam about ("bihar"). The name "Cooch-Behar" is derived from the name of the Koch tribe (not the Rajbongshi) that is indigenous to this area.This tribe is the original son of this land from the early centuries. The great Koch King that has ever rule in the Kingdom of Kamatapur is Lord Naranarayan, as well as his young brother Prince Chilaray. The Historical Kamatapur Comprises of the total North Bengal maximum parts of Assam , Some parts of present Bangladesh And few parts of Bhutan . Before 20th August 1949 , Cooch Behar was a Princely State ruled by the Kings of Cooch Behar, who had been a feudatory ruler under British Government. By an agreement dated 20th August, 1949 the king of Cooch Behar ceded full and extensive authority, jurisdiction and power of the state to the Dominion Government of India. The transfer of administration of the state to the Govt. of India came into force on 12th September, 1949 . Eventually, Cooch Behar was transferred and merged with the province of West Bengal on 19th January, 1950 and from that date Cooch Behar emerged as a new District in the administrative map of West Bengal . However, the district of Cooch Behar had been created with the same area and boundaries as the old state of Cooch Behar . In course of time, Cooch Behar has been transformed from a kingdom to a State and from a State to the present status of a district.

Cooch Behar has also gained importance from an archeological 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.

State : West Bengal
District : Cooch Behar
Coordinates : 26.22° N 89.29° E
Area : 3,414 Km²
Time zone : IST (UTC+ 5:30 )
Population (2001) : 76874
Density : 732/km²

Postal : 736 101
Telephone : +91-3582
Vehicle : WB – 64/63