North Bengal

North Bengal (Bengali: উত্তরবঙ্গ) is a term used for the northern parts of Bangladesh and West Bengal. The Bangladesh part denotes the Rajshahi Division and Rangpur Division. Generally it is the area lying west of Jamuna River and north of Padma River, and includes the Barind Tract. The West Bengal part denotes Jalpaiguri Division (Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Malda) together. The Bihar parts include Kishanganj district. It also includes parts of Darjeeling Hills. Traditionally, the Hooghly River divides West Bengal into South and North Bengal, divided again into Terai and Dooars regions.

Cities and towns

• Alipurduar (West Bengal) is the main commercial town of the Eastern Dooars region. Now Alipurduar is a new district
• Bogra (Bangladesh) is a business center of both Rajshahi and Rangpur Division and a developed district town. It also considered as the center point of North Bengal.
• Cooch Behar (West Bengal) was once home to the famous Cooch Behar kingdom. The North Bengal State Transport Corporation operates its services from all over the region. It has its headquarters here. It also features the North Bengal State Library.
• Dalkhola (West Bengal) is commercial town, business hub and 4th largest railway station in North Bengal.
• Darjeeling (West Bengal) is the largest hill town of the region. It was once the summer capital of Bengal.
• Dinajpur (Bangladesh) is the headquarter of the largest district in Rangpur Division. It is the major agriculture based business area of Bangladesh. Dinajpur is very peaceful and beautiful place in the country. Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University is situated in this town.
• Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) Once the most important town and the home to the tea industry. It is the headquarters of the Jalpaiguri division of West Bengal, i.e., the divisional headquarters of the North Bengal region. It is also home to the Circuit Bench of the Kolkata High Court.
• Kalimpong (West Bengal) is a hill station of the region.
• Kurseong (West Bengal) is another hill station of the region.
• Malbazar (West Bengal) is one of the most important towns of North Bengal and known for its scenic beauty and Tea Gardens around.
• Malda (West Bengal) is the 3rd largest city in North Bengal and is an important commercial town today. University of Gour Banga and Malda Medical College and Hospital are situated in this town.
• Kishanganj (North-East Bihar)
• Naxalbari (West Bengal) is a small hamlet in the Darjeeling district. It is the place from where the Naxalite movement draws its name, and was the scene of the first Naxal agitation.
• Pabna (Bangladesh) is the administrative capital of eponymous Pabna District. It is home to Pabna University of Science and Technology.
• Rajshahi (Bangladesh) is the administrative capital of Rajshahi Division and is a metropolitan city. There is a domestic airport here named Shah Makhdum Airport. The University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology and Rajshahi Medical College are situated in this city. The city is also popular for trading of Mango fruit and Rajshahi silk.
• Rangpur (Bangladesh) is the administrative capital of Rangpur Division. Begum Rokeya University and Rangpur Medical College are situated here.
• Saidpur (Bangladesh) is the second largest town of Nilphamari District in Rangpur Division. The main domestic airport of Rangpur division- Saidpur Airport and the largest railway workshop of Bangladesh are situated here.
• Siliguri (West Bengal) is the largest city of North Bengal and its commercial and transport hub. University of North Bengal is situated at Raja Rammohanpur and North Bengal Medical College and Hospital are situated at Sushrutanagar in this town.
• Sirajganj (Bangladesh) is gateway to North Bengal as this town and other parts of Rajshahi and Rangpur Divisions are connected with eastern part of Bangladesh by Bangabandhu Bridge.
• Totopara (West Bengal) is a small village in Jalpaiguri district, and home to one of the last remaining ethnic tribes of the regions - the Totos.