Cooch Behar has been transformed from a kingdom to a state and from a state to the present status of a district. Before 28 August 1949, Cooch Behar was a Princely state ruled by the king of Cooch Behar, who had been a feudatory ruler under the British Government. By an agreement dated 28 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 Government of India came into force on 12 September 1949. Eventually, Cooch Behar was transferred and merged with the province of West Bengal on 19 January 1950 and from that date Cooch Behar emerged as a new District in the administrative map of West Bengal.

Road: Cooch Behar, being the headquarter town of the North Bengal State Transport Corporation, is well connected by long distance bus routes to Siliguri as well as to Kolkata, Jalpaiguri and other important areas of the state.

Rail: There is a broad gauge railway line connecting Cooch Behar with Kolkata via New Jalpaiguri (NJP railway station near Siliguri). The meter gauge railway service via Alipurduar can also be availed.

Air: The nearest airport to Cooch Behar is Siliguri (Bagdogra), connecting Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and many other destinations in India.

Cooch Behar Palace (Rajbari)
Cooch Behar Palace (Rajbari): Built in the classical European style of Italian Renaissance on the lines of Buckingham Palace in 1887. A recently constructed museum in the rooms of the Palace has added glory to the Royal structure. The vast lawn and beautiful landscaping of the garden have made it more beautiful. It is a must visit.

Madan Mohan Temple
Madan Mohan Temple: Situated in the heart of the Cooch Behar town. Constructed by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan during 1885 to 1889. A divine structure, deities include Madan Mohan the kul-devata of the Koch Dynasty, Ma Tara and Ma Bhavani. The annual Rash Mela is held here in November.

Rajpat Mound
Rajpat Mound: A protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Situated about 35 km from Cooch Behar Town. One can see the remains of a palace and some excavated artifacts and statues.

Madhupur Dham
Madhupur Dham: Situated about 10 km west from Cooch Behar Town. In 1489, Shankaradeva performed his last journey to Cooch Behar when Maharaja Nar Narayan requested him to preach the teachings of the neo-Vaishnava cult. It was in his honour that the Madhupur Dham was built in the 16th century. This place has a special significance for the devotees of Acharya Shankaradeva.

Kamteswari Temple
Kamteswari Temple: Situated at a distance of about 35 km west of Cooch Behar Town, the original temple is now destroyed. The present temple has been established by Maharaja Pran Narayan in 1665 The throne of Devi is situated here. Beside the main temple 2 smaller temples also exist/ at the gate a 'Tarakeswar Sivalinga' exists.

Sagardighi
Sagardighi: Situated in the Cooch Behar Town itself. The huge tank was excavated by Maharaja Hitendra Narayan. It is a popular rendezvous in the evening, surrounded by heritage buildings including Victor House and a War Memorial where a tank is kept. During winter months one can spot migratory birds on the water surface and the nearby trees.

Rasikbil
Rasikbil: It is situated about 42 km from Cooch Behar Town. A recognized bird sanctuary. It has a deer park and a recently built aquariam where fishes, turtles and Ghraials (a type of crocodiles), seven nos. of leopards, Peafowl are kept. You may spot Chinese Fishing Nets on the way to Rasikbil. Rasikbeel is a complex of wet land, the name of important water bodies are Bochamari beel, Rasik beel, Batikata Beel & raichangmari beel. In bengali beel means large water body. The main migratory bird spp found in this wet land are Lesser Whistling Teal, Common Teal, Cotton Teal, Dapchick, Bronze winged Jacana, Pheasent Tailed Janacana, Shoveler, Barheaded goose, White Eyed Poacherd etc. Except this a lot of other aquatic bird like small & large Cormorant, four spp. of Kingfisher, open bill stork etc are found. The area of water doby complex is 178 hec. The whole area comes under protected forest & managed by Coochbehar Forest Division. In recent past (Jan, 09) a beautiful watch tower of 70 feet height was constructed by Coochbehar Forest Division. There is a min zoo at Rasikbill, the zoo is recognised by Central Zoo Authority, Govt. of India. There are Tortoise, Gharial, Leopard, Spotted deer, Peafowl and other birds in the zoo. In 2009, Coochbehar Division in collaboration with Zoological Survey of India conducted bird census in the wetland complex, 66 species of birds were recorded.

Rasomati Ecotourism complex
Rasomati Ecotourism complex- This ecotourism complex is recently developed by Coochbehar Forest Division. The main attraction is the Rasomati Jheel (Water body) which herbours lots of residential & migratory birds. There is a picnic spot with paddle boating facility for tourist. A six km. long Jungle safari is also major tourist attraction. For observation a tower of height 56 feet has been constructed. The spot is located in the Patlakhawa forest which was a game reserve of the king of Coochbehar.

Kholta Ecotourism Spot
Kholta Ecotourism Spot- The spot is on Coochbehar Aliporeduar Road, 20 km away from Coochbehar, Recently (Feb-09) Developed by Coochbehar Forest Division, The children park, Deer park (Sambar & Spotted Deer)& Toy train is the major tourist attraction. The spot is surrounded by Araikumari riverlet, there is old teak plantation created by the king of Coochbehar.