"The Dooars are a vast expanse of floodplains in eastern India about 30 km wide and 350 km long, stretching from the rivers Teesta in North Bengal to the Dhansiri in Assam. The region contains several gateways to Bhutan, hence its name, which means ‘doors’ in several eastern Indian languages. Famed for its natural beauty, the Dooars are dotted with some of India’s most prominent wildlife sanctuaries, which attract tourists from all over India and abroad. Among the best known are Jaldapara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilapata Forests, Singalila National Park, Neora Valley National Park and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Since the sanctuaries are closed during the rains, the best time to visit the Dooars is just after Durga Puja, right up to March. Besides chasing such rare animal species as the Indian rhinoceros, wild elephants, and the Royal Bengal Tiger, you also have the option of spending time in one of the region’s numerous world renowned tea gardens. The Dooars are well connected by road, rail, and air. Travel details are easily available from the West Bengal Tourism Department." Without exception, traditional styles tend to be heavily Indian, with little or no Western influences. Facial and physical features are often exaggerated to highlight expressions. Around the idol-making workshops, countless smaller stalls sell craft decorations, ornaments and weapons for the idols in gold and silver foil, glittering ‘zari’ and brocade, white shola, or even thermocol.