Tourists visiting Bhorer Alo, the mega tourism hub set up by the state at Jalpaiguri’s Gajoldoba by the banks of the Teesta river, can soon spend nights in a tent, go out on a bicycle trip or enjoy a ride in a battery-run vehicle.

On Friday, the Gajoldoba Development Authority (GDA) will introduce these facilities at the site.

“As of now, there are cottages at the site run by the state tourism department. We are introducing a tent too for an alternative option for those tourists who want a different experience. If required, the number of tents will increase in due course,” said Khageswar Roy, vice-chairman of the authority.

“They can also now avail a ride in the battery-run car to visit these places and take a ride along the scenic Canal Road. In due course, trips to the nearby heritage temples can be arranged for visitors,” added Roy.

Also, six bicycles would be available from Friday, However, cyclists can only go

for short spins now, said sources.

With wildlife habitats in some surrounding areas of the site, the GDA will fix the routes and rentals for the cycle trips for the long-term.

“These green surroundings are ideal for a bicycle trip. One can move through the patches of forests, tea estates and visit local water bodies. However, we have to confirm that no visitor faces any problem during such cycle trips and returns safely because wild animals, particularly elephants, move through some stretches,” said Moumita Godara Basu, the Jalpaiguri district magistrate and chairperson of the GDA.

At Gajoldoba, tourists have so far been able to enjoy a stay at Bhorer Alo and visit Pakhibitan, an adjoining bird sanctuary, the Teesta barrage and enjoy boating on the Teesta and its canals.