Totopara is a small village located on the Indo-Bhutan border in the Dooars region of West Bengal, on the fringe of the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. It is named after the Toto tribe, a unique and ancient community that resides exclusively in this village at the foot of the Himalayas. The Totos are considered one of the world's smallest indigenous ethnic groups.
According to a 2011 census, the total population of Totopara village was 2,960, with 1,904 of them belonging to a Scheduled Tribe. Reports from early 2024 estimate the total Toto population to be about 1,670 people. This indicates that while the village has a mix of residents, the Toto tribe makes up a significant portion, though they have recently become a numerical minority in their own village due to an influx of other communities like the Nepalese.
The Totos have a unique culture and lifestyle. They traditionally lived in elevated bamboo huts called 'machas'. Their diet, which once primarily consisted of 'marua' (a type of millet), has now expanded to include rice, vegetables, meat, and curry. Their society traditionally practiced monogamy, though polygamy was not prohibited, and they do not accept divorce. While they identify as Hindu, they have their own two primary gods, Ishpa and Cheima. The village offers a great opportunity for tourists to experience the real taste of tribal life, culture, and heritage.
Nearby attractions for tourists include the Madarihat Tea Garden, the Bhutan border, and the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, which can be explored via jeep safari from Totopara.
