Buxa Tiger Reserve Travel Guide
Buxa Tiger Reserve, in the Alipurduar district, was set up in the year 1982-83 at the north eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. It is declared a National Park in January 1992. The name “Buxa” has been derived from Buxa Fort – a fort at an altitude of 867 meters on the Sinchula Range guarding the most important of the eleven routes into Bhutan, which once was used for detainees during freedom movement of India. With an area of 759 sq. km this picturesque reserve with its prodigious Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape, crisscrossed by numerous rivers and their tributaries, presents a breath-taking landscape.
Buxa Tiger Reserve was established in the year of 1982-83 to save one of the most endangered and beautiful animal species, The Royal Bengal Tiger. The park is located at the north eastern corner of Dooars plains of North Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. The core area of 315 sq. kms around the Buxa Duar Fort was declared a National Park in January 1992. BTR is the largest forest in Dooars. The Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to North of BTR. Manas Tiger Reserve lies on east. Thus, Buxa Tiger Reserve serves as international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. The reserve encompasses as many as eight forest types.
Buxa is rich with bio-diversity and has a great collection of rare orchids and medicinal plants. Because of inaccessible terrain some parts of Buxa hills in the Sinchula range are still unexplored. The veritable flora and fauna of these wet forests attracts tourists and nature lovers every year. The Generic diversity of mammals is second highest among all the tiger reserves of India. Astonishing bio-diversity of animals comprise of a reach avifauna of more than 230 identified species, 67 mammals and 36 species of reptiles. Buxa mainly comprises of deciduous forests, which are densely wooded and is home to some of Bengal’s most varied flora and fauna.
The tropical rain forests having an annual rainfall exceeding 5000mm has 150 species of plants and a variety of creepers, grasses, bamboo and cane along with some rare species of orchids. Trees like Teak, Sal, Simuland Sishu are found in great numbers. Because of its wilderness and difficult terrain most part of Buxa still remains unexplored. So far 67 species of mammals, including 23 endangered ones and 36 species of reptiles have been recorded in Buxa. The most important animal here is the Royal Bengal tiger.
The region experiences a mild climate for many parts of the year and it is ideal for tourism. The three main seasons that can be experienced here are summer, monsoon and winter. Summers can be slightly warm during the peak period; however this is a good time to engage in outdoor activities. The winter season is during the months from December to February. The barometer can drop to a low of around 4 degrees Celsius and reach high of around 7 degrees Celsius during this season. It is enjoyable if you take necessary precautions. The best time to visit is October to May
How to Reach Buxa Tiger Reserve
- By Air — The nearest airport to Buxa is the Bagdogra Airport. After reaching Bagdogra, you need to hire a car to reach New Alipurduar and Buxa. You will be crisscrossing Dooars West to East and pass through Gorumara, Jaldapara forests before reaching Buxa. The entire journey is dotted with tea gardens and forests along the lower Himalayan foothills.
- By Rail — Nearest station to Buxa is New Alipurduar Junction which is about 21 kms from Buxa Tiger Reserve entrance. Alternately, you can reach at New Jalpaiguri station and take a road trip to Buxa. There are passenger trains and intercity express that will also take you to Rajabhatkhaoa from NJP.
- By Road — There are a number of alternative routes to travel to Buxa from Siliguri. You can either travel through the Jalpaiguri route or through Sevok route. Both roads meet at a place called Telipara about 10 km before Birpara. Soon after Birpara you will pass through Jaldapara forests. The alternative route leads you straight ahead and will take you to Alipurduar through the National Highway.
Distance of Buxa Tiger Reserve from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Kolkata |
720 |
|
Siliguri |
167 |
|
New Alipurduar |
21 |
|
Hasimara |
30 |
|
jayanti |
13 |
Weather
Buxa Tiger Reserve Temperature:
- Summer (Apr to Jun) — Temperatures are high and range between (20°C) to (32°C)
- Monsoon (Jul to Sep) — Regular and heavy rainfall happens. This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter (Oct to Mar) — Temperatures are low and range between (10°C) to (29°C)
- Best Season to Visit — Oct to Mar are the best season for tourism
Places to See In Buxa Tiger Reserve
Forest safari is allowed inside Buxa forest. The rules and routes have changed several times over the years. A popular forest safari originates at Jayanti and crosses the Jayanti River to visit the forest on the other side. You will be taken to 3 watchtowers including the Bhutia Busty watchtower. The safari continues till the end of forest bordering Jayanti Tea Garden. From here you will return by the same route.
Another popular forest safari originates at Rajabhatkhaoa and visit the Dima riverbed inside the forest. There are other options of forest safari which may open and close from time to time depending on forest department decision.
Several trek routes originate from Buxa. Most popular trek starts from Santrabari (914ft) to Buxa Duar and Buxa Fort. A 5 km trek through the dense forested hills leads to Buxa Duar Forest Bungalow. Accommodation is available here for the trekkers. Another 4 km trek through the forest track leads to the Rover’s Point-the land of unknown birds (4500ft). It is difficult to ignore the lure of Rupam Valley in Bhutan, another 12 km from there. The journey through the entire region is full of unknown adventure and excitements and gives some breath-taking views of Jayanti River Valley far below, ever green forest canopy and glimpse of rare animals, flight of birds and colorful orchids.
Lepchakha
Lepchakha is a small Drukpa village on a hilltop inside the Buxa Tiger reserve. The village is located close to Bhutan, the areal distance not being more than 2 to 3 km. There is a boarder outpost of the security agencies here. The village has a very small population of about a hundred people.The main attraction of Lepchakha is the view from the hilltop. There is a large ground where you can seat on a bench and be mesmerized by the view of Dooars in front.
Almost the entire Buxa forest area is visible from here including every nook and corner. As many as seven rivers flowing through the Buxa forest can be seen from here. To your extreme left you can see river Sankosh followed by River Raidak, Jayanti, Bala and others. You can see Alipurduar town, Jayanti riverbed, Santalabari and the entire green cover in front of you. Turn around and behind you are the hills of Mahakal, Chuna Bhatti and Rovers point which together makes for a great trek.
A picturesque spot along the meandering Jayanti River forming a natural border with beautiful Bhutan hills Jayanti is a place to stretch your weary legs as the cool breeze brushes away all the exhaustion. Buxa Duar to Jayanti is another popular trek in the region. This 13 km trek passes through the dense forest of Buxa Tiger Reserve. The music of wilderness, the chirping of unknown birds, the song of wild streams, and fragrance of nature will never allow you to feel the least stress of a long journey. The journey ends with a warm reception of an old staggering priest at the stalactite cave of Jayanti, popularly known as the Mahakal cave. It is difficult to enter into the narrow, dark, damp cave but trying the same may be another precious adventure. The downhill trek from here leads to Jayanti Forest Bungalow
Other Details
What to Do
- A trip to nearby Pukhuri hill can be arranged. It is a 3 km drive and a 1 km hike from Jayanti, there is a pond on top of the hill which is home to large number of large fishes and small turtles. The area is considered sacred by both Hindu and the Buddhist and killing of the fish is strictly prohibited. You can feed the fish here.
- Bird watching opportunities are excellent in and around Buxa. The Buxa Tiger Reserve is famous for birds and a lot of birding enthusiasts visit the forests. The major bird species include Francolin, Quail, Partridges, Kalij Pheasant, variety of Ducks and Goose, Pintail, Pochards, Teals, Storks, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Darters, Eagles, Vultures, Kites, Harriers and many others.
- Critically endangered species that can be found at Buxa include Indian White-backed Vulture, Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Bengal Florican, Sociable Plover, and Wood Snipe. There are many other Threatened, near threatened and vulnerable species of bird in the Tiger Reserve.
- Visit the nature interpretation center to get a glimpse of flora and fauna of the Buxa area. It is located at Rajabhatkhaoa in a peaceful environment and can be a good place for evening walk.
Where to Eat
Number of restaurants are scanty in Buxa. However, the hotels generally have adjacent restaurants which are more or less clean, hygienic and well equipped. They serve veg and non-veg bengali cuisine
What to Buy
The place is not for the shopaholics and there is nothing you can buy from here.
Get Around
To get around the place and visit other places of interests adjacent to Buxa, the only option for tourists is a vehicle on rental. The forest safari is organized in rented gypsis
Top Destinations - West Bengal
– Bakkhali
– Bindu
– Bishnupur
– Buxa Tiger Reserve
– Chapramari
– Chilapata
– Darjeeling
– Digha
– Jhalong
– Lataguri
– Jairambati
– Jaldapara
– Jayanti
– Kalimpong
– Kamarpukur
– Lava
– Lolegaon
– Mandarmani
– Murti
– Murshidabad
– Rishop
– Samsing-Suntalekhola
– Santiniketan
– Sundarbans
– Tajpur
– Tarapith
Popular Tour Plans - West Bengal
1-3 Days
1. Murshidabad (2N/3D)
2. Digha (2N/3D)
3. Tajpur (2N/3D)
4. Bakkhali (2N/3D)
5. Sundarbans (2N/3D)
6. Kamarpukur-Jairambati-Bishnupur (3N/4D)
4-6 Days
1. Bakreshwar-Tarapith-Santiniketan (4N/5D)
2. Mandarmani-Digha (4N/5D)
3. Jaldapara-Chilapata-Buxa Tiger Reserve-Jayanti (5N/6D)
4. Lava-Lolegaon-Rishop (6N/7D)
5. Darjeeling-Gangtok (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Jaldapara-Lataguri-Murti-Chapramari-Jhalong-Bindu-Suntanekhola (8N/9D)
2. Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Pelling-Gangtok (9N/10D)
3. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (9N/10D)
4. Darjeeling-Pelling-Gangtok (8N/9D)
>10 Days
1. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (11N/12D)