Buxa Tiger ReserveWith an area of 759 Sq. Kms the Buxa Tiger Reserve was established in the year of 1982-83 to save the most important species of North Bengal 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 315sq.kms around the Buxa Duar Fort was declared a National Park in January 1992.
Situated at an altitude of 2600 ft above sea level the forest mainly comprises of deciduous forests, which are densely wooded and is home to some of West Bengal's most varied flora and fauna.
This 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, Simul, 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 reserve has the second largest population of tiger in West Bengal after Sunderbans. Besides tiger, leopard, elephants, bears, civets, giant squirrel, Gaur, Chital, clouded leopard, wild Buffaloes, antelope and snakes including the regal Python are found here. About 230 species of birds and innumerable butterflies add colour to the forest. The rivers of Raidak and Jayanti which flow through the forest and the Narathali lake are home to migratory birds as well as endemic ones which abound the place.
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The two main entry points to the reserve are Rajabhatkahwa (17km) and Jayanti (20 Km). There are several short treks through picturesque surroundings from Santlabari, the starting point. There is fort in Buxa that was used as a prison by the British, because of its remoteness. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned here. After independence, it served as a refugee camp for Tibetans and Bangladeshis.
There is a 4km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4500ft) or a 14km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan From Buxa, one can also take the 13km trek to Jayanti through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal cave at Jayanti. Rajabhatkhawa (17km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue center and a nature interpretation center.
Accessibility: Buxa can be reached by car from Siliguri- the gateway of Eastern India. It takes a 4hrs journey, which traverse a distance of 180kms through Dooars plains dotted with tea gardens and forests along the lower Himalayan foothills. Alipurduar is the nearest town at a distance of 24 kms. There is a junction in Alipurduar connecting New Jalpaiguri with broad gauge tract.
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Accommodation:There are forest rest houses of WBFDC at Rajabhatkhawa, Nimati, Barobisha, Raidak, Raimatang, Bhutanghat, Buxaduar and Jayanti at the banks of the river Jayanti nestled between mountains and thick forests.
There is privet accommodation such as homestays in Jayanti. The Homestay is run by local youth and provide basic but clean accommodation. Naturebeyond provides booking in all these resorts and bungalows and organizes customize packages in Buxa and its surrounding places.
Important information:
Because of inadequate accommodation to cater the increasing rush of tourist in Buxa an early confirmation is required to avail the room particularly during April-May and Oct-Nov period.
The Tiger Reserve remains closed from June 15 to September 15. No tourist activity inside the reserve is allowed during this period.
Because of inadequate accommodation to cater the increasing rush of tourist in Buxa an early confirmation is required to avail the room particularly during April-May and Oct-Nov period.
The Tiger Reserve remains closed from June 15 to September 15. No tourist activity inside the reserve is allowed during this period. Place: Alipurduar Court, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal
Total Area: 759 Sq. Kms.
Nearest Town: Alipurduar Court
Best time to visit: October to April
Main attraction: Royal Bengal Tiger
Total Area: 759 Sq. Kms.
Nearest Town: Alipurduar Court
Best time to visit: October to April
Main attraction: Royal Bengal Tiger
