Buxa Tiger Reserve Travel Guide

About Buxa Tiger Reserve

Once known for dolomite mining, Buxa was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983 and attained National Park status in 1992. Nestled on the Assam-Bhutan border, Buxa spans 745 sq km, making it the largest forested area in North Bengal.

Home to a thriving population of elephants, Indian bison, leopards, deer species, and numerous smaller mammals, Buxa also shelters a rich variety of birds and reptiles. The reserve boasts remarkable biodiversity, featuring rare orchids and medicinal plants. Due to its rugged and inaccessible terrain, some parts of the Buxa Hills in the Sinchula range remain unexplored, adding to its mystique.

Buxa is one of North Bengal’s oldest settlements, located 24 km from Alipurduar and 180 km from Siliguri, well connected by road and rail.

The Elusive Tigers of Buxa

Despite being designated as a Tiger Reserve, Buxa is not known for frequent tiger sightings. Even local villagers, who frequent the forest, rarely report tiger encounters. Occasional unconfirmed sightings suggest that tigers from neighbouring Bhutanese forests may stray into Buxa, though there is no definitive proof. While the forest department maintains that tigers still inhabit Buxa, conclusive evidence remains elusive.

How to Reach Buxa

Most tourists travel to Buxa via NJP (New Jalpaiguri) or Alipurduar railway station. From NJP, Rajabhatkhawa—the main entry point to Buxa—is about 160 km (a 4-hour drive). Alipurduar Junction, just 10 km from Rajabhatkhawa, offers a shorter route. Private cabs, shared vehicles, and other transport options are available at Alipurduar Junction.

Forest Safari in Buxa

Jeep safaris offer an exciting way to explore Buxa’s wilderness. Safaris depart from two primary points: Jayanti and Rajabhatkhawa.

• From Jayanti: Tourists can visit Pukhuri Hill or embark on a forest safari to the watchtower near Phaskhawa Tea Garden.

• From Rajabhatkhawa: Jeep safaris take visitors through the Dima riverbed, where wildlife sightings are relatively common. The safari also covers the 25-mile Watchtower, a prime spot for spotting gaur (Indian bison) and elephants.

Compared to Gorumara and Jaldapara, wildlife sightings in Buxa are less frequent due to the park’s vast size and dense tree cover, which makes animal spotting more challenging.

Sightseeing in Buxa

Rajabhatkhawa

Just 10 km from Alipurduar, Rajabhatkhawa is the primary entry point to Buxa. Easily accessible by road and rail, it offers a watchtower for viewing elephants, bison, and other wildlife. The Nature Interpretation Centre here provides valuable insights into Buxa’s rich ecosystem.

Jayanti Village

A picturesque village deep within Buxa’s forest, Jayanti is famous for its scenic riverbed and stunning Bhutan Hills backdrop. Visitors can explore the forest with a guide after securing the necessary permissions. Jayanti’s breathtaking landscapes have made it a favoured location for Bengali and Hindi films.

Buxa Fort (Buxa Duar)

A 4 km trek from Santalabari leads to the historic Buxa Fort, once a British prison for Indian freedom fighters. Though in ruins, the fort remains a significant historical landmark. Overnight accommodation is available for visitors wishing to extend their stay.

Lepchakha

A further 2 km uphill trek from Buxa Fort leads to Lepchakha, a small village offering spectacular views of the Dooars plains. The village has a few homestays run by the Dukpa community, making it an excellent spot for an immersive experience.

Raimatang

Located on Buxa’s western fringes, Raimatang is a secluded forest village accessible through Kalchini and the vast tea estates of Dooars, including Kalchini Tea Garden and Chuapara Tea Garden. The final stretch involves crossing a rocky riverbed, challenging for small vehicles. During the monsoon, access to Raimatang may be completely cut off.

Raimatang’s remote beauty makes it a haven for nature lovers. Wildlife safaris and watchtowers offer excellent chances to spot elephants and other animals. The region is also famous for its butterflies, which appear in large numbers on the riverbed.

Sikiajhora

Situated on Buxa’s eastern side, Sikiajhora features a serene stream originating in the forest. A boat safari through the narrow water channel offers a thrilling experience, with sightings of exotic birds, reptiles, and occasional larger wildlife. Sikiajhora is about 15 km from Rajabhatkhawa.

Trekking in Buxa

Santrabari to Buxa Fort Trek

A popular 4 km trek from Santrabari (914 ft) leads to Buxa Fort, offering a deep dive into the area’s natural beauty. Trekkers can stay overnight at the forest bungalow here.

Rover’s Point & Rupam Valley

From Buxa Fort, a 4 km trek ascends to Rover’s Point (4,500 ft), a paradise for birdwatchers. Adventurous trekkers can continue another 12 km to Rupam Valley in Bhutan.

Buxa Fort to Jayanti Trek

This 13 km trek through the dense Buxa forest is an unforgettable experience. The path winds through untouched wilderness, echoing with birdsong and the soothing sounds of hidden streams. The trek concludes at the mystical Mahakal Cave, a narrow, damp stalactite cave revered by locals. The journey ends at Jayanti Forest Bungalow, a peaceful riverside retreat amidst century-old Sal forests.

Where to Stay in Buxa

A variety of accommodation options are available in and around Buxa, particularly in Rajabhatkhawa and nearby villages.

For an immersive stay, Humro Home Buxa, located in Garobusty (just 1 km from Rajabhatkhawa Railway Station), offers a comfortable homestay experience. Other lodges and guesthouses are also available. For booking inquiries, visit the Humro Home Buxa website or contact the helpdesk team.

Tourist Transport Services

We offer transport services from NJP and Alipurduar Junction to Buxa. HUMRO CARS, one of the largest tourist vehicle providers in the region, ensures comfortable travel. For bookings, fill out our inquiry form or contact our helpdesk.

Plan Your Buxa Trip

If none of our standard tour packages suits your preferences, simply fill out the inquiry form, and we’ll customize a trip tailored to your needs. Explore the untouched beauty of Buxa Tiger Reserve and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting wilderness.