Rajabhatkhawa: Gateway to Buxa Tiger Reserve and the Heart of Dooars Tourism

Rajabhatkhawa is a serene town nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, located within the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Dooars region of West Bengal. Known for its tranquil environment, dense forests, and proximity to wildlife, Rajabhatkhawa serves as the perfect gateway for exploring the rich biodiversity of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. For tourists interested in eco-tourism and nature trails, Rajabhatkhawa offers an immersive experience in the lap of nature, where one can enjoy forest safaris, wildlife watching, and trekking adventures.

Rajabhatkhawa’s name is linked to an ancient legend. It is said that a king, after losing his kingdom, once sat here and ate his meals, thus giving the place the name "Raja-bhat-khawa," meaning "the place where the king ate rice" in Bengali and Rajbanshi dialect. While the village itself may have a small population, its significance grew with the establishment of Buxa Tiger Reserve, turning it into an important destination for eco-tourism and wildlife exploration.

Geography and Location

Rajabhatkhawa is located within the Dooars region, known for its lush forests, tea gardens, and flowing rivers. It sits at the entrance of Buxa Tiger Reserve, offering easy access to this protected area, which covers more than 759 square kilometers. Rajabhatkhawa is surrounded by dense sal and teak forests, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna.

• Elevation: Approximately 221 meters above sea level
• Location: 17 km from Alipurduar, in the northern part of West Bengal, bordering Bhutan

Attractions and Activities in Rajabhatkhawa

Buxa Tiger Reserve:
Rajabhatkhawa serves as the starting point for exploring the Buxa Tiger Reserve, one of the most biologically diverse forest reserves in India. The reserve is home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian bison (Gaur), Deer and a variety of other wildlife. It is also home to over 284 bird species.

Forest Safaris:
Tourists can take part in thrilling jeep safaris through the dense forests of the reserve. These safaris provide a great opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, including elephants, deer, and various species of monkeys. Safaris are available throughout the year except for monsoon months between June 15th and September 15th when it remains closed. The jeep safaris originate either from Rajabhatkhawa or from Jayanti.

Buxa Fort Trek:
Adventure enthusiasts can trek to the historic Buxa Fort, located deep within the reserve. This fort once served as a prison for freedom fighters during the British colonial era. The trek takes visitors through dense forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Bhutan in the distance. It is a short day trek and it is possible to do the trek and come back and stay at Rajabhatkhawa overnight.

Nature Interpretation Centre:
This centre located near the forest check post at Rajabhatkhawa is designed to educate tourists about the biodiversity of the region. It houses exhibits on the flora and fauna of Buxa Tiger Reserve, including information on endangered species and conservation efforts.

Jayanti Riverbed:
A scenic spot located about 15 km from Rajabhatkhawa, the dry bed of the Jayanti River offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forests and hills. Tourists can enjoy a riverside walk, explore caves, and soak in the pristine beauty of nature.

Birdwatching:
Rajabhatkhawa is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The forests around the area are home to a wide variety of bird species, including the great hornbill, black stork, crested serpent eagle, and many migratory birds during the winter season.

Butterfly Watching
The area is bestowed with a variety of butterfly species which can be enjoyed especially during the monsoon months.

Tourist Accommodation in Rajabhatkhawa

Rajabhatkhawa used to have several tourist accommodation options in the past. In the last few years, the Green Tribunal has closed down many of these accommodations on environmental grounds. The homestay by locals is the only authentic and legal accommodation option at Rajabhatkhawa at present.

We have a long association and partnership with Humro Home Buxa, a homestay tourist accommodation here. For booking you may directly contact Humro Home team or book the accommodation through us.

Forest Safaris and Wildlife in Buxa Tiger Reserve

The Buxa Tiger Reserve is home to a rich array of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers:

• Royal Bengal Tiger: The reserve is one of the last remaining habitats of this majestic predator. However do not expect a sighting, even the locals have not sighted a Tiger in many years. In the recent past, some trap cameras have captured pictures of some tigers in the forest though.
• Indian Bison (Gaur): These massive herbivores are often spotted grazing in the forest clearings.
• Asian Elephant: Buxa is a key habitat for wild elephants, which can be observed during safaris.
• Deer Species: Visitors can spot several species of deer, including barking deer, sambar, and spotted deer.

The biodiversity of Rajabhatkhawa and the surrounding Buxa Tiger Reserve is impressive, with a variety of plant and animal species thriving in the region.

• Flora: The forests are dominated by sal, teak, and bamboo, along with tropical evergreens and ferns. Medicinal plants and orchids are also found in abundance.
• Fauna: Apart from tigers, leopards, elephants, and bison, the reserve is home to reptiles like pythons and monitor lizards, as well as smaller mammals such as civets and giant squirrels.

Best Time to Visit and Weather at Rajabhatkhawa

The best time to visit Rajabhatkhawa is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant, and the chances of wildlife sightings are higher. The region experiences three distinct seasons:

• Summer (April to June): Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Safaris and treks are still enjoyable during this period, though the heat can be intense sometimes.
• Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rainfall can make travel difficult, and forest safaris are restricted between the 15th of June and the 15th of September. This is the least touristy season in Buxa. If you are a nature lover, this can be the most favourable time for you as the greenery of the forest during monsoon months is amazing and the forest is at its vibrant best during this time. However, you won't be able to go deep inside the forest. 
• Cooler climate (October to March): Cool and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This is the ideal time for wildlife safaris and outdoor activities.

Distance from Nearby Places

Rajabhatkhawa is well-connected by road and rail, making it easily accessible from key cities in West Bengal and nearby regions.

• From Alipurduar: 17 km (approx. 30 minutes by road)
• From Siliguri: 155 km (approx. 4 hours by road)
• From Bagdogra Airport: 160 km (approx. 4 hours by road)
• From New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station: 150 km (approx. 4 hours by road)

Frequent buses and private taxis are available from Alipurduar and Siliguri. The nearest railway station is Alipurduar Junction, with regular trains connecting major cities in India.

Hiring a car in Dooars

We have been providing tourists with car rental services for more than two decades now. Our transport division is known as Humro Cars and they can be reached through their website. You may contact our team by filling out the form below or calling or WhatsApp us, else you may directly contact the Humro Cars team from their website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a permit to enter Buxa Tiger Reserve?
Yes, tourists require a permit to enter the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Permits can be obtained from the forest department offices in Rajabhatkhawa.

2. What wildlife can I expect to see during the safari?
While tiger sightings are rare, visitors may encounter elephants, bison, leopards, and various deer species, along with several bird species.

3. Are forest safaris available year-round?
Forest safaris are generally available throughout the year, though they may be restricted during the monsoon due to heavy rainfall.

4. Can I trek inside the Buxa Tiger Reserve?
Yes, trekking is allowed in certain areas of the reserve, including popular trails like the Buxa Fort trek.

5. Is Rajabhatkhawa suitable for family trips?
Absolutely. The town and its surroundings offer a peaceful retreat with plenty of activities for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers of all ages.