Buxa Tiger Reserve Fort Tours Dooars
Buxa Tiger Reserve, located on the Assam-Bhutan border, is North Bengal’s largest forest, spanning 745 sq km. Once a dolomite mining area, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1983 and a National Park in 1992. The park is rich in wildlife, including elephants, Indian bison, leopards, deer, reptiles, and numerous birds, along with rare orchids and medicinal plants. Tigers are rarely sighted, though occasional reports suggest transient visitors from Bhutan.
How to Reach Buxa Tiger Reserve
Buxa Tiger Reserve is 200 km from Siliguri via National Highway 31 and 30 km from Alipurduar. The nearest railway station is Alipurduar Junction (trains from New Jalpaiguri), the closest airport is Bagdogra, and buses are available from Siliguri. Accommodation options are available in Jayanti, Rajabhatkhawa, Santalabari, and Raimatang.
What to See and Do in Buxa
Buxa is rich in flora and fauna, home to elephants, gaurs, deer, clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, pangolins, wild dogs, and tigers (rarely seen). Birdwatchers can spot Himalayan griffons, hornbills, red-breasted Himalayan partridges, and migratory birds along the Raidak and Jayanti rivers, including rare species like Black Storks and Black-necked Cranes. The reserve also hosts pythons, monitor lizards, tortoises, rare orchids, and medicinal plants, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Buxa Tiger Reserve | Alipurduar District | India
Trek in Buxa: The trek begins at Santalabari and takes you through a 5-kilometer journey, ascending the hills and venturing through the forest. This trail leads to the Buxaduar Forest Bungalow. If you’re up for it, you can continue your journey another 4 kilometers to reach Rover’s Point, situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet.
Explore the Enigmatic Mahakal Cave: At the culmination of your trek, you’ll arrive at Jayanti, home to the mysterious Mahakal Cave. This stalactite cave is a natural wonder, albeit narrow, damp, and dark. Explore it at your own risk. If you’re eager to continue your adventure, you can journey downhill to the Jayanti Forest Bungalow.
Rajabhatkhawa: Surrounded by the reserve’s lush forests, this area offers abundant opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Rajabhatkhawa features a watchtower hidden deep within the jungle, providing a chance to spot elephants, bisons, and on rare occasions, tigers. Additionally, the place boasts The Nature Interpretation Centre and The Animal Rescue Centre. Visitors can also opt for a park safari, whether in a car or a jeep.
Buxa Tiger Reserve – Safari Booking, Timings and Entry Fee
Buxa Tiger Reserve Entry & Safari
Visitors enter Buxa via the Rajabhatkhawa gate with an entry ticket. Jeep safaris require a Safari Permit from the Jayanti Range Office, where guides can also be arranged. The safari covers 17 km of dense forest and operates in two shifts: 6 am–11 am and 2 pm–6 pm. Prices may vary, so check with the authorities for current rates.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal period is October to April, with pleasant temperatures between 12°C and 32°C. The forest and safaris remain closed from 15 June to 15 September due to monsoons.
