 Buxa
Tiger Reserve
Bird checklist
of Buxa tiger reserve
With 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.
 For
any travel related enquiry, fill
the travel enquiry form
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.
For any travel related enquiry, fill
the travel enquiry form
 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.
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
Bird checklist
of Buxa tiger reserve
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