Buxa Tiger Reserve - West Bengal - बुक्सा टाइगर रिजर्व
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 Photo by : Silent Walks in flickr More images... |
The Buxa Tiger Reserve with an area of 759 Sq.km was established in the year of 1982-83 at the north eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. The core area of 315 Sq.km around the Buxa Duar Fort was declared a National Park in January 1992.
This park is located in eastern Dooars (rolling humid plains) at 2600 ft above sea level. The Dooars comprises of deciduous forests which are densely wooded and grasslands 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, orchids, grasses, bamboo and cane. Trees like Teak, sal, simul, sishu are found in great numbers.
The fauna of the park comprises 67 species of mammals, including 23 endangered ones and 36 species of reptiles. Besides the Royal Bengal tiger the second largest in number in West Bengal after Sunderbans, 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. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, Red-stars, Wag-tails, the rare black necked crane, migratory common teal, black stork, Large Whistling Teal, Minivets, White Eyed Poachared are some of the bird species sighted here.
The headquarters Alipurduar court is a few km away from the tiger reserve. The two main entry points are Buxa (24 km) and Jayanti (30 km). Buxa (2600ft) is a two hour trek through picturesque surroundings from Santlabari, the starting point. The Buxa Duar fort here 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 4 km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4500ft) or a 14 km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan from Bhutan. From Buxa, one can also take the 13 km trek to Jayanti through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal cave at Jayanti. Another entry point Rajabhatkhawa (17 km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue centre and a nature interpretation centre.
Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year of 1982-83 at the north eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. This picturesque reserve with its proigous Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape, is desected by numorous revulets. Its delared a National Park in January 1992.
The varitable flora and fauna of these wet forests having an annual downpour exceeding 5000 mm, attracts tourists and nature lovers every year. This part of the country is characterised by its high degree of plant & animal bio-diversity where 60% species are endemic to the area. The Generic diversity of mammals is second highest among all the tiger reserves of India. Astonishing bio-diversity of animals comprise of a reach avifauna of more than 230 identified species, 67 mammals (out of which 21 are endangered), 36 species of reptiles (10 numbers are endangered). Apart from Bengal Tiger the flagship species, there are plenty of Leopard, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wild Dogs, Malayan Gaint Squirrels, Mangooses, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Small Clawes Otter, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Buffalo, 3 varieties of Pythons, Monitor Lizard and a host of land tortoises. A number of animals like Chinese Pangolin. Regal Python (reticulate) Clouded Leopard are endemic to the region.
The Avifauna is rich in both endemic as well as migratory species. The swift rivers of Rydak and Jainti are visited by Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, the beautiful Ibis Bill, resident Fork-tails, varieties of Red-stars, Wag-tails, the Narathali Lake is visited by migratory Common Teal, Gargani Teal, Large Whistling Teal, White Eyed Poachared etc. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill abound the area. One of the rarest bird of India the Black-necked Crane has been sighted in the Reserve during the early winter. The migratory beautiful Black Stork is a visitor of the area. The monsoon ends and beautiful Minivets, Sultan tits arrive, during summer rare Ashyminivet is also sighted.
Buxa Tiger Reserve (West)
Alipurduar,
District Jalpaiguri,
West Bengal- 736122
Phone: 03564-551129
Fax: 03564- 55577 / 79
E-mail : Contact Us
Deputy Field Director
Buxa Tiger Reserve (East)
P.O Alipurduar,
District Jalpaiguri,
West Bengal- 736122
Phone: 03564- 56005, 66005
For Conducted Tours:
WBTDC,
Hill Cart Road,
Siliguri.
Nearest Town: Alipurduar Court
Best time to visit: October to April
Main attraction: Royal Bengal Tiger
This park is located in eastern Dooars (rolling humid plains) at 2600 ft above sea level. The Dooars comprises of deciduous forests which are densely wooded and grasslands 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, orchids, grasses, bamboo and cane. Trees like Teak, sal, simul, sishu are found in great numbers.
The fauna of the park comprises 67 species of mammals, including 23 endangered ones and 36 species of reptiles. Besides the Royal Bengal tiger the second largest in number in West Bengal after Sunderbans, 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. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, Red-stars, Wag-tails, the rare black necked crane, migratory common teal, black stork, Large Whistling Teal, Minivets, White Eyed Poachared are some of the bird species sighted here.
The headquarters Alipurduar court is a few km away from the tiger reserve. The two main entry points are Buxa (24 km) and Jayanti (30 km). Buxa (2600ft) is a two hour trek through picturesque surroundings from Santlabari, the starting point. The Buxa Duar fort here 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 4 km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4500ft) or a 14 km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan from Bhutan. From Buxa, one can also take the 13 km trek to Jayanti through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal cave at Jayanti. Another entry point Rajabhatkhawa (17 km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue centre and a nature interpretation centre.
Buxa Tiger Reserve was set up in the year of 1982-83 at the north eastern corner of West Bengal bordering Bhutan and Assam. This picturesque reserve with its proigous Terai, Bhabar as well as Hilly landscape, is desected by numorous revulets. Its delared a National Park in January 1992.
The varitable flora and fauna of these wet forests having an annual downpour exceeding 5000 mm, attracts tourists and nature lovers every year. This part of the country is characterised by its high degree of plant & animal bio-diversity where 60% species are endemic to the area. The Generic diversity of mammals is second highest among all the tiger reserves of India. Astonishing bio-diversity of animals comprise of a reach avifauna of more than 230 identified species, 67 mammals (out of which 21 are endangered), 36 species of reptiles (10 numbers are endangered). Apart from Bengal Tiger the flagship species, there are plenty of Leopard, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wild Dogs, Malayan Gaint Squirrels, Mangooses, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Small Clawes Otter, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Buffalo, 3 varieties of Pythons, Monitor Lizard and a host of land tortoises. A number of animals like Chinese Pangolin. Regal Python (reticulate) Clouded Leopard are endemic to the region.
The Avifauna is rich in both endemic as well as migratory species. The swift rivers of Rydak and Jainti are visited by Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, the beautiful Ibis Bill, resident Fork-tails, varieties of Red-stars, Wag-tails, the Narathali Lake is visited by migratory Common Teal, Gargani Teal, Large Whistling Teal, White Eyed Poachared etc. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill abound the area. One of the rarest bird of India the Black-necked Crane has been sighted in the Reserve during the early winter. The migratory beautiful Black Stork is a visitor of the area. The monsoon ends and beautiful Minivets, Sultan tits arrive, during summer rare Ashyminivet is also sighted.
How to reach
Rail
Nearest rail Junction is New Jalpaiguri in North Bengal and the nearest station is New Alipurduar station which has direct connections to Kolkata. Kanchenjunga, Kamrup and Saraighat Express's etc are some of the trains.Road
The headquarters of the park, Alipurduar is located 175 km from Siliguri, West Bengal. NH 31 is the main highway. There are two buses to the entry point Jayanti ( 30 km) via Buxa from Alipurduar. One has to get down at Santlabari for the trek to Buxa. One can also hire cars from Alipurduar to reach these entry points. Rajabhatkhawa is 12km from Jayanthi.Where to stay
There are forest rest houses of WBFDC at Rajabhatkhawa, Nimati, Barobisha, Raidak, Raimatang, Bhutanghat, Buxaduar and Jayanti at the banks of the river Jayanthi nestled between mountains and thick forests. For reservation one can contact Field Director, Buxa Tiger Reserve. Phone: 03564-55129, Fax: 03564- 55577 / 79 for Rajabhatkhawa, Raimatang and Phone: 03564- 56005 for Buxa, Bhutanghat forest rest houses.Contact
Field DirectorBuxa Tiger Reserve (West)
Alipurduar,
District Jalpaiguri,
West Bengal- 736122
Phone: 03564-551129
Fax: 03564- 55577 / 79
E-mail : Contact Us
Deputy Field Director
Buxa Tiger Reserve (East)
P.O Alipurduar,
District Jalpaiguri,
West Bengal- 736122
Phone: 03564- 56005, 66005
For Conducted Tours:
WBTDC,
Hill Cart Road,
Siliguri.
General Information
Place: Alipurduar Court, Jalpaiguri District, West BengalNearest Town: Alipurduar Court
Best time to visit: October to April
Main attraction: Royal Bengal Tiger
 Photo by : ToM Cajaty in flickr |
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 Photo by : apalaapala in webshots |
 Photo by : roydebs in webshots |
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