Buxa Tiger Reserve

Buxa is a tiger reserve and national park in northern West Bengal, India, covering an area of 760 square kilometers (290 sq mi). In length, it extends from 60 m (200 ft) in the Gangetic Plains to 1,750 m (5,740 ft) bordering the Himalayas in the north. It is close to the Bhutan and Assam border. At least 284 bird species dwell on the reserve. Mammals present include an Asian elephant, gaur, Sambar deer, a clouded leopard, an Indian leopard, and an Asian golden cat. Buxa National Park has a great collection of rare orchids and medicinal plants, making it a must-visit place in Dooars for botany enthusiasts traveling in the North Bengal region. The diversity of mammals in Buxa Tiger Reserve is the second highest among all the Tiger Reserves of India, and Buxa Tiger Reserve is the largest forest in North Bengal. The Buxa Tiger Reserve forest type is Northern dry deciduous. The Reserve forest is surrounded by the elevated hills of Bhutan. The Mayz trekking route through the thickly wooded forest around the Buxa Tiger Reserve has made it a favored adventurer hotspot of the Dooars Region.

Attraction

Buxa Tiger Reserve was specially made to reserve the tigers, and the tigers are the main attraction of this forest. Apart from that, there are many species of birds and mammals you can enjoy. The Safaris are very enthusiastic. Through the safari, you get to know less trodden parts of the forest where you can spot animals like barking deer and wild elephants.

If you are lucky, you might get to see the Royal Bengal Tiger lazily roaming on the grassland. Besides, there are many pictorial places to visit in the dense forest; the picturesque river valley Jajanti is one of them. There is a river inside the forest named the Bala River, which remains dry in the winter season. Amidst the dense forest, there lies the historical Buxa Fort used by the then British. The astounding trekking route is another attraction for adventure lovers and tourists. On the hilltop of Buxa Tiger Reserve near the Indo-Bhutan border, Lepchakha is a quaint Drukpa village that caught the attraction of the dwellers through its fascinating visual of 12 river streams meandering through the plains of the Dooars region. The journey towards Buxa Tiger Reserve is another attraction for travelers as it shares a full pictorial view of changing landscapes, ranging from the view of lush tea gardens to paddy fields. One of the best views witnessed before entering the forest is the roaring river, Teesta, meandering from the lofty hills. For nature lovers, it is the best place to visit.

History

Buxa Tiger Reserve was created in 1983 as the 15th tiger reserve in India. Before being called the 15th tiger reserve of India in 1983, Buxa Tiger Reserve was known for dolomite mining. In 1986, Buxa Wildlife harborage constituted over 314.52 square kilometers (121.44 sq mi) of the reserve forests. In 1991, 54.47 square kilometers (21.03 sq mi) were added to Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1992, the Government of West Bengcons shared its intentions to 117. The Stateional park over 11the State (45.21 sq mi) of the state Wildlife Sanctuary. The state government finally declared the national park with notification No.3403-For/11B-6/95 dt. 05.12.1997.

Inside/Outside Views

Inside the Buxa Tiger Reserve, you can see a mixture of hilltops and plain land. Inside the forest, there are many wildlife creatures to enjoy through jeep Safari. If you want to fully enjoy the Buxa Tiger Reserve forest, don’t miss the jeep safari. In the forest, there are many eye-catching rivers, Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima, and Nonani, flowing through Buxa National Park. Not only do you encounter many wildlife creatures, but also you can see many botany enthusiasts. It has a rare collection of 150 species of orchids and a plethora of medical plants. The oldest Fort of Eastern India, Buxa Fort, is in the forest. It is a historical place in India. Outside the forest, there are many hotels and restaurants available for tourists. They can have food and rest there. The road to Buxa Tiger Reserve is another fascinating route to enjoy and hold the memory forever.

How to Reach

By train: The nearest railway station to Buxa Tiger Reserve is Alipurduar Junction. Most tourists come either through NJP or Alipurduar Junction.

By bus: The nearest bus station is in Siliguri. From the bay bus stand, one can reach Buxa Tiger Reserve.

By air: The nearest airport is The Bagdogra International Airport. It is in Siliguri. From there one can take a bus or a train journey.

Tips for Travellers

Before coming here, try to bring your important documents and belongings with you.
From June 15th to September 15th, the Safari to Forest remained closed. So try to come before June or after September.
For a better view and experience, try to stay near a homestay close to the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Don’t miss the Jeep Safari. Morning and evening safaris are the best because, at that time, the chances of encountering wildlife are high.
As you are going to the forest, there is no food or water to drink, so try to take some dry food and a water bottle with you.
Be careful of the animals. Try to maintain a safe distance from the wildlife creatures.
Don’t hurt or harm any animals and trees in the forest.
As you go there, don’t forget to taste their traditional cuisine. They taste amazing.
October to April are considered to be the best time to visit the place. Throughout these months, the weather will be very pleasant, and you can enjoy the Jungle Safari pretty blissfully.

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