Buxa Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve which covers a region of 760 km2 in northern West Bengal, India. This varies in height from 60 m in the Gangetic Plains to 1.750 m in the north of the Himalayas. At least 284 species of birds inhabit the reserve.

Overview

Buxa Tiger Reserve was created on 16 February 1983, adorning the northeastern corner of West Bengal, bordering Bhutan and Assam, and was then the country’s fifteenth tiger reserve. The reserve that forms the Buxa Tiger Reserve is the highest in the Dooars-Northeast India’s Alluvial floodplains. Spanning over a 759 sq. whopping. Km., many rivers and their tributaries are irrigated at this tiger reserve. This features a rich and beautiful landscape. In reality, many parts of the forest in the Buxa hills lying in the Sinchula Range are inaccessible even by the authorities because of the mountainous terrain, and thus remain unexplored even after so many years!

Another interesting fact regarding this tiger reserve is that it serves as an international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan! This is because Bhutan’s Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to the northern portion of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. This park is home to 67 species of rodents, 36 reptile species and 230 species of unspecified avifauna and contains more than eight woodland forms. The huge mammal abundance in this reserve makes it the second-highest of all Indian tiger reserves.

Also read: These 5 National Parks in Meghalaya are a must inclusion in your next trip

Getting there

Buxa is one of North Bengal ‘s oldest villages, only 14 km from Alipurduar, and 180 km from Siliguri, the famed tourist place. The nearest railway station is Alipurduar Junction or New Alipur Railway Station, 37 km away. Rajabhatkhawa sits just 15 km from the reserve entrance. Taxis to the reserve can be welcomed, and the NH 31 highway is the best route to get there.

Things to do

Trekking in the reserve

A 5 km long walk through the thick forest leads to a bungalow in the Buxaduar Forest. There, trekkers are made eligible for lodging. About 4 km through the forest would carry us to the Rover’s Point-a location which is 4500 feet in the sky and regarded as the field of unknown birds. Another is swept away by the attractiveness appeal in Bhutan’s Rupam Valley, which is a mere 12 km from Rover’s Point. The trip through the entire forest is full of suspense and anticipation and offers some interesting glimpses of the Jayanti River Gorge, an evergreen canopy of the trees, and with luck, some unusual animals and birds as well.

Jungle Safari

A safari should be the experience of a lifetime in this dark, mountainous forest! Moving further into the wild woods, away from the chaos of the area, embraced by nature’s calm and being caressed by the cold breeze’s soft touch is a sensation you have to let yourself be taken over by. You may choose to safaris that last 3-4 hours every morning or evening. Morning safaris arrive at 6:00 AM, and afternoon safaris depart at 3:00 PM. This will run around INR 800 a jeep safari. Every year from 15th June-15th September, the Buxa Tiger Reserve remains closed to visitors because the region experiences heavy rains.

Also read: Neora Valley National Park – Nature admirers your paradise awaits

Flora and Fauna

Flora

With over 300 species of trees, 250 species of shrubs, 130 species of aquatic plants, 100 species of vegetation and 400 species of herbs; this forest is a great resting spot for all the animals and birds enjoying its shelter. It has a rich collection of diverse medicinal herbs and orchid species.

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Mammals

The magnificent Bengal Tiger, an endangered animal, has found its habitat to the Buxa Tiger Reserve. This tiger is an example of one of nature’s most magnificent creations; seeing the blazing orange fur roaming across thick grasslands with jet black stripes as if they rule the ground, is expected to leave you in awe. There are also other representatives of the animal population here including the Bengal Tiger-Leopards, Hunting Cats, Forest Cats and the Leopard Cats.

Metallic Cerulian at the reserve — Source: Google Images

The Clouded Leopard is among the most beautiful and extremely rare mammals endemic to this reserve. These are very shy members of the cat family and can rarely ever be spotted but you never know; with their royal presence, they could just grace you. The Area is also native to the Chinese Pangolin and the Regal Python.

Certain animals such as Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wild Dogs, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Asian Elephant, Mongoose, Large Clawless Otter, Wild Rhino, Chital, Sambhar, etc. are also in the park. The land is also the residence of three python types, the Monitor Lizard and many tortoise species.

Also read: Nokrek National Park, Meghalaya

Birds

The avifauna is both endemic and migratory in this region. Many birds like Whistling Teal, White-eyed Poachared, etc., are welcome on the rivers Rydak and Jainti that pass through the reserve. The exceptionally uncommon Black-necked Crane often migrates to the reserve during early winter, when the west becomes unbearably cold. The Black Stork is a frequent visitor to that region as well. As summer approaches, the shy Ashy Minivet prances around and The Pied Hornbill, Minivets, and Sultan Tits arrive as the monsoon ends.

Tribals of the Reserve

The Buxa Tiger Reserve contains a minimum of 38 forest settlements, 49 fringe settlements and four properties with set demands. A bulk of the community in the woodland interior comprises of tribes including Garo, Mechia, Madesia, Rava, Rajbanshi and Bhutia etc. Their profession encompasses mostly farmers or labourers in farm or tea gardens. The tribes share a good relationship with one another.

Plan your trip with Pickyourtrail

Winter season The perfect time to visit Buxa Tiger Reserve and Buxa Forest Lodge is from October to April. Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated in Jayanti ‘s tiny forest area, in West Bengal, India. The park is known for its tigers. Set against a beautiful backdrop, it abounds in a large variety of flora and fauna. The park is frequented year-round by nature-lovers. If you are looking for an expert guide for your next trip India, Pickyourtrail is the one-stop-shop for all your travel packages. Log on to www.Pickyourtrail.com for more information or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.