Located in the forest of West Bengal, more specifically in the Dooars area, Buxa Fort is a great place for history and adrenaline rush. Nestled near the forests and the Buxa hills, this fort best suits those who are interested in history and trekking. Buxa Fort West Bengal is the perfect place to be, whether you are an adventure seeker or a history enthusiast, and it has both nature and heritage attached to it. Everything you need to know regarding the Buxa Fort will be covered in this guide to make your visit as smooth as possible.
Location
Photo: Rajat0101 / Wikimedia Commons
Buxa Fort is situated in Buxa Tiger Reserve, and Buxa Fort address is in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, near the Indo-Bhutan border. It is located at an altitude of nearly 900 m above sea level and fully immersed in forest and other breathtaking terrains. It is about 25-30 kilometres from the town of Alipurduar and is located in the extreme southwestern part of West Bengal. It can be easily reached by car or taxi.
How To Reach
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By Road: The easiest way to reach Buxa Fort is by car hire from the town of Alipurduar by private or rental car. It is well connected physically by roads from Siliguri, Cooch Behar and Kolkata. Besides, the passage through the tea gardens and the forest makes the trip more enjoyable and increases the scenic view.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Alipurduar junction, nearly 35 km from Buxa Fort, West Bengal. Passenger trains from cities such as Kolkata and Siliguri regularly pass through this station, making it well-connected for tourists. To get to the fort, you have to depend on local transport or take a taxi if you come from Alipurduar Junction.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Buxa Fort is the Bagdogra Airport, which is about 160 kilometres away from the site. You can drive to Alipurduar after you reach Bagdogra airport by taking a taxi or driving by yourself. The fort is only a few kilometres away from this town.
Places To Visit
1. Jaldapara National Park
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
About 70 km far from Buxa Fort, Jaldapara National Park is one of the most famous wildlife parks in West Bengal and is famous for one-horned rhinoceros. There are also jeep Safaris that enable visitors to view wildlife since the park is the best area for Bird watching. Tours of the park offer a view of the rhinos. However, other animals include the tigers, elephants, and different bird species. The terrain a visitor will encounter includes dense forests; sometimes, the grasslands will give the visitor a fantastic feeling.
Location: Jaldapara, Alipurduar District, West Bengal
Entry Fee: Approx. ₹100 for adults, additional charges for safaris
Best Time To Visit: October to May
2. Samsing
Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Located 50km from Buxa Fort, Samsing is a small village situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, which offers beautiful panoramic views of tea gardens, a pleasant climate, and a peaceful environment. Shiripal is the most famous trekking destination in Samsing, which has panoramic views and several trails for trekkers and nature lovers. The place is free from noise pollution, and the stunning outlook of invisibly green tea plantations makes the area suitable for relaxation.
Location: Samsing, Dooars region, West Bengal
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Cooch Behar Palace
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 90 km away from Buxa Fort, the Cooch Behar Palace is a magnificent historical building with architecture reminiscent of Europe – it was constructed by the Koch dynasty. The old structure now serves as a museum, complete with relics, mementoes, and history lessons in the area. Some of the well-cultivated gardens surrounding the palace add beauty, and therefore, it would interest people who love history and architectural designs.
Location: Cooch Behar, West Bengal
Entry Fee: Approx. ₹20 for adults
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Things To Do
1. Immerse In Nature
Photo: AURAB / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking forward to spending some time with nature, then Buxa Fort is located in West Bengal, surrounded by dense forests. The sidewalks that grace this place are perfect for taking a while off to sketch, meditate, or merely chill, as they are free from most of the city’s bustle. Out in the wilderness, the Buxa Fort offers to bring you close to nature so that you can spend some quality time with Mother Nature.
2. Wildlife Safari In Buxa Tiger Reserve
This forest reserve hosts several animal formations, including tigers, elephants, and leopards. Again, the jeep safari or nature walk within the reserve allows a tour guide to take visitors through the thick forests while explaining the vegetation and wildlife of the area. This experience is especially recommended to anyone interested in wildlife and those who love nature.
3. Bird Watching At Buxa Hills
Photo: Kingshuk Mondal / Wikimedia Commons
The western district of Buxa Fort in West Bengal itself is quite a paradise for bird-watching as there are many avian species around the place. It is advisable to take a bird-watching exercise early in the morning, as many types of migratory birds are seen around this area. Also, bird watchers might come across various species like the Indian Hornbill, Woodpeckers, Parakeets, and so on.
Where To Eat
Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons
There are restaurants available in Alipurduar and other villages nearby from which you can purchase local food. Some tourist spots that are restaurants are Buxa Tiger Resort Café, where one can have local snacks with beautiful views of nature, Hotel Rajmahal for local Bengali food in Alipurduar, Rangamati Restaurant for quick and spicy delicious meals and Khayal Restaurant for North Indian meals.
Where To Stay
Photo: Titodutta / Wikimedia Commons
Some of the recommended staying places near Buxa Fort are the Buxa Tiger Resort for the nature experience, Alipurduar Tourist Lodge for a cheap stay, Hotel Rajmahal for a safe city stay, and Sinclairs Retreat Dooars in the Chalsa area for a who prefer the luxurious staying surrounded by nature.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Rupu / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit this place is from October to March; temperatures range between 10°C – 25°C. These months are designed for trekking and sightseeing where the climate is ok and not too extreme. Due to the rains, the remains between June and September, and since heavy downpours make some of the trails impassable, it is recommended not to travel during this period.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rajat0101 / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of your trip to the fort can range anywhere from ₹1600 – ₹5000 per day including sightseeing, travel, accommodation and food. Although there is no entry fee to the fort, the cost of Safari and trekking permits differ, ranging from ₹500 for each person. Permits can also be obtained from the entry gate or lodges around the area.
Tips For Travellers
- If visitors are travelling during the monsoon season, they should pack comfortable trekking shoes and waterproof clothing.
- When planning to visit the tiger reserve and trekking in the forest, ensure you have the correct permits.
- Due to the limited ATMs available in the region, it is advisable to carry enough cash on you.
- Organize your accommodation and your permits on a prior date to avoid inconveniences at the last minute.
- Bring insect repellent and extra sunscreen since the site has many wildlife and tropical plants.
- Do not pollute the environment by littering or polluting, and avoid making noise that may disturb the animals.
- Try to catch the right time to visit Buxa Fort during your Buxa Fort timings.
- Don’t ever travel without a map or a local person to give you directions around the place you’re in.
If in any way associated with history lovers, nature admirers, or any adventure lover, Buxa Fort of West Bengal should undoubtedly be listed in everyone’s travel diary. From the adventurous experience of hiking through the forest zone to understanding the historical background of the fort, something is interesting to do at every point in this area. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore Buxa Fort seamlessly.
Cover Photo: Rajat0101 / Wikimedia Commons