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Positioned in North West Bengal, Buxa National Park boasts of its distinct bio-diversity, magnificent landscapes, and assorted flora and fauna. The park includes the famous Buxa Tiger Reserve and covers more than 760 km² area from the low-lying regions of the Gangetic plains to the foothills of the Himalayas. Buxa became India’s 15th tiger reserve in 1983 during its establishment. A combination of scenic beauty and historical importance, Buxa invites its visitors to a world where natural wealth and cultural heritage coexist in perfect harmony.
Location
Photo: AURAB / Wikimedia Commons
The park is located in the Alipurduar district in West Bengal along the northern border of Bhutan. The strategic position of the park area in the northeastern part of India, which is rich in biodiversity, also belongs to the Indo-Malayan eco-zone. Buxa’s location is very strategic because it is adjacent to the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan as well as Manas National Park in the East, making it an important route for the movement of Asian elephants who migrate to Bhutan from India.
How To Reach
Photo: rauschenberger / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Buxa, at a distance of about 175 km. It can be travelled by road in about five hours.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) is the nearest major railway station, lying about 175 km from Buxa in the western direction, which can be covered within 4 hours. Other local stations like Raja Bhat Khawa, Garopara, and Kalchini that are more conveniently situated can also be utilised.
By Road: Buxa is well connected to other cities, including Alipurduar (27 km) and Siliguri (170 km), and thus can be travelled conveniently by road.
Places To Visit Around Buxa National Park
1. TashiChho Dzong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The dzong, known as TashiChho Dzong, meaning “the fortress of the glorious religion”, is a large monastic fortress building located in the capital city of Thimphu, Bhutan. This admirable building stands on the western bank of Wangi Chu River and was held as an administrative and monastic seat of Bhutan since 1952. The structure of the dzong is adorned with triple golden roofs with three tiers, white walls, and wooden frames with decorated designs that elaborate on the artistic work of Bhutan.
Distance From The Park: 187 km
Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM
2. Cooch Behar Palace
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best sights to see in Cooch Behar is the Cooch Behar Palace. This palace is sometimes called the Victor Jubilee Palace. The palace was constructed during King Nripendra Narayan’s reign, who modelled his palace after Buckingham Palace. This gorgeous structure is a great example of architecture from the Italian Renaissance period. The palace has one and a half floors and is made from bricks. The palace sits on a platform and is surrounded by a green lawn.
Distance From The Park: 39 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
3. Bhutan Gate
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Bhutan Gate symbolises the best place to enter Bhutan from the Indian side, which can be found at Phuentsholing, a busy border town next to Jaigaon in West Bengal, India. The gate is astounding to behold, given its design, which is in traditional Bhutanese style, and the colour combination and patterns. The country’s cultural aspects come out through red, white, and golden colours, helping to extend a warm reception to visitors from India entering the country.
Distance From The Park: 37 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
4. Crocodile Breeding Centre
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Found on the bank of the Amo Chhu River in Phuentsholing, what’s not to find interesting about the crocodile breeding centre in the region? This centre is home to Marsh Muggers and Gharials and enables its guests to see these reptiles where they belong, in the wild. The centre helps conserve crocodiles by breeding them and caring for them until they are strong enough to be released into the wild.
Distance From The Park: 45 km
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
5. Jhomolhari Trek
Photo: Karolina / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Jhomolhari trek is popularly known as the longest trekking route in Bhutan and passes through the most interesting regions in the Himalayas. Because Jhomolhari is referred to as the “Sacred Mountain of the Goddess” and has a height of above 7000 meters, pretty much every summit indicates the start of an epic adventure. It takes about 14-16 days for trekkers to complete the journey while serendipitously indulging in valleys, forests, and even alpine bumps across the country, providing glimpses of Bhutan’s natural beauty.
Distance From The Park: 137 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The park provides an extensive range of accommodation options suitable for every type of tourist. The forest lodges are located very close to nature, allowing the guests to be energised by nature every time they open their eyes. For cheaper accommodations, places such as Alipurduar and Jaigaon have guesthouses and other reasonably priced hotels. Eco-resorts, slightly further away, offer farm-style accommodation, which is very localised and not eco-friendly.
Where To Eat
Photo: Lucas Andrade / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are very few places to eat within park, so guests can head to towns in the vicinity, like Alipurduar and Phuentsholing, all of which have a comprehensive range of restaurants. There are restaurants that offer a combination of Indian and Bhutanese as well as local cuisines to meet all tastes. There are a few guest houses in the vicinity that provide meals. However, most tourists go to the towns to eat traditional food. Phuentsholing, in particular, can add value to the trip as plenty of Bhutanese-Indian food can be quite interesting.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Sandipoutsider / Wikimedia Commons
The period from October to April is the best time to visit the park as the weather is pleasant and quite cool, which is favourable for outdoor activities and spotting wildlife. This time of the year also aligns with the peak season for bird-watching activities, attracting many bird lovers who come to witness the remarkable diversity of birds in the park. Because of the comfortable climate and clear skies, this season is perfect for trekking and photography, with green hills and plentiful water adding to the gorgeous views.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Tan Danh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
A typical Buxa National Park trip costs in the region of ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per person with basic itinerary including accommodation, meals and entrance fees.
Tips For Travellers
- Bring binoculars so that you can birdwatch to the fullest.
- Pack appropriate trekking clothes since the trails are pretty rough.
- Abide by the guidelines related to local fauna and refrain from intruding on animals so that the ecology of the region can be maintained.
The Buxa National Park will be a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts, adventurers, and peace seekers alike. Blessed with eco-diversity, beautiful landforms and many cultural sites, it stands out for its nature & culture combination. Whether watching rare bird species or hiking through dense forests, every moment here is a call to experience nature again. Plan a trip with TripXL now and explore the beauty of the national park.
Cover Photo: Swaroop Singha Roy / Wikimedia Commons
