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Tags : Trekking & Hiking
Time Required : 4 days
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The Buxa Duar Trek, cradled in the Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal, offers an opportunity to peek into the mysteries of the wild jungles of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. It is a densely forested reserve boasting of being the only tiger reserve in the entire Kanchenjunga circuit.
Today, it offers its visitors a chance to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Buxa Range provides with ample number of opportunities to trek, a short 5km walk beginning from Santlabari near Sealdah. A trek of an hour from this quaint little village takes you to Buxa Duar and Buxa Tiger reserve. Jayanti Forest located 13 kms from Buxa Duar is one of the most popular treks in the area. Apart from being enriched with diverse variety of flora and fauna, the trail is also adorned with stalactite cave here called Mahakal housing a Shivalinga. The Buxa Duar Fort is a living shadow of the past of this region, which once served as the prison during the time of the East India Company. The Buxa range is also a home to plethora of birds’ varieties serving as a paradise for bird lovers. Trans-Himalayan migratory goosander, the beautiful ibis bill, fork-tails, red-stars, wagtails and migratory birds such as common teal, gargani teal, large whistling teal and white-eyed pochard are some among many. The place is an epitome of solitude, peaceful ambience and stunning mountain views making this trek worth every moment away from the hustle bustle of the city crowd.
Rail: New Jalpaiguri serves as the nearest railways station to the base camp situated about 150 km away.
Road: Siliguri is about 175 kms from Alipurdar, from where you can easily avail a cab till Buxa. The two entry points to the reserve are Jayanti and Rajabhatkhawa for which the buses are most easily available.
Base Camp: Rajabhatkhawa
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra
Nearest Railhead: 150 km
Snow: You may encounter snowfall especially during the winter months. The temperature can go much below the freezing point at any time of the year. Be prepared to face extreme cold no matter whenever you are planning a trek.
Starting point of trek: Rajabhatkhawa
Day 1: Arrive at Rajabhatkhawa
Arrive at Rajabhatkhawa, which is located about 10 kms from Alipurduar and also serves as the main entrance to Buxa Tiger Reserve. You can see a variety of wildlife here in their natural habitat. You can reach the place both by road as well as rail (Siliguri, 153 kms and Alipurduar, 17 kms). You can opt for a home stay here or a lodge. Rest here for the day and enjoy the raw beauty of the place.
Day 2: Rajabhatkhawa to Buxa Duar via Santrbari
Distance: 3 kms,
ItÕs time to leave Rajabhatkhawa and reach Santrabari by car while savouring the beautiful views all around. A trek of 4 kms from Santrabari up the hill will take you to the ruins of the fort that was once used by the British as place of secluded confinement for the leaders of IndiaÕs Independence movement. Although standing in ruins, the fort till date reflects its great historic significance. Rest here for the night. You can either book a hotel or pitch a tent.
Day 3: Buxa to Jayanti via Lepchaka, Katlung River and Mahakal Cave
Distance: 12 kms,
Depart from Buxa for the village of Jayanti. The trail, however, goes through series of fascinating places on the way. Lepchaka, katlung River and a beautiful natureÕs marvel of Mahakal Cave crosses your way and make sure to explore each one of them. Finally you approach to a small quaint village of Jayanti through a deep forest. It is a beautiful place adorned with Jayanti riverbed and Bhutan Hills beyond it. With permission from forest department, you can also explore the inside of the forest. You have an option of home stays or small resorts in form of an accommodation. Lepchaka is a small rustic village offering splendid views of Duars about 2 kms trek from Buxa Fort. Situated above a hill, the view it overlooks is of beautiful plains and forests.
Day 4: Jayanti to Rajabhatkhawa
On your last day track down back to Rajabhatkhawa tracing the same way as you ascended. This is the end of this adventurous saga of wildlife and nature. Transfer to hotel and take some rest before departing.