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Buxa National Park and Tiger Reserve
About Buxa National Park
Buxa Tiger Reserve lies in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Its northern boundary runs alon
g the international border with Bhutan. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the Eastern boundary touches that of the Assam State. National HighwayNo.31 C roughly runs along its southern boundary. It is the eastern most extension of extreme bio-diverse North-East India & represents highly endemic Indo-Malayan region. The fragile "Terai Eco-System" constitutes a part of this Reserve. The Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to North of BTR. Manas Tiger Reserve lies on east of BTR. BTR, thus, serves as international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. The reserve encompasses as many as eight forest types.
Location of Buxa National Park :: In the daaars (meaning 'door' or 'gateway') of the lower Himalayan foothills of northeastern West Bengal. Although nearest airport (which lies south of Buxa) is at Gooch Behar, it is advisable to go via Siliguri airport, 152km (94 miles) west of the park; road conditions from Siliguri are poor in some places, however. The nearest town and railway station is Alipurduar, 27km (17 miles) from Buxa.Climate of Buxa National Park : Winter is cold (minimum BOG; 46°F), while summer is moderately hot (maximum 32°G; 90°F)..
When to go ( Buxa National Park ) :A favourable time is from November to April. Park closed 15 June to 30 September.
Getting to Buxa National Park :Gars for hire at Alipurduar and Siliguri to drive to Buxa. Buses from Siliguri.
Facilities at Buxa National Park :Gars for hire at Alipurduar and Siliguri to drive to Buxa. Buses from Siliguri
Permits and Reservations for Buxa National Park : Entry to park restricted to 06:30-15:00. No night driving. Permit and reservations required from Field Director, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal.
Conservation History
Buxa Tiger Reserve created in 1983 comprises of entire forest area of erstwhile Buxa Tiger Division and some territory of neighboring Cooch Behar Forest Division. In 1986, Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted over 314.52 sq. km. of the Reserve forests. In 1991, 54.47 sq. km. area was added to Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. A year later, in 1992, Government. of West Bengal declared its intentions to constitute a National Park over 117.10 Sq. Km. of the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. State Government finally declared National Park vide notification No.3403-For/11B-6/95 dt. 05.12.1997.
Archeology
The historic Buxa fort (2600 feet above m.s.l.). People have sentimental attachment with the fort on accounts of its association with the struggle for freedom. A sacred temple - Mohakal - lies in BTR. Around 10,000 devotees of Lord Shiva congregate here on "Shiva Chouturdoshi".
Forest Types
Main Species( Flora)
Sal, Champ, Gamar, Simul, Chikrasi.
Main Species(Fauna)
Asian Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Wild boar, Sambar .
Endangered Species
Indian Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard cat, Bengal florican, Regal python, Chinese Pangolin, Hispid hare, Hog deer etc.
Special Projects
New Initiatives Eco-development
India Eco-development Project funded by World Bank under the Global Environment Facility is on in the Reserve. It contains components for improved P.A. management, village eco-development, extension and education, and research. There are 62 Forest Protection Committee (FPC)/ Eco-Development Committee (EDC) in and around BTR. The management is undertaking village eco-development on the basis of micro-plans prepared by villagers and forest personnel jointly. Currently, ecodeveopment activities as per micro-plan are being carried out by the 6 EDCs. Micro-plans for other villages are under preparation.
Protection Squads / Patrolling
Three mobile squads are currently operating in BTR. Most of the ranges have hired vehicles. All Range HQs are connected through R.T. Most of the important beats have R.T. sets. The management organises special camps on riverside during monsoon to stop theft through rafting. The management has three camps for Forest Protection Force in BTR.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Buxaduar and Rajabhatkhawa are two main centres for ecotourism. Enough dormitory accommodation is available. It is nature education tourism.
Education and Awareness
A Nature Education and Interpretation Centre has been established at Semadoh. Around 50 thousand people visit this centre annually. Two orientation centres at Akot and Harisal, and an interpretation centre at Amravati are also planned
