Forest drive from Rajabhatkhawa
Rajabhatkhawa is the main entry to Buxa Tiger Reserve. Its nature interpretation centre explains the reserve's forests and animals. From the gate, forest roads run towards Jayanti and Santalabari through sal and mixed forest, and a jungle drive in an open jeep gives you a chance of elephants, gaur, deer and many birds.
Local people say the name Rajabhatkhawa means the place where the king ate rice, and tell of a meal shared here by a king of Cooch Behar and a Bhutanese ruler. We have not found a written source for the tale. Drives and routes are set by the forest department and change from season to season.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What can I see on a Buxa jungle drive?
Elephants, gaur, sambar, barking deer, wild boar and many birds, including hornbills, are possible. Leopards and other cats are seldom seen. The forest is dense, so sightings are less certain than at Jaldapara, but there are far fewer vehicles.
How do I book a Buxa jungle drive?
Ask at the forest office and counter at Rajabhatkhawa, or through your lodge in Rajabhatkhawa, Jayanti or Alipurduar. Routes and fees are set by the forest department and change. Check current status before you travel.
What does Rajabhatkhawa mean?
In Bengali it is usually read as the place where the king ate rice. Locals tell a story of a king of Cooch Behar sharing a meal here with a Bhutanese ruler to settle a dispute. It is a local tradition; we have not found a written record of the event.
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