Jaldapara to Buxa
Your options
Ways to make the trip
1.5–2 hours
₹2,200–3,200 per car · Drive east via Hasimara and Kalchini to Rajabhatkhawa, where you pay the reserve entry fee, then on through the forest to Santalabari for Buxa Fort or to Jayanti. A car is the practical choice for this leg.
3–4 hours
₹100–200 a seat in all · Take a bus to Alipurduar or Hasimara, then a local bus or shared jeep to Rajabhatkhawa. From there shared and reserved jeeps run to Santalabari and Jayanti, but timings are irregular. Start early.
Worth a stop
- Hasimara
- Chilapata forest edge
- Kalchini tea estates
- Rajabhatkhawa Nature Interpretation Centre
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Buxa Fort from Jaldapara?
From Madarihat it is about 55 km to Rajabhatkhawa and another 15 km to Santalabari, roughly 2–2.5 hours by car. From Santalabari the walk up to Buxa Fort is about 4–5 km and takes 1.5–2 hours. Add Chilapata on the way if you start early.
Is there an entry fee for Buxa Tiger Reserve?
Yes. Vehicles and visitors pay entry fees at the Rajabhatkhawa gate, and a guide fee is charged for the Buxa Fort walk at Santalabari. Fees are modest but change from season to season. Carry photo ID and cash. Check current status before you travel.
Can I reach Buxa from Alipurduar?
Yes, and it is closer. Rajabhatkhawa is about 17 km from Alipurduar town, and Alipurduar Junction is the nearest major railway station. Cars and local jeeps run from Alipurduar to Rajabhatkhawa, Santalabari and Jayanti. Alipurduar also has hotels at all prices, so many travellers sleep there and visit Buxa as a day trip.
Is the Buxa road open in the monsoon?
The core area of Buxa Tiger Reserve closes for tourism from 16 June to 15 September, and riverbed crossings towards Jayanti can flood. Outside those dates the road is generally open. After heavy rain, ask in Alipurduar or Rajabhatkhawa before you set out.