Discovering Rajabhatkhawa

Rajabhatkhawa is the gateway to the forest of Buxa Tiger Reserve, nestled in the heart of North Bengal’s lush Dooars region.

The name itself has an air of quiet nobility—Raja Bhat Khawa, meaning where the king had his meal, a local tale that speaks of kings, forests, and forgotten trails. But Rajabhatkhawa today is no longer a secret among serious nature lovers. It's slowly becoming a favourite for those looking to escape the crowd and embrace the slow rhythm of jungle life.

Where is Rajabhatkhawa?

Rajabhatkhawa is a small forest-fringed settlement located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, inside the forest fringes of Buxa Tiger Reserve, and just a short distance from Alipurduar town. It's one of the key entrances to Buxa forest, but unlike more crowded gateways like Jaldapara or Gorumara, Rajabhatkhawa still retains a pristine, unhurried charm.

Getting There: A Scenic Journey

If you're coming by train, the nearest railhead is Rajabhatkhawa Railway Station, just a stone’s throw away from the main village. However, most visitors prefer to alight at New Alipurduar Junction, for better connectivity, around 12 kilometres away.

From the station, you can hire a car or take a local auto to reach your destination. The drive itself, winding through tall teak and sal forests, feels like the trailer to a jungle film. Siliguri, the main entry point to the Dooars region, is about 180 kilometres away. It’s a 4 to 5-hour scenic drive through the heart of Dooars, crossing rivers, tea gardens, and occasional elephant corridors.

What to See and Do in Rajabhatkhawa

The Nature Interpretation Centre, maintained by the Forest Department, is a good place to start. It introduces you to the flora and fauna of the region and often surprises visitors with exhibits of rare animal sightings, preserved butterflies, and local tribal artefacts.

The Forest Safari is another must-do, especially for early risers. The safari takes you deep inside the forest to elevated platforms which gives you a panoramic view of the forest and is an excellent place to spot animals during dawn and dusk—elephants, Indian bison, or even the elusive leopard if you’re lucky.

The real soul of Rajabhatkhawa lies in its proximity to Buxa Tiger Reserve. From here, you can take permitted forest safaris into the Buxa core area, go on treks to Buxa Fort, or wander along the Jayanti River, a dry riverbed that seems straight out of a painting.

Wildlife spotting is, of course, the highlight. But beyond that, Rajabhatkhawa is perfect for birdwatchers. More than 300 species of birds, including hornbills, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and drongos, have been recorded here. The rare Rufous-necked Hornbill has been spotted in nearby patches of forest.

Photography enthusiasts will love the light in this forest. The early morning mist, the dappling sun, and the deep greens offer perfect compositions.

You can also visit the Rajabhatkhawa Butterfly Conservatory, a gentle walk from the village. It’s a small enclosed area where butterflies dance freely among flowering plants, and locals will tell you that over 150 species live here, making it one of the richest butterfly zones in India. The conservatory is about 200 meters from the rail station.

Places Nearby Worth Visiting

From Rajabhatkhawa, you can plan day trips to a host of beautiful places.

• Jayanti, just 15 km away, is a tranquil forest hamlet on the edge of the Buxa forest. It's known for moonlit riverbeds and forest hikes.

• Buxa Fort, a 5 km trek from Santrabari (which is 12 km from Rajabhatkhawa), is a historic British-era prison and a perfect spot for light trekking.

• Chilapata Forest, about 40 km away, offers a different forest ecosystem and is rich in elephant and bison sightings.

• Jaldapara National Park is roughly 55 km away and is known for one-horned rhinos.

• Cooch Behar, with its royal palace and heritage ponds, is about 50 km away and worth a heritage detour.

Where to Stay

Our sister concern, Humro Home, has by far the most reputed and the best homestay in the area, named Humro Home Buxa. You may directly contact our homestay team or get in touch with us for booking there. For bookings and guidance, call 9733000592 / 593 / 594. Advance booking is advised, especially in peak winter months.

So if you’re dreaming of a quiet holiday, far from malls and concrete, yet full of stories whispered by the trees, Rajabhatkhawa is calling.

For tailored jungle holidays, forest permits, homestay bookings, and more, connect with NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd at 9733000592 / 593 / 594. Your forest escape is just a call away.