Buxa Fort: A Historic Enigma in the Dooars

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Explore the ruins of Buxa Fort, a historical prison nestled in the heart of the Buxa Tiger Reserve, offering a blend of history and nature.

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Buxa Fort

Nestled in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, Buxa Fort is a historical landmark with a captivating past. Originally built by the Bhutanese, it later served as a high-security prison under British rule, holding Indian freedom fighters. Today, its ruins offer a glimpse into a turbulent past amidst serene natural surroundings.

A brief summary to Buxa Fort

QH4J+24H, Buxa, Buxa Hill Forest, West Bengal, 735227, IN

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Wear comfortable trekking shoes as the final approach involves a moderately challenging uphill trek through the forest.
Carry water and snacks, as there are limited options available near the fort.
Visit during the winter months (October to April) for pleasant weather and clear views.
Obtain necessary permissions from the forest department if planning to trek beyond Buxa Fort.

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Getting There

Walking

The final approach to Buxa Fort involves a trek from Santalabari, which is about 5 km from the fort. From Alipurduar, hire a car or take local transport to Santalabari, the base point of the trek. The 5km trek from Santalabari to Buxa Fort typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is steep. There are tea stalls where you can have some food. No entry fee.
Public Transport

From Alipurduar Junction, take a local bus or hire a taxi to Rajabhatkhawa. From Rajabhatkhawa, shared jeeps or taxis are available to Santalabari, the starting point for the trek to Buxa Fort. The trek from Santalabari to Buxa Fort is approximately 5 km and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Bus fare from Alipurduar to Rajabhatkhawa is approximately INR 30-50. Taxi fare from Rajabhatkhawa to Santalabari is approximately INR 200-300.

Discover more about Buxa Fort

Buxa Fort, located at an altitude of 867 meters (2,844 ft) within the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, India, is a site steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. Its origins are debated, with some attributing it to the Tibetan Emperor Tsong-Sin-Gyampo in the 7th century, while others suggest it was built by King Sangkalp of the Kamtapur dynasty. Historically, the fort was a point of contention between the Bhutanese and Koch kings, guarding a crucial route connecting India and Tibet. The British, invited by the Cooch King, seized the fort and formally took control in 1865, reconstructing it from bamboo and wood to stone. In the 1930s, it gained notoriety as a high-security prison, second only to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, where many Indian freedom fighters were detained. Nationalist revolutionaries and communist intellectuals were imprisoned here. It is said that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was also imprisoned here. Poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote a poem to lift the morale of the prisoners. After India's independence, the fort served as a refugee camp for Tibetans and Bangladeshis. Today, the ruins of Buxa Fort stand as a testament to its rich and complex history, attracting tourists and trekkers alike. The fort is accessible via a trek from Santalabari. The trek to Buxa Fort is considered easy and takes about 2 hours from Santalabari. The surrounding Buxa Tiger Reserve offers opportunities for wildlife safaris and bird watching. Nearby attractions include Lepchakha village, known for its panoramic views, and the Jayanti River.