Buxa Fort
Historical Sentinel: Buxa Fort is a historic monument perched at an altitude of 2,600 feet on the Sinchula Range within the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The fort has a deep and somewhat dark history, originally built by the King of Bhutan to guard the famous Silk Route connecting India and Tibet. In 1865, fo llowing the Sinchula Treaty, the British took over the fort and converted it into a high-security prison. It became notorious for housing Indian freedom fighters, including many prominent revolutionaries, due to its remote and inaccessible location. The fort is surrounded by dense, leopard-infested forests, making escape nearly impossible. Over time, the structure has fallen into ruins, but it still stands as a powerful symbol of the Indian independence struggle. To reach the fort, visitors must undertake a scenic 5 km trek starting from Santalabari. The trail winds through lush tropical vegetation, offering glimpses of rare birds and butterflies. Reaching the fort provides a panoramic view of the vast Dooars plains and the Bhutanese mountains. Today, the fort is a major trekking hub, attracting history buffs and adventure seekers alike. The atmosphere at the fort is somber yet awe-inspiring, as one walks through the old stone cells and barracks. It also served as a refuge for Tibetan monks fleeing the Chinese occupation in the 1950s. The site is now maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and the Forest Department. Visiting Buxa Fort is not just a physical journey but a walk through time, where every stone tells a story of resistance and resilience. The surrounding Buxa Tiger Reserve adds a layer of wildlife excitement to the historical exploration. It is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to understand the soul of North Bengal's history and its deep connection with the surrounding wilderness.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4 to 5 HoursPlace Type:
Historical & AdventureEntry Fees:
Tiger Reserve Entry: Visitors pay approximately INR 250 per person for entry into the reserve.
Guide Charges: Local trekking guides from Santalabari charge INR 400 to INR 600. ...Tiger Reserve Entry: Visitors pay approximately INR 250 per person for entry into the reserve.
Guide Charges: Local trekking guides from Santalabari charge INR 400 to INR 600.Special Events:
Independence Day: A special flag hoisting ceremony is held on August 15th to honor the martyrs.
Teesta Tea Festival: A regional celebration involving cultural programs nearby. ...Independence Day: A special flag hoisting ceremony is held on August 15th to honor the martyrs.
Teesta Tea Festival: A regional celebration involving cultural programs nearby.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Gate: The stone entrance of the fort with its weathered textures.
Sinchula Range View: Panoramic mountain vistas from the fort edge.
Forest Trail: Sunlight filtering through the canopy during the tr...The Main Gate: The stone entrance of the fort with its weathered textures.
Sinchula Range View: Panoramic mountain vistas from the fort edge.
Forest Trail: Sunlight filtering through the canopy during the trek.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Heritage Trekking: The 5 km hike from Santalabari to the fort.
Photography: Capturing the ancient stone ruins and gateways.
Bird Watching: Spotting the Rufous-necked Hornbill along the trail.
Historical Exploration: Reading the plaques about famous prisoners.
Camping: Small campsites are available in nearby villages like Sadaram.
Visiting Lepchakha: A further trek to the scenic Drukpa village.
Nature Walks: Exploring the diverse flora of the Sinchula Range. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Freedom Struggle: It is famous as the "Alcatraz of the East," where British authorities detained Indian revolutionaries in total isolation.
Trekking Hub: Known as the gateway to some of the best trekking trails in the Eastern Himalayas, incl...Freedom Struggle: It is famous as the "Alcatraz of the East," where British authorities detained Indian revolutionaries in total isolation.
Trekking Hub: Known as the gateway to some of the best trekking trails in the Eastern Himalayas, including the route to Lepchakha. -
Architecture:
Stone and Brick Fortress: The British reconstructed the original bamboo structure into a permanent stone and brick fort. It features thick boundary walls and narrow prison cells.
Dimension and Scale: The fort covers an area of roughly 2 acr...Stone and Brick Fortress: The British reconstructed the original bamboo structure into a permanent stone and brick fort. It features thick boundary walls and narrow prison cells.
Dimension and Scale: The fort covers an area of roughly 2 acres. The main walls are about 15 feet high and 3 feet thick, designed to withstand both weather and attacks. The multi-tiered layout provided vantage points for guards. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport (175 kms).
By Train: Alipurduar Junction (30 kms) is the nearest railhead.
By Road: Drive to Santalabari via Rajabhatkhawa.
By Local Transport: Shar... -
Near Tourist Places:
Jayanti (13 kms by trek), Rajabhatkhawa (15 kms), Lepchakha (4 kms), Pukri Lake (12 kms), Mahakal Cave (15 kms), Alipurduar (30 kms), Jaldapara (50 kms), Cooch Behar (65 kms), Raimatang (25 kms), Samsing (90 kms).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip.
Packing: Carry enough drinking water and salt (for leeches in rainy weather).
Accommodation: Stay at homestays in Santalabari or Lepchakha for an a...
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