Forest · Alipurduar
Rajabhatkhawa
The doorway to Buxa Tiger Reserve
Alipurduar, West Bengal, India October to April
Location
Alipurduar, West Bengal, India
Known for
Forests & Sanctuaries · Bird Watching
Best time
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
Nearest airport
Bagdogra (IXB)
About Rajabhatkhawa
Rajabhatkhawa takes its name from a treaty meal shared between the kings of Cooch Behar and Bhutan — literally, where the king ate rice. Today it is the check post and entry point for Buxa Tiger Reserve, with a small museum, nature interpretation centre and the well-known vulture conservation breeding centre.
The surrounding forest is quiet, flat and easy to walk, making it one of the friendliest birding bases in the Dooars.
Why visit
- Vulture conservation breeding centre — a genuine conservation success
- Nature interpretation centre and forest museum
- Easy, level forest tracks perfect for slow birding
- Convenient base for both Jayanti and Buxa Fort
Things to do & experiences
Vulture centre tour
Forest museum visit
Morning birding walk
Jeep safari entry into Buxa
How to reach
By air
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport, 2–4 hours by road depending on the destination.
By train
Rajabhatkhawa railway station is in the village.
By road
15 km from Alipurduar on the Alipurduar–Jayanti road.
Best time to visit
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
