Hot Springs

West Bengal is the most racially diverse eastern Indian state, which was a part of several kingdoms and dynasties over the course of Indian history. Rich in culture, heritage, languages, religion, natural beauty, this state attracts many tourists year round. The famous university at Shantiniketan is the home of cultural diversity of the state. West Bengal is strategically placed with three international frontiers such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan and the state capital is Kolkata.

The Buxa Tiger Reserve was declared a tiger reserve in 1983 and it became a National Park in 1992. It is located at the north eastern side of West Bengal bordering Assam and Bhutan over an area of 759 sq km. The park has the maximum number of elephants, leopards, Indian bison, smaller mammals, Deers, numerous species of birds and reptiles. Due to its rich bio-diversity, it adorns a marvelous collection of rare orchids and medicinal plants. The Park has as many as eight forests.

Buxa fort, Jayanti and Rajabhatkhawa are some of the attractions of this place. Many trek routes start from Buxa the most famous being Santrabari. Jayanti is a mesmerizing spot near the Jayanti River. It is definitely a place to relax and enjoy the cool breeze which removes all tiredness. The Mahakal cave is located here which is difficult to enter but adventurous. Another spot Rajabhatkhawa is 12 kms away from Jayanti and easily accessible by road and rail. It is an apt place for wild life lovers with the Nature Interpretation Centre. The park can be travelled by car or jeep apart from trekking.

Accommodation is easily available in forest and private rest houses. They are readily available at Rajabhatkhawa, Buxaduar, Jayanti and many other nearby places. The Buxa Tiger Reserve can be easily reached by hiring a car from Alipurduar which is 17 kms away. National Highway 31 is the main highway. The nearest railhead is Alipurduar Junction whereas Bagdogra is the nearest airport situated at a distance of 195 kms.

The proximity to the sea also resulted in the influence with the foreigners -- the Portuguese in the early 16th century, the Dutch in about 1632, the French influence between 1673-1676, the Danish in 1676 and British in 1690. The increased influence of the British resulted in conflicts with the Nawab. The diplomatic efforts with a series of conspiracies resulted in the ultimate capture of power in Bengal by the British. The battle of Plassey (1757) and the battle of Buxar (1764) sealed the fate of the Mughal rule. The British later brought forth the Dual system of administration. In 1905 the English partitioned Bengal on the basis of religion. Calcutta remained the Capital of the British empire in India till 1911. After that the capital was moved from Calcutta to Delhi.

Bakreshwar