Description:
Popularly known as the Gateway to the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Buxa Duar Fort stands at a height of 867 meter on top of a hill on the India-Bhutan border. About 50 km from Coochbehar, this is a good overnight excursion. Though the Fort is almost destroyed now, it has strong historical associations. It fell in the hands of the British in 1864 by ousting its Bhutanese occupants. In 1930 the Fort was restructured in parts and was converted into a prison house. Many freedom fighters were kept confined here. Later the Fort also gave shelter to the Tibetan refugees who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama in 1959.
Today some renovation is on with a project to set up a museum within the Fort complex being undertaken.
The Buxa Tiger Reserve has been set up around the Buxa Duar Fort. A part of the Chilapata Forests, it covers an area of 765 sq. km. The core area, however, occupies 304 sq. km. The Reserve is home to 67 species of mammals, including 23 endangered ones. According to the census, there are tigers, leopards, elephants, and a large number of wild boars, bison and many other animals. About 230 species of birds and innumerable butterflies add colour to the forest.
The Reserve serves as a vital linking corridor for elephants migrating between the forests of Bhutan in the north and the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam in the east.
To the east of Kalimpong and bordering Bhutan are vast stretches of virgin forests and lush green countryside known as the Duars or The Gateway. Here, the turbulent Tista River and its tributaries flow through the foothills of the Himalayas. Home to several endangered species, the Duars terrain is filled with wildlife, nature and adventure. A must visit place to enjoy the nature’s bliss.
