? Rajabhatkhawa: Key to the Wild Soul of Dooars
# ???? Rajabhatkhawa: Key to the Wild Soul of Dooars
Situated near the boundary of the Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar district, **Rajabhatkhawa** is a peaceful village in the Dooars of West Bengal. Famous for its abundance of flora and fauna, historical importance, and peaceful surroundings, it makes a great place of stay for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.([Apeejay Newsroom][1])
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## ????️ A Brief History
The title "Rajabhatkhawa" means "the place where the king had a meal." In line with local lore, early in the 1800s, the King of Cooch Behar promised not to consume rice until he drove out this area from Bhutan. Following a successful negotiation, the king treated himself to a rice feast, which gave the village its name .([Wikipedia][2], [Apeejay Newsroom][1])
Rajabhatkhawa is the gateway to the **Buxa Tiger Reserve**, a vast sanctuary spanning more than 759 square kilometers. The sanctuary harbors a wide variety of wildlife, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, elephants, leopards, bison, and several species of deer. One can go on exciting jeep safaris to go through the thick forests and catch a glimpse of these majestic animals .([Jalpaiguri Online][3], [east-himalaya.com][4])
### ???? Rajabhatkhawa Orchidarium
The **Rajabhatkhawa Orchidarium** is a paradise for botanists. Home to more than 1,500 varieties of fragile orchids, it displays the rich floral heritage of the area. The orchidarium also has rare books on flora and fauna of the area, which makes it a treasure trove for researchers and nature enthusiasts as well.([North Bengal Tourism][5], [Jalpaiguri Online][3])
### ???? Birdwatching Paradise
Rajabhatkhawa is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 234 species of birds found in the region. Birds of passage like goosanders, ibis bill, and fork-tails, and homegrown birds like pheasants, cuckoos, minivets, mynahs, parakeets, and partridges are regularly sighted. Amateur birdwatchers can also find pleasure in seeing these birds of wonder.([tripsaround.in][6])
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## ????️ Nearby Attractions
* **Buxa Fort**: An old fort inside the reserve, previously employed by the British to imprison political activists. The fort provides panoramic views of the hills around and can be accessed through a scenic trek.([east-himalaya.com][4])
* **Jayanti Riverbed**: A scenic location 15 km from Rajabhatkhawa, famous for its white pebble riverbed and peaceful surroundings. It's a perfect destination for river walks and nature photography.([Jalpaiguri Online][3])
* **Sikiajhora**: A picturesque picnic spot close to Panialguri, with a small dam and a watchtower above the forest. Ideal for a quiet sojourn in the midst of nature .([Jalpaiguri Online][3])
* **Mahakal Cave and Temple**: A 13 km old stalactite cave from Jayanti, with a temple of Lord Shiva. The cave is religiously as well as touristically important .([Jalpaiguri Online][3])
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## ????️ Where to Stay
Accommodation in Rajabhatkhawa varies from forest bungalows to homestays. The **Rajabhatkhawa Forest Bungalow**, which is run by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC), provides decent accommodation in the lap of nature. It's better to book beforehand, particularly during peak tourist months .([North Bengal Tourism][5])
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## ???? How to Reach
* **By Air**: The nearest airport is **Bagdogra Airport**, some 180 km away. From there, taxis are available for Rajabhatkhawa.([alipurduar.gov.in][7])
* **By Train**: The closest railway station is **New Alipurduar Junction**, which is 20 km away from Rajabhatkhawa. From the station, a taxi or a bus can be taken to travel to the town .([alipurduar.gov.in][7], [Holidify][8])
* **By Road**: Rajabhatkhawa is road-connected quite well. There are frequent buses and taxis from nearby towns such as Siliguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar .([alipurduar.gov.in][7])
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## ????️ Weather Update
As of May 6, 2025, it is partly sunny in Rajabhatkhawa with a high of 89°F (32°C). The next few days are forecasted to be hot, with highs going up to 91°F (33°C). Tourists are recommended to drink plenty of water and exercise caution against the heat ([Holidify][9]).
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## ????️ Best Time to Visit
The best time to tour Rajabhatkhawa is from **October to March** when the temperature is mild and more favorable to outdoor pursuits such as trekking and wildlife expeditions. Buxa Tiger Reserve is shut down from **June 15 to September 15** for the monsoons and would not be quite as appealing as a destination then.([tripsaround.in][6])
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## ???? Final Thoughts
Rajabhatkhawa presents a distinctive combination of natural scenery, rich bio-diversity, and historical importance. If you are an adventure-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking for peace, this charming town in the midst of the Dooars has something to provide. Its proximity to the Buxa Tiger Reserve and other places of interest makes it a perfect destination for a memorable vacation.
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