Buxa National Park

Buxa National Park is a protected area in India.

Buxa National Park at a Glance

Location
Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
26.647121, 89.615430
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Buxa National Park

Nearest airport: Hasimara Air Force Station (VEHX), 26 km away.

Nearest international airport: སྤ་རོ་གནམ་ཐང༌། (PBH), 86 km away.

Weather & Climate in Buxa National Park

The warmest temperatures in Buxa National Park occur in July, averaging 27.3°C (up to 30.5°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 16.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in November with average rainfall of 4.5mm. Average humidity: 62.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 16.6°C (rainfall: 10.8mm)
  • February: 18.5°C (rainfall: 24.6mm)
  • March: 22.9°C (rainfall: 80.3mm)
  • April: 25.0°C (rainfall: 170.2mm)
  • May: 25.8°C (rainfall: 333.3mm)
  • June: 26.3°C (rainfall: 1114.8mm)
  • July: 27.3°C (rainfall: 1075.6mm)
  • August: 27.2°C (rainfall: 705.6mm)
  • September: 27.2°C (rainfall: 399.7mm)
  • October: 25.2°C (rainfall: 178.9mm)
  • November: 22.0°C (rainfall: 4.5mm)
  • December: 18.9°C (rainfall: 6.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Buxa National Park

The best months to visit Buxa National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 16.6°C, rainfall 10.8mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.54°C, rainfall 24.6mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 65%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.87°C, rainfall 80.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 62.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.99°C, rainfall 170.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 68.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 25.78°C, rainfall 333.3mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.29°C, rainfall 1114.8mm, sunshine 6.9 hrs, humidity 87.6%
  • July: Good, temperature 27.25°C, rainfall 1075.6mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 87%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.21°C, rainfall 705.6mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 27.19°C, rainfall 399.7mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 83.8%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.21°C, rainfall 178.9mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 76.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 21.98°C, rainfall 4.5mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 62.5%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.86°C, rainfall 6.1mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 64.2%

Wildlife in Buxa National Park

Home to 54 recorded species including 17 iconic birds, 13 waterbirds, 13 birds of prey, 9 tropical birds, 1 predators, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Buxa National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 74%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Buxa National Park

13 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Eastern Plateau & Coastal Wetlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Buxa National Park FAQs

What specific wildlife can I hope to spot in Buxa National Park, and are there any unique species that make it stand out?

Buxa is home to a diverse range of animals, including Indian elephants, leopards, and various deer species. While tiger sightings are rare, the park is particularly known for its rich avian population, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, and also harbors unique species like the clouded leopard and civets in its dense forests.

What is the ideal time to visit Buxa National Park for the best safari experience, and what activities are available beyond jeep safaris?

The best time to visit Buxa National Park is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing is optimal due to drier conditions. Besides jeep safaris through the core zones, visitors can enjoy trekking to historical sites like Buxa Fort or exploring the numerous birdwatching trails.

How can international travelers best reach Buxa National Park, and what are the nearest major transport hubs?

The most convenient way to reach Buxa National Park is by flying into Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is approximately 170 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Alipurduar, the nearest major town, which is well-connected by road and also has a railway station.

What can I expect from a typical safari experience in Buxa National Park, and what are the general costs involved for permits and vehicle hire?

A safari in Buxa typically involves a guided jeep ride through designated forest routes, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. While specific costs vary, expect to pay reasonable fees for park entry permits and vehicle hire, which usually includes a mandatory forest guide, providing a relatively uncrowded and immersive experience.

Given the moderate malaria risk in the region, what specific health precautions should I take when visiting Buxa National Park?

To mitigate the moderate malaria risk, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if available.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.