Culture and history · Buxa
Rajabhatkhawa: where the king ate rice
Rajabhatkhawa, the gateway village to Buxa, carries one of the Dooars' best place-name stories. Stop at its nature interpretation centre to understand the tiger reserve before you walk or drive in.
The name means, in Bengali and Rajbanshi, the place where the king ate rice: raja (king), bhat (rice), khawa (eating). The local story, told as an anecdote rather than recorded history, is that around 1800 a king of Cooch Behar vowed not to eat rice until the Bhutanese left this land. When the Bhutan ruler agreed to withdraw, the two met in the forest and the king broke his vow with a meal of rice. Whatever its truth, it captures the long contest between Cooch Behar and Bhutan over the Duars.
The forest department's nature interpretation centre at Rajabhatkhawa introduces the reserve's forests, rivers, animals and people, with displays that help make sense of what you will see on the trail. Opening hours and fees change, so ask locally.
Rajabhatkhawa also has the forest office, a railway station on the Dooars line and a few homestays and lodges, which makes it a practical base for early safaris and for the Buxa walk.
Cost: Small entry fee at the centre (indicative)
Questions people ask
Good to know
What does Rajabhatkhawa mean?
It means the place where the king ate rice, from raja (king), bhat (rice) and khawa (eating) in Bengali and Rajbanshi. Local tradition says a Cooch Behar king vowed not to eat rice until the Bhutanese left, and ended his fast here after they agreed to withdraw, around 1800.
Is the Rajabhatkhawa interpretation centre worth visiting?
Yes, for a short visit before a safari or the Buxa walk, especially with children. It explains the reserve's habitats, animals and conservation work. Hours and fees vary, so ask locally. It takes about 30–45 minutes.
Can we stay in Rajabhatkhawa?
Yes. There are a few homestays and small lodges, useful if you arrive late or want an early safari. It is about 15–17 km from Alipurduar and about 15 km from Santalabari, the road head for the Buxa walk.
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