Sikiajhora

Flowing through the dense mixed wet forest of Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar District is a quaint river called Sikiajhora. Buxa Tiger Reserve serves as international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan and it encompasses of as many as eight different forest types. A small dam and embankment was constructed on Sikiajhora by forest department here a few years back. Situated in the North Panialguri of Alipurduar, Sikiajhora cascading through the Damnapur range of Buxa Forest has lured many tourists travelling to Dooars by its unique concept of boat safari. Sikiajhora’s boat ride has hyped the interest of tourist making the small river a must visit destination of Dooars.

The forest of Buxa is blessed with rich bio-diversity and has a great collection of rare orchids and medicinal plants making it a paradise for botany enthusiast and it is also known for having the 2nd largest population of tigers in West Bengal. The boat safari Sikiajhora lets the tourists explore the less trodden destinations of Buxa forest which cannot be traveled upon foot. Exploring the dense forest area riding upon a boat while listening to the sound of gurgling river streams and chirping of exquisite birds and if lucky tourists might even spot some wild animals drinking water at the river bank of Sikiajhora, the 4km boat safari of Sikiajhora is filled with the utter thrill of encountering some untamed animals of Buxa forest. After completing the 4km long boat ride on Sikiajhora, tourist will be taken to watch tower of Sikiajhora. The watch tower is built on the bank of Sikiajhora and offers the tourist with an astounding panoramic view of the entire river stream meandering through the dense mix forest of Buxa a sight which has left many tourists awe-inspired and spell bound. Tourist can spend couple of hours beside the watchtower admiring the bounty of nature which has been showered beside the quaint river Sikiajhora. The marshy area of Sikiajhora creates an ideal environment for the growth of numerous species of birds and since Buxa forest has more than 282 species of migratory and endemic species of birds, Sikiajhora become the birding paradise for avid bird watchers. The lush greenery and serene ambiance of Sikiajhora is also famous for being a popular picnic spot. There is an eco tourism development committee comprising local villagers. They take care of the picnickers. Kalkut a forest village is a picnic spot to lure tourists is on the other side of the road. The vibrant forested area with the chirping of unknown birds can rejuvenate any tired soul visiting to Sikiajhora.

Riding on a boat upon the river stream cascading through the dense forest area of mixed wet jungle while listening to the chirping of exotic birds and spotting some untamed animals can be a surreal ride which can be experience only in Sikiajhora boat safari in Buxa Forest. Blessed with the picturesque sight of lush green forest and serene ambiance, the boat safari on the quaint river Sikiajhora meandering through the Buxa Forest creates a perfect situation to escape the boredom of monotonous life making it a must visit destination of Dooars region for the tourist searching a retreat amidst pristine nature.

Best time to visit Sikiajhora

The beauty of Buxa forest while boating on the Sikiajhora can be relished throughout the year expect for monsoon season (mid June to mid September) since the Buxa forest remains closed for the rainy season. The best time to make most of the boat safari in Sikiajhora is in the early morning and evening, this timing are known for being the best time to spot wild animals drinking water in the bank of Sikiajhora.