Jayanti River Valley
জয়ন্তী
A forest village at the foot of the Bhutan hills, where the wide white pebble riverbed and the green Jayanti hills across the water make up the Dooars' most classic scenery.
Jayanti village lies in the heart of Buxa Tiger Reserve, right at the point where the Jayanti River exits the hills. In the dry season the river recedes, leaving a pebble bed hundreds of meters wide, perfect for strolling and watching the sunrise and sunset. Across the river rise the steep Jayanti hills and the Bhutanese mountains, and at night you can often hear elephants and deer calling. The village has forestry department bungalows and several homestays. It is the starting point for Mahakal Caves and Pokri Hill. An old railway bridge ruin is also a popular photo spot. Entry requires a protected-area permit, obtained in Rajabhatkhawa. The drive from Alipurduar takes about 1 hour by hired car. The monsoon river runs fast, so never try to cross it.
Opening hours
Daytime (reserve closes during rainy season, approx. mid-June to mid-September)
Nearby sights
- Pokhri Hill
- Mahakal Cave
- Buxa Tiger Reserve Jungle Safari
- Buxa Fort
- Lepchakha
- Rajabhatkhawa Nature Interpretation Centre
- Raimatang
- Chilapata Forest