28 Mile is a small settlement within the Buxa Tiger Reserve with 110 households. The number of households has increased considerably since 1960. Homestays are available for tourists at the 28 Mile Basti as it is known in the local language. There is also a well furnished cottage at 28 Mile serving guests who visit Buxa Tiger Reserve. Buxa is one of the largest forest reserves in West Bengal and is home to Asian tigers whose population is only second to that of Sunderbans. The importance of Buxa increased manifold in the year 1992 when it was declared to be a national park.
How to reach 28 miles
Buxa Tiger Reserve is nicely interconnected with the major modes of transportation. If you are traveling by train, arrive at Alipurduar station which is 37 kilometers from Buxa forest. You can hire a taxi from the station to reach Buxa. On the other hand, you can take a flight to the Bagdogra airport and from there hire a cab to arrive at Buxa. Tourists who are traveling by their own car should take the NH-31 to reach Buxa through Rajabhatkhawa which is 25 kilometers away from the destination.
Accommodation in 28 miles
As already mentioned above 28 Mile offers accommodation facilities to the tourists. The home stays offer basic amenities while the cottage provides modern ones. The small settlement at 28 Mile within the forest offers home stays. Tourists at times prefer this spot because of its proximity to the Bala River bed which is a popular spot for bird watching; both migratory and local birds. The Leo Cottage is located within this core area of the forest. The room rents vary from 1000 INR to 1500 INR. The cottage offers 24 hours hot water, dining, camp fire, car parking facilities. You will be served with delicious Bengali dishes at 400 INR per person.
Attractions & Activities in 28 miles
Staying at 28 Mile provides an opportunity to you to explore the forest from the core area. You have to seek permission from the forest department but if you are staying at the cottage you will be able to explore the jungle through safaris and treks. Animals like tigers, elephants, squirrels, sambhar, bisons and deer can be found in the forest. Snakes and other insects can also be spotted if you keep your eyes open. The forest is vast and there are tea gardens on the fringes which you can visit. There is also a boating spot in the jungle known as Shikia Jhora which offers an exciting coat ride on the brooke.
Trek to Buxa Fort