Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is documented to have been among the many political prisoners incarcerated at this fort.
The fort was originally built of wood before being reconstructed with stone by the Koch Dynasty and later the British.
It is located at an altitude of approximately 867 meters above sea level.
The structure serves as a gateway to the Sinchula Range and the historic trek to the Lepchakha village.
The fort was damaged by the earthquake of 1897, which contributed significantly to its current ruined state.
Buxa Fort is a high-altitude historical ruin situated within the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Buxa Hills of West Bengal. Originally constructed by the Kings of Bhutan, the fort served as a strategic point to control trade routes between Tibet and India. During the British colonial era, the facility was converted into a high-security prison for political detainees and revolutionaries fighting for Indian independence. The site is accessible via a trek through dense tropical forests that are part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The current ruins consist of stone masonry walls and remnants of the prison cells used to house inmates. Its elevation provides a panoramic view of the surrounding forested landscape. The fort remains a significant cultural marker of the shifting political boundaries between the Himalayan kingdoms and British India.
The main stone gateway entrance, which frames the surrounding forest canopy effectively.
Wear sturdy trekking footwear with good grip, as the path to the fort is steep and can be slippery.
Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks, as there are no shops located directly inside the fort ruins.
Obtain necessary permits from the forest department office at the base of the trek before proceeding.
Attempting the trek during the monsoon season when paths are prone to mudslides and heavy leech infestations.
The forest department may close the trek route temporarily during peak monsoon or periods of high forest fire risk.
Maintain silence as the area is located within a protected wildlife reserve; do not litter or disturb the local vegetation.
