Rajabhatkhawa Forest Eco Market

Overview

What it is: Rajabhatkhawa Forest Eco Market is a community-based open market, where tribal and forest-dwelling communities sell eco-friendly, handmade, and forest-derived goods.

When to Visit: The market is active daily in the mornings, with peak activity on Sundays and full moon days, when more villagers gather for collective sales.

Where it is: Located near the Rajabhatkhawa Forest Gate and Interpretation Centre, en route to Buxa Tiger Reserve, 10 km from Alipurduar town.

Where Forest Livelihoods and Sustainable Craft Coexist

The Rajabhatkhawa Forest Eco Market stands at the intersection of eco-tourism and indigenous forest trade. Set just outside the dense canopy of Buxa Tiger Reserve, this market is a cooperative space where tribal women and forest families bring their handcrafted and organic products to travelers and locals alike.

Expect to find:

• Handwoven bamboo mats and flutes,
• Jute and cane baskets,
• Wild honey, dried medicinal herbs, forest fruits, and spices,
• Locally made tribal jewelry, natural soaps, and seasonal floral dyes.

The market also acts as a supplementary income source for communities involved in eco-tourism, and some stalls are run by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that promote traditional livelihoods. It's one of the few places where nature-based economy and cultural preservation go hand-in-hand. Visitors often describe this space as serene, authentic, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the forest.

Itinerary

8:30 AM – Arrive at Rajabhatkhawa via Forest Road Pass through scenic forest roads from Alipurduar town (approx. 25 minutes by car). Walk toward the Interpretation Centre near the Forest Gate.

9:00 AM – Explore the Eco Market Stalls Browse handmade goods: tribal ornaments, bamboo crafts, cane trays. Learn how products like wild turmeric, neem oil, and herbal soaps are made.

10:30 AM – Forest Flavors & Conversations Sample wild fruit juices, puffed rice snacks, and fermented pickles. Interact with tribal women running the stalls; many speak in Rajbanshi or Nepali with basic Bengali.

12:00 PM – Visit the Forest Interpretation Centre Understand the local biodiversity, tribal lifestyle, and sustainable practices. Great for eco-conscious tourists and students.

1:00 PM – Pick up Souvenirs & Forest Goods Ideal buys include organic spices, dried mushrooms, and hand-carved wooden toys. Optional nature walk with a local guide through the nearby buffer zone of Buxa.

2:00 PM – Return Journey to Alipurduar or Head Toward Buxa Fort

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