Wings of Culture Expedition

The Butterflying Tour and the Dukpa Living Heritage Festival represent a delicate fusion of ecological and cultural preservation, inviting travelers to partake in a transformative experience. This initiative underscores the growing recognition of the intrinsic value of integrating conservation efforts with cultural sustainability, fostering a holistic approach to tourism.

Conservation of Natural Habitats:

The Butterflying Tour is a beacon of environmental stewardship. Participants are given the chance to delve into the delicate ecosystems that support some of the World's rarest and most beautiful butterfly species. Guided by expert naturalists, travellers will explore lush habitats, learning about the complex interactions within these environments that are crucial for the survival of these butterflies. The tour also emphasizes the significance of protecting these natural landscapes from the threats posed by human activities, climate change, and habitat destruction.

Cultural Preservation:

Parallel to the environmental focus, the Dukpa Living Heritage Festival is a celebration of the Dukpa people's rich cultural tapestry. This festival offers an immersive experience into the Dukpa way of life, showcasing their traditional foods, music, dance, art, and customs. Travellers can engage with the Dukpa community, gaining insights into their daily lives and cultural practices. This cultural exchange not only enriches the visitors' understanding but also provides the Dukpa people with a platform to preserve and share their heritage with the world.

Economic and Social Impact:

By participating in this tour, travellers contribute to the local economy, supporting sustainable livelihoods for the Dukpa community. The initiative creates employment opportunities and promotes local crafts and products, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed equitably within the community. This model of responsible tourism empowers the Dukpa people, enabling them to maintain their cultural identity while benefiting from the economic influx brought by tourism.

Educational Opportunities:

The tour also serves as an educational platform, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the broader implications of conservation and cultural preservation, fostering a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. Educational workshops and interactive sessions with conservationists and cultural experts further enrich the experience, leaving travellers with a deeper appreciation and commitment to these causes.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India. This Reserve is a critical part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot and features a unique and varied ecosystem. 

Location and Geography

Buxa Tiger Reserve lies in the north-eastern corner of West Bengal and is adjacent to the Manas National Park of Assam to the east. It shares its northern boundary with Bhutan, making it an important corridor for wildlife movement between Assam, West Bengal, and Bhutan. The Reserve encompasses an area of approximately 760 square kilometers and features a diverse landscape that includes hills, forests, and rivers. The terrain of BTR is part of the Terai and Dooars region, which is characterized by moist, deciduous forests and lush greenery.

Ecological Significance

The location of Buxa Tiger Reserve within the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot emphasizes its ecological importance. This hotspot is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world, home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals. The reserve acts as a vital corridor for the Asian Elephant population, facilitating their movement between different regions. This connectivity is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of elephant populations.

Flora

Buxa Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse flora. The forest comprises eight distinct forest types, each contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. These include tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, riverine forests, sal forests, and bamboo groves. The reserve boasts a recorded diversity of 352 tree species, showcasing a variety of hardwood and softwood trees. Some of the notable tree species include Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), and various species of bamboo.

Fauna

The diverse habitats within Buxa Tiger Reserve support an impressive array of fauna. The reserve is home to 68 species of mammals, including some of the most iconic and endangered species in India. These include the Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Asian Elephant, Gaur (Indian bison), and several species of deer. The avian diversity in BTR is equally remarkable, with 516 recorded bird species. This includes a variety of raptors, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Notable bird species include the Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and various species of eagles and owls.

Reptiles and amphibians also thrive in Buxa Tiger Reserve, with 41 recorded reptile species. This includes various species of snakes, lizards, and turtles. The reserve is also home to more than 400 species of butterflies, making it a haven for entomologists and nature enthusiasts.

Conservation Efforts

Buxa Tiger Reserve is managed by the West Bengal Forest Department and is part of India's Project Tiger initiative. Conservation efforts in BTR focus on protecting the habitat and ensuring the survival of its diverse wildlife. Anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration projects, and community engagement are key components of the conservation strategy. The reserve also collaborates with national and international organizations to promote research and monitoring of wildlife populations.

Challenges

Despite its ecological significance, Buxa Tiger Reserve faces several challenges. Habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal logging are persistent threats. The proximity of human settlements to the reserve boundaries often leads to conflicts, especially with elephants and tigers. Conservationists are working to address these issues through community-based conservation programs and awareness campaigns.

Tourism

Buxa Tiger Reserve is a popular destination for ecotourism. Visitors can explore the reserve through guided tours, trekking, and wildlife safaris. The reserve offers several tourist facilities, including eco-lodges and nature camps. Key attractions within BTR include the Buxa Fort, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Jayanti River, a picturesque spot for nature walks and birdwatching.

Butterfly Diversity

The highly diverse flora of BTR provides suitable host and nectar resources for a wide range of butterflies. More than 400 butterfly species inhabit the forest. The montane regions hold many high-altitude species of butterflies, whereas the lower elevation shows a different butterfly diversity altogether. The riverbeds are hotspots for mud-puddling for many butterflies. The forest is also home to many rare butterfly species. Thus BTR has the potential to be a prime spot for butterfly tourism in future.

Butterfly tourism can advocate the importance of butterflies in ecosystem, emphasize their need for conservation and connect the local community through eco-tourism and cultural promotion to achieve strong community engagement in long-term conservation and sustainability practices.

Living Heritage Of Lepchakha – A Little Bhutan In India

The tiny village Lepchakha is situated district of Alipurduar northern part of West Benagl, under the Buxa Tiger Reserve, Dooars. Surrounded by its stunning naturalistic views at the hill top of BTR.

 

It is a place where nature rules, casting its spell over visitors with cascading waterfalls, emerald-green meadows and dense forests filled with life. 

The locals, predominantly the Dukpa tribe, welcome you with their warm smiles and wide open hearts. 

Enchanting Heritage of Dukpa Tribe in Lepchakha

The Dukpas bear the remarkable genetic heritage of their Mongoloid ancestry. As the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the revered spiritual leader of the Kurma Kagvu order of Buddhism, graced the lands, a magnificent chapter of migration unfolded. In early 1960s, a wave of Bhutanese souls embarked on a transformative journey to Sikkim, seeking spiritual solace and a new beginning. This Dukpa village is close to Indo- Bhutan border and situated in Buxa Tiger Reserve.

The Dukpas are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, creating intricate artefacts that reflect their deep reverence for nature. Being skilled weavers, their garments, adorned with vibrant patterns and motifs, tell stories of their heritage and the landscapes that have shaped their existence.

Music and dance are an integral part of Dukpa culture, merging rhythm and melody to celebrate life's joys and navigate its sorrows. 

Culinary Delights and Masterful Artistry

The Dukpa tribe savors a delectable array of culinary delights, embracing a diverse selection of cereals and meats. Among their favoured grains are rice, maize, and the cherished wheat rotis. 

In the realm of culinary expertise, the Dukpas proudly present their signature dish, Emadhachi, a culinary masterpiece that harmoniously blends the earthiness of potatoes, the richness of mushrooms, the fiery essence of big chillies, and the unique touch of 'churpi,' a type of paneer. 

Quenching their thirst the Dukpas partake in a range of indigenous beverages. Among their favorites is a buttered and salted tea, a comforting elixir that warms both body and soul. 

Within the realm of the Dupka tribe, an exquisite inventory of tools are employed to masterfully process hides and intricately sew clothing. Besides hew, lalli and sima are used for crushing and filtering food items they also use Needles, Double-Awl, End Scraper and many among others. 

The folklore of Lepchakha weaves a captivating tapestry of mythical tales and legends. Stories of deities, spirits, and mythical creatures are passed down through generations, preserving the oral traditions of the region. 

One of the most important part of their performing arts are the music and dance. Based on Dukpa’s traditions there are religious and traditional folk music. 

Combining trumpets, conch shells, symbols, gong, flutes and drums the religious music is normally played during religious festivals and celebrations. The traditional folk music is again a combination of ‘DAM-NGEY’ (Guitar), ‘PHIWAN’ (Violin) and ‘LIM’ (Flute), also played during festivals and special occasions.

‘GHO’ is the traditional attire for men, which resembles the Scottish kilt. The women wear a long robe called ‘KIRA’ wrapped around the body covering the neck from the down to the back and ‘bokhu,’ a scarf decorated with several designs 

The festivals celebrated with happiness and prosperity and they are the descending day of Lord Buddha from heaven, the blessed rainy day and the birth of Guru Padmasabhava, who is popularly known as Guru Rimpoche and “LASSUNG” which happens to be the New Year. Losar is one of the most popular festivals to happen every February when they play archery (Da Dhanu) with Khuru (darts). 

The monastery situated in Lepchakha, built in 1954 and in Tashigaon are very popular ones. 

The traditional sports of the Dukpas are “DATSEY” (archery) and “DEGO” (a game of stones normally played by monks who had to refrain from playing archery, other games include “SOSOM”(Javelin), “PUNGDO” (Shot-put),“THONJU” (Long jump) and “KESHEY”(Wrestling). 

The tribe are present in villages like Phulbari, Paanbari, Adma Adma, Seugaon, Phukhuri Chunabati, Tashigaon, Lalbangla, Sadarbazar, Daragaon, Buxa, Khattaline, Lepchaka, Ochulung.  

 

As we strive to safeguard the essence of this enchanting destination, it becomes paramount to preserve its Dzonkha language, culture, folklore, and transmit its rich heritage to future generations. 

The torchbearers of Lepchakha's cultural heritage recognize the importance of transmitting their knowledge to future generations. Efforts are underway to involve young community members in cultural activities, providing them with opportunities to learn traditional practices, engage in folklore storytelling, and participate in cultural festivals. 

There are homestays residing at the peaceful ambiance stuffed with the purity of nature, serving its visitors with wonder, happens to be their only source of livelihood. 
 

All-inclusive Package Cost :- 16,900.00/-* Per Person

Tour Inclusion:- 

• Category- Special Interest Tour 
• 06 nights’ accommodation 
• All transfer on private basis 
• All transfer will be on point to point basis 
• Arrival & Departure – Alipurduar 
• All activities and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary. 
• Meal Plan – AP (05 Breakfast | 05 Lunch | 05 Dinner )
• Vehicle – Bolero/Sumo 
• Accommodation – Homestays 
• Double /Twin/ Triple & Quad Sharing Rooms
• National Park Fees
• 01 Naturalist
• 02 Tour leader 
• Expedition Kit 
• Certificate

Tour Exclusion:- 

• GST
• Travel Insurance 
• Camera fees at National Park 
• Personal expenses such as mineral water, drinks, phone calls, laundry charges etc. 
• Any extra sightseeing trips 
• Any service requested separately during the course of the tour for any reason 
• Any service not specified in the inclusions. 
• Expenses of personal nature Air/train fare 

The following points are to be noted for Child Rate:- 

• Children above 11+ years will be charged 100% as per adult rate 
• Children of 5+ to 11 sharing a parent's room will be charged as per CWB or CNB 
• Children below 5 years Complimentary. (Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when asked) 
   

Banking Details:- 

Account Name - AADRIK HOLIDAYS LLP 
Current Account – 203705001605
IFSC Code - ICIC0002037
Bank Name- ICICI 
Branch – Mal 
 

Booking Policy:- 

• All Booking should be provided via mail. 
• The holding period for any booking will be up to 3 working days after that it will be considered as cancelled. 
• Booking will be considered confirmed after the receipt of 40% of the total amount and the
• balance amount must be paid before the end of the trip. 
• An invoice will be raised after the full payment. 

Cancellation Policy:- 

• 30 Days from the date of journey - 25 % Cancellation Charge of the package cost. 
• Within 15 days from the date of journey Cancellation Charge will be 65 % of the package cost. 
• Within 10 days from the date of journey - Cancellation Charge will be 80 % of the package cost.
• Less than 08 days from the date of journey - Full Cancellation charge or No Refund. 

Expedition Curated By 
Aadrik Holidays 
 

Collaboration with 
Nature Mates – Nature Club

Supported by 
Association For Conservation & Tourism 

Booking Details

Salini Ghosh - +91 97 49 68 48 00
   Ritam Dey  - +91 80 17 27 07 41

Email – salini@aadrikholidays.com 
Log on – www.aadrikholidays.com | www.lepchakha.com