Raimona National Park, officially declared in June 2021, is one of Assam’s newest and most ecologically significant protected areas. Spanning 422 square kilometers of lush forests in the Bodoland Territorial Region, the park connects important wildlife habitats and serves as a sanctuary for numerous species, including the https://raimonagoldenlangur.org/ golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), a rare primate endemic to the Indo-Bhutan border region. Raimona’s creation reflects both the government’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and the local communities’ efforts to maintain their natural heritage.
At the forefront of these efforts is the Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society (RGES), a community-based organization formed shortly after the park’s establishment. With its headquarters opposite the Raimona Western Range Office, RGES embodies the motto “To Serve, Explore and Conserve”, promoting sustainable eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and local community development. The society has garnered support from both the Forest Executive Member, Sjt. Ranjit Basumatary, and Shri Sanatan Deka, the pioneering manager of Raimona National Park.
Ecological Importance of Raimona
Raimona National Park comprises a contiguous forest block interspersed with rivers, wetlands, and grasslands, creating a mosaic of habitats for wildlife. The park’s forests include moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and riparian vegetation types, supporting diverse flora and fauna. Its proximity to areas like Chowdhuri Ghat and Paglighat further enhances its ecological connectivity, allowing wide-ranging species such as elephants and tigers to traverse safely between habitats.
The park’s most iconic resident, the golden langur, is a flagship species that draws global attention. Known for its striking golden coat and arboreal lifestyle, the langur plays a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds and maintaining forest health. In addition, Raimona shelters Asian elephants, clouded leopards, gaur (Indian bison), chital (spotted deer), and a variety of bird species, making it an essential biodiversity hotspot in Assam. The park is also rich in butterflies, orchids, and other plant species, underscoring its conservation value.
Community-Led Conservation: RGES
The Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society operates as a community-led conservation model, demonstrating how local residents can play a central role in preserving ecosystems. With over 700 members from 52 neighboring villages, RGES actively participates in habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and awareness campaigns. The society’s work is anchored in collaboration with Assam’s forest department and conservation NGOs, ensuring that initiatives are both scientifically informed and locally appropriate.
RGES’s activities include promoting eco-tourism, organizing cultural events, training youth as guides, and fostering a culture of conservation in the region. By connecting tourism to economic benefits, the society incentivizes local communities to protect wildlife and natural habitats, creating a sustainable model for both conservation and livelihoods.
Wildlife and Eco-Tourism Packages
RGES offers a variety of eco-tourism experiences designed to immerse visitors in Raimona’s natural and cultural richness:
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Jungle Trekking: Explore forest trails, spotting wildlife and rare plant species.
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Rafting on Sankosh River: Adventure enthusiasts can navigate the river while observing riverside ecology.
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Jungle Cycling Tours: Pedal through scenic forest pathways for a low-impact exploration of the park.
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Safari Tours: Observe elephants, langurs, and other large mammals in their natural habitat.
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Bird Watching: A chance to spot hornbills, migratory waterbirds, and endemic species.
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Butterfly Watching: Discover the park’s diverse butterfly populations in vibrant forested areas.
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River Bathing: Enjoy recreational and therapeutic bathing in the Sankosh River.
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Trips to Bodo Villages: Experience local culture through village tours and Bodo cultural exhibitions.
Each package is structured to provide both recreation and education, encouraging visitors to appreciate wildlife while understanding conservation challenges.
Homestay Accommodation
RGES collaborates with local communities to provide accommodations in designed homestays, ranging from luxury lodgings to budget dormitories. Most homestays are managed in cooperation with the forest department and include meals prepared with local ingredients. Notable homestays include:
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Himalaya Home Stay, Kumguri – Rs 1000 per night
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Jamduar Home Stay, Oxiguri – Rs 1000 per night
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Dudhikola Home Stay, Raimona – Rs 1000 per night
Homestays enable tourists to experience Bodo culture firsthand while contributing directly to the local economy. This integration of eco-tourism and cultural tourism promotes community engagement and enhances conservation awareness.
Distance and Accessibility
Raimona National Park is accessible from several major airports:
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Guwahati Airport: 257 km
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Rupsi Airport: 73.2 km
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Bagdogra International Airport: 247 km
The park’s strategic location ensures that it can attract visitors from both domestic and international destinations while maintaining low-impact access to protect sensitive ecosystems.
Educational and Awareness Programs
RGES places strong emphasis on conservation education, conducting workshops, guided tours, and awareness campaigns for both tourists and locals. These programs highlight the ecological importance of the golden langur and other wildlife, encouraging participants to become stewards of the environment. By involving youth and community leaders, RGES ensures that conservation values are embedded across generations.
Education also extends to practical conservation efforts, such as wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. These initiatives are crucial for sustaining the ecological health of Raimona while fostering community ownership of conservation goals.
Cultural Integration
Eco-tourism in Raimona seamlessly integrates cultural experiences with wildlife exploration. Visitors can participate in Bodo cultural exhibitions, sample local cuisine, and interact with village communities. This approach emphasizes the connection between biodiversity and human culture, demonstrating that protecting the environment also preserves cultural heritage.
Homestays and cultural tours offer immersive experiences, enabling tourists to witness traditional Bodo lifestyles and appreciate the community’s role in protecting Raimona’s ecosystems.
Challenges and Conservation Goals
Despite significant achievements, Raimona faces ongoing challenges. Habitat fragmentation, wildlife-human conflict, and infrastructure hazards such as electrocution from power lines pose risks to wildlife, including the golden langur. RGES works to implement mitigation strategies, raise awareness, and advocate for wildlife-friendly infrastructure in collaboration with the forest department and NGOs.
The society’s long-term goals include expanding eco-tourism programs, increasing community participation, strengthening conservation education, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. By balancing tourism, community development, and wildlife protection, RGES aims to secure Raimona’s ecological future.
Raimona National Park, with its golden langurs, lush forests, and community-led eco-tourism initiatives, represents a pioneering model of conservation in Assam. The Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society exemplifies how local communities, wildlife, and tourism can coexist harmoniously, creating economic opportunities while protecting biodiversity.
Visitors to Raimona are not only offered adventure and recreation but also become participants in a larger story of conservation and cultural preservation. Through sustainable tourism, educational outreach, and community engagement, Raimona stands as a beacon of hope for endangered species and the people who live alongside them.