Nestled in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region, Raimona National Park is one of India’s newest protected areas, officially declared on 5 June 2021 and notified on 8 June 2021. Covering raimona golden langur 422 square kilometers, it forms part of a contiguous forest patch extending to Chowdhuri Ghat and Paglighat. Raimona is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and its role as a habitat for the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), a striking primate species endemic to the Indo-Bhutan region.
Shortly after the park’s creation, the Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society (RGES) was founded on 26 June 2021 to promote eco-tourism, conservation, and community involvement. With headquarters opposite the Raimona Western Range Office, RGES operates in partnership with Assam’s forest department and receives support from both the Hon’ble Forest Executive Member Sjt. Ranjit Basumatary and Shri Sanatan Deka, the park’s pioneering manager. Guided by its motto “To Serve, Explore and Conserve”, the society seeks to protect Raimona’s natural heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Wildlife and Ecological Significance
Raimona’s forests, including moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and riverine habitats, host a wide variety of wildlife. The golden langur is the park’s flagship species, known for its golden fur and arboreal lifestyle. As a seed disperser, it plays a crucial ecological role in maintaining forest health.
In addition to langurs, the park shelters Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, gaur (Indian bison), and chital (spotted deer). Birdlife is abundant, with hornbills, migratory waterbirds, and endemic species contributing to the park’s status as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Raimona also supports diverse butterfly populations and unique plant species, highlighting its value for conservation, research, and eco-tourism.
Community-Led Conservation through RGES
RGES exemplifies a community-led approach to conservation, engaging over 700 members from 52 neighboring villages. The society focuses on habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and awareness campaigns while promoting sustainable eco-tourism.
Tourism initiatives by RGES are designed to balance economic benefits with ecological protection. By training locals as guides, providing homestays, and integrating cultural experiences, RGES ensures that conservation and community development go hand in hand.
Eco-Tourism Packages and Activities
RGES offers immersive experiences that showcase both Raimona’s wildlife and cultural heritage:
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Jungle Trekking: Walk through forest trails to observe wildlife and diverse plant species.
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Rafting on the Sankosh River: Adventure combined with an appreciation for riverside ecosystems.
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Jungle Cycling Tours: Low-impact cycling adventures through scenic forest trails.
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Safari Tours: Spot elephants, langurs, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
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Bird Watching: Observe hornbills, migratory waterbirds, and rare local species.
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Butterfly Watching: Experience Raimona’s vibrant butterfly diversity.
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River Bathing: Recreational bathing in the Sankosh River.
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Trips to Bodo Villages: Cultural immersion with exhibitions, local cuisine, and traditional experiences.
Each activity emphasizes education and conservation awareness, making visitors active participants in protecting the park’s natural resources.
Homestays and Accommodation
RGES partners with local communities to provide accommodation ranging from luxury homestays to budget dormitories. All homestays offer meals featuring local cuisine and are often maintained by the forest department. Key options 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
These homestays promote cultural exchange and provide economic benefits to local residents, reinforcing the society’s commitment to community-based eco-tourism.
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
This connectivity makes the park accessible for both domestic and international travelers while maintaining a focus on low-impact tourism practices.
Conservation Education and Awareness
Education is central to RGES’s mission. The society conducts workshops, guided tours, and awareness campaigns to highlight the ecological significance of the golden langur and other wildlife. By involving youth and local leaders, RGES ensures that conservation values are passed down to future generations.
Programs include:
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Wildlife monitoring and reporting
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Habitat restoration and maintenance
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Training local guides in eco-tourism and conservation principles
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Community outreach to prevent human-wildlife conflicts
These initiatives not only protect biodiversity but also empower communities to actively participate in environmental stewardship.
Cultural Integration
Eco-tourism at Raimona integrates cultural experiences with wildlife observation. Visitors engage with the Bodo community, participate in cultural exhibitions, and experience traditional cuisine and lifestyle. This approach strengthens cultural preservation while promoting understanding of the interconnectedness of people and nature.
Homestays and village tours allow visitors to experience daily life in Bodo communities, fostering mutual respect and highlighting the importance of local knowledge in conservation efforts.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its achievements, Raimona faces challenges including:
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Habitat fragmentation
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Human-wildlife conflicts
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Infrastructure hazards such as electrocution from power lines
RGES, in collaboration with the forest department and NGOs, works to address these challenges through wildlife-friendly infrastructure, community engagement, and sustainable tourism practices.
Future goals include:
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Expanding eco-tourism programs
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Strengthening conservation education
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Increasing local community participation
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Developing sustainable management strategies for natural resources
By balancing tourism, education, and conservation, Raimona aims to remain a sanctuary for wildlife and a model of community-led ecological stewardship.
Raimona National Park, with its golden langurs, diverse wildlife, and community-focused eco-tourism initiatives, is a beacon of conservation in Assam. The Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society demonstrates how local communities can actively participate in protecting natural heritage while benefiting economically and culturally.
Visitors to Raimona are offered more than recreation—they become part of a broader conservation mission, witnessing how humans, wildlife, and culture can coexist sustainably. Through education, eco-tourism, and cultural engagement, Raimona stands as a model for responsible environmental stewardship.