Raimona National Park, the newest jewel in Assam’s conservation crown, is an ecological treasure and a hub for community-led eco-tourism. Declared on 5 June 2021 and officially notified on 8 June 2021, the park spans 422 square kilometers of contiguous forest, connecting to surrounding areas like Chowdhuri Ghat and Paglighat. Raimona has become renowned not only for its natural beauty and biodiversity but also as the home of the https://raimonagoldenlangur.org/ golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), an endemic and endangered primate species. The establishment of the Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society (RGES) has reinforced the park’s mission to combine conservation with sustainable tourism, providing economic opportunities for local communities while protecting the environment.
Origins of the Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society
Founded on 26 June 2021, shortly after the park’s declaration, RGES operates from its headquarters opposite the Raimona Western Range Office. Guided by the motto “To Serve, Explore and Conserve”, the society works closely with the forest department to safeguard the natural heritage of Bodoland. Support from key conservation figures, such as Shri Sanatan Deka, manager of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and Hon’ble Forest Executive Member Sjt. Ranjit Basumatary, has been instrumental in establishing RGES as a credible and community-driven conservation body.
The society’s name itself honors the golden langur, symbolizing the park’s ecological significance and the species’ role as a flagship for conservation efforts. By combining awareness campaigns, eco-tourism, and habitat protection, RGES exemplifies how local communities can actively participate in biodiversity preservation.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Raimona National Park hosts a rich tapestry of wildlife across its moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. The park’s ecosystem includes riverine forests nourished by the Saralbhanga, Pekua, and Sankosh rivers, which provide critical water resources for flora and fauna. The golden langur, with its distinct golden coat and arboreal habits, plays a vital ecological role as a seed disperser, contributing to forest regeneration and health.
Beyond langurs, Raimona is home to Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, gaur (Indian bison), chital (spotted deer), and an array of bird species, including hornbills and migratory waterbirds. The park also supports diverse butterfly populations and endemic plants, making it a hotspot for eco-tourists, birdwatchers, and researchers. The rich biodiversity establishes Raimona as both a sanctuary for endangered species and a critical wildlife corridor linking Indian forests to Bhutanese landscapes.
Community Engagement and Eco-Tourism
RGES promotes eco-tourism as a sustainable development model, offering experiences such as jungle trekking, rafting, safari tours, jungle cycling, bird and butterfly watching, river bathing, and cultural trips to Bodo villages. These activities not only provide visitors with immersive nature experiences but also directly benefit local communities.
The society organizes homestays in Bodo villages, ranging from luxury accommodations to budget dormitories. By booking and staying in these homestays, tourists contribute to the local economy while gaining authentic cultural experiences. Some 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
This approach ensures that tourism revenue circulates within the community, creating incentives for locals to participate actively in conservation efforts and maintain cultural traditions.
Tour Packages and Experiences
RGES carefully curates a variety of packages to showcase Raimona’s natural and cultural wealth:
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Jungle Trekking: Explore the dense forests and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
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Rafting on Sankosh River: Enjoy thrilling water adventures while experiencing riverside ecology.
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Jungle Cycling Tour: Pedal through scenic forest trails for an eco-friendly tour experience.
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Safari Tours: Observe elephants, langurs, and other species in open forest ranges.
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Bird Watching: Spot rare and migratory bird species with guided tours.
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Butterfly Watching: Capture glimpses of colorful butterflies in their natural environment.
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River Bathing: Refresh in the clean waters of the Sankosh River.
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Trip to Bodo Villages: Learn about local traditions and witness Bodo cultural exhibitions.
Each package is designed to balance adventure, education, and conservation awareness, ensuring visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Raimona’s ecological and cultural significance.
Distance and Accessibility
Raimona 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
These connections make Raimona an appealing destination for both domestic and international eco-tourists. Efficient travel planning ensures visitors can enjoy the park’s offerings without disturbing the delicate ecosystem.
The Role of Education and Awareness
RGES emphasizes education as a cornerstone of conservation. Workshops, guided tours, and cultural exchanges introduce visitors and local communities to the importance of protecting biodiversity. By engaging youth and community leaders, RGES cultivates a conservation ethic that extends beyond the park’s borders. These efforts are critical in ensuring long-term sustainability, preventing habitat loss, and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Community-led conservation also addresses challenges such as habitat fragmentation, electrocution hazards, and human-wildlife conflicts. RGES collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations to implement mitigation measures and wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
Cultural Integration and Heritage
Eco-tourism at Raimona integrates cultural preservation with environmental protection. Visitors are introduced to Bodo traditions, cuisine, music, and crafts, creating a holistic experience that celebrates local heritage alongside natural wonders. This dual focus ensures that conservation efforts are culturally sensitive and socially inclusive, promoting harmony between communities and nature.
Through homestays and guided village tours, tourists can witness daily life in Bodo villages, participate in traditional activities, and understand the community’s role in safeguarding Raimona’s ecosystems. This hands-on approach fosters empathy, cultural appreciation, and long-term support for conservation initiatives.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its achievements, Raimona faces ongoing conservation challenges. Threats include habitat fragmentation, infrastructure-related hazards, and potential conflicts between wildlife and local communities. RGES continues to advocate for wildlife-friendly planning, community participation, and sustainable tourism practices to address these issues.
Looking ahead, the society aims to expand eco-tourism initiatives, strengthen educational outreach, and develop additional infrastructure for responsible tourism. By maintaining strong collaborations with the forest department and conservation organizations, RGES seeks to ensure that Raimona remains both a sanctuary for wildlife and a model for community-driven conservation.
Raimona National Park and the Raimona Golden Langur Eco Tourism Society exemplify the synergy between wildlife conservation and community development. The golden langur, as the park’s iconic species, symbolizes both the ecological richness of Assam and the potential for communities to lead conservation efforts.
By blending adventure, education, cultural engagement, and sustainable tourism, Raimona offers a unique model of eco-tourism that benefits wildlife, communities, and visitors alike. For anyone passionate about conservation, biodiversity, or cultural immersion, Raimona provides a transformative experience where nature and human ingenuity come together for a shared purpose.
