A Journey through Wildlife and History
In March 1900, the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, Niprendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, recorded in his hunting journal, Thirty-Seven Years of Big Game Shooting, a remarkable hunting expedition along the Saralbhanga River. His party claimed an astonishing array of wildlife, including 11 tigers, 11 leopards, one rhinoceros, and various other animals, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the forests that now form part of a protected national park.
These lush foothills, teeming with wildlife, were designated as a national park on June 9, 2021, in recognition of their ecological importance and to protect the diverse wildlife. Named after the historic capital of the Bijni estate, the park showcases the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
Local legends abound about the majestic elephant herds inhabiting these forests. One tale speaks of a maiden in a white saree who is said to command one of the largest herds, known as pagli sahan - "the elephant herd commanded by the mad girl." This captivating story has inspired various literary works, including novels by colonial writer Gordon Casserly “Elephant God and The Jungle Girl” and Assamese author Ganesh Das “Manas, Manuh aru Trimurti”. Along with the natural beauty and diverse wildlife, this national park is also famous for its legendary tales.
Raimona National Park is home to a variety of unique animals, and the main attraction of the sal-bearing forest is Golden langurs. Along with this, you can also spot Dhole, or Indian Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus), known for its social hunting packs. Another notable resident is the Gaur, or Indian Bison (Bos gaurus), a large and powerful herbivore that roams the forests. The park also shelters the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a fascinating and elusive creature known for its distinctive scaly appearance and role in maintaining ecological balance.
Together, these species contribute to the rich biodiversity of the park. The other animals that tourists can spot during guided tours are the royal Bengal tiger, spotted deer, Asian elephant, and hornbill. You will also be amazed to hear that you can spot more than 150 species of colorful butterflies and various species of orchids here.
The autumn season starting from September to October and the spring season from November to February are considered perfect to plan your visit to Raimona National Park. Just like the other parts of Assam, Raimona also receives high humidity and heavy rainfall so it is better to avoid monsoons.
Raimona National Park is accessible by various means, making it convenient for visitors to explore its rich biodiversity.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rupsi Airport in Sukatikhata, approximately 69.8 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kokrajhar Railway Station (KOJ), around 48.8 kilometers from the park. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to your destination.
By Road: Raimona National Park is well-connected by road. You can drive from nearby cities like Bongaigaon or Kokrajhar. Local buses and taxis also operate regularly, providing easy access to the park.
Once you arrive, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and adventure that awaits in Raimona National Park.
