Bison (Rajbari) National Park

The air in the forest is thick with the scent of damp earth and sal trees. A sudden rustle in the undergrowth stops you mid-step—a flicker of movement that could be anything, but here, inside the core of Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, you hope for one thing: the magnificent silhouette of a gaur.

This is the experience at the heart of a visit to Bison (Rajbari) National Park, a small but vital protected area in Tripura's South District. It is a place defined not by sprawling vistas but by the dense, watchful quiet of its forests.

History & Context

The story of the park is one of layered conservation. First, the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988, covering an area of over 194 square kilometres to protect a significant patch of biodiversity. Later, in 2007, a core area of 31.63 square kilometres within the sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a National Park. It was named for its most famous resident, the Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus), colloquially known as the bison, and is often referred to by its location, Rajbari.

The park's creation marked a focused effort to secure the prime habitat of Tripura's gaur population, providing them with the highest level of protection available under Indian law.

What Makes It Distinctive

The park's primary distinction is its healthy and visible population of Indian Gaur. Unlike in many other forests where these massive bovines are elusive, the density here offers a relatively high chance of a sighting. The forest is a mix of tropical semi-evergreen, moist mixed deciduous trees, and patches of savannah and swampy grassland, creating ideal conditions for the gaur.

Beyond the gaur, the park is a crucial habitat for the Phayre's Leaf Monkey, or spectacled langur, which is the state animal of Tripura. The sanctuary also hosts a captive breeding centre for bison, an initiative to study and bolster the species' population, which offers a more certain viewing opportunity for visitors.

Best Time to Visit

Winter (November to February): This is the ideal period. The weather is cool and dry, making forest walks pleasant. The vegetation is less dense after the monsoon, improving visibility for wildlife spotting.

Summer (March to May): Temperatures rise significantly, and it can be hot and humid. However, this is also a good time for sightings as animals tend to congregate around the remaining water bodies.

Monsoon (June to October): The park receives heavy rainfall, rendering many forest trails inaccessible and slushy. This season is best avoided as the park may be temporarily closed to visitors.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala (IXA), approximately 110 km away. From the airport, you can hire a private taxi for the 3-4 hour journey to the park via Udaipur and Belonia.

By Rail: The closest railway station is Belonia (BLNA), about 20 km from the park. It has connections to Agartala and Udaipur. Agartala (AGTL) is the major railhead in the state with wider connectivity.

By Road: The park is well-connected by road. From Agartala, the route follows NH8 through Udaipur to the town of Belonia. The park entrance is a further 20 km from Belonia town. Regular buses and shared taxis ply between Agartala and Belonia.

Permits & Entry

No Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian citizens to enter Tripura. Similarly, foreign nationals do not require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for general tourism in the state.

Information on park entry fees, vehicle charges, and official timings is not officially published or may change. Visitors are advised to confirm locally before travelling, typically at the Forest Beat Office near the entrance or in Belonia.

Nearby Attractions

• Chabimura (Debtamura): Located about 75 km away, famous for its colossal rock-cut carvings of deities on the steep banks of the Gomati River.
• Pilak: An archaeological site approximately 60 km from the park, showcasing a fascinating blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and artifacts from the 8th-12th centuries.
• Neermahal: Tripura's iconic 'Water Palace' in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake, located near Melaghar, about 85 km away. It's a stunning example of Mughal-inspired royal architecture.
• Sabroom: A border town on the Feni River, around 50 km to the south, offering a glimpse into cross-border life with Bangladesh and featuring the 'Maitri Setu' bridge.

Traveller Tips

• Carry sufficient cash. The nearest reliable ATMs are in Belonia town.
• Mobile network is poor to non-existent inside the park. Inform your contacts of your plans beforehand.
• Wear earth-toned clothing (greens, browns, khaki) to blend into the surroundings and increase chances of sightings.
• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential for the forest trails.
• Hiring a local forest guide is highly recommended, if not mandatory. They are indispensable for tracking wildlife.
• Carry your own water bottle and some light snacks, as there are no shops inside the park.
• Bring insect repellent, especially for the post-monsoon months.
• For photography, use a zoom lens. Avoid using flash as it can startle and distress the animals.