Nestled within South Tripura’s lush Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Rajbari National Park—also known as the Bison National Park—is a protected breeding ground for the endangered Indian gaur (locally known as bison or gaba). Sprawling across roughly 31.6 km², this haven combines dense forests, tranquil water bodies, and a vibrant wildlife resurgence in a borderland setting.
- Established in 2007 within the larger Trishna Sanctuary (designated in 1988) tripurainfoway.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14trulyindiatours.com+14
- Located near Belonia, adjacent to the India–Bangladesh border, offering rich biodiversity under careful protection indiatoday.in+2en.wikipedia.org+2business-standard.com+2
- Focused on Indian gaur conservation, with a dedicated 30 km² core zone designed to restore natural habitat and prevent poaching lbb.in+1lbb.in+1
- Recent efforts have led to a rise in bison population, with over 140 individuals, including new calves, following habitat improvements and strict anti-poaching measures indiatoday.in+5indiatodayne.in+5tripurainfoway.com+5
A sanctuary where conservation policy meets wildlife revival, safeguarding one of India’s most impressive bovines.
🌿 Highlights & Biodiversity
- Flora Richness: The forest features four key types—tropical semi-evergreen, East Himalayan sal, moist deciduous, and savannah woodland—housing 230 tree species, 110 shrubs, 150 climbers, and 400 herbs reserveit.net+4en.wikipedia.org+4holidify.com+4
- Wildlife Variety: Aside from gaur, expect to encounter golden and capped langurs, hoolock gibbons, wild boar, leopards, and an array of birds including pheasant-tailed jacanas, kingfishers, drongos, tailorbirds, jungle mynas, and hornbills unacademy.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4
🛡️ Conservation Strategies
- Core Fencing & Patrols: Barbed wire along the Bangladesh border has reduced cross-border straying and poaching significantly indiatodayne.in+1tripurainfoway.com+1
- Habitat Enrichment: Creation of open grazing lawns, bamboo (kaillai) plantations, salt licks, and watchtowers support gaur nutrition and breeding needs indiatoday.in+6tripurainfoway.com+6indiatodayne.in+6
- Ongoing Expansion: Continued fencing, habitat restoration, and a growing network of six watch towers for monitoring and visitor experience are underway indiatodayne.in+3tripurainfoway.com+3business-standard.com+3
🚗 Visitor Info & Safari Experience
- Timings & Fees: Open daily (except Friday in some sources) from 10 AM to 5 PM; minimal entry fee (~₹10–₹50) holidify.com
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How to Reach:
- ~55 km from Agartala (1.5–2 hr by road), via Belonia indiatoday.in+5holidify.com+5reserveit.net+5holidify.com+5tripxl.com+5indiatoday.in+5
- Nearest stations: Kumarghat or Dharmanagar, with onward taxi or bus access tripxl.com
- Safari & Activities: Jeep safaris traverse the core zone; boating in park lakes offers scenic views; birdwatching and photography are top highlights indiatoday.in+10holidify.com+10lbb.in+10
✅ Why It Matters
- National Significance: India’s only natural breeding centre for the vulnerable Indian gaur business-standard.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1
- Wildlife Renaissance: Rising gaur numbers—from ~130 in 2010 to over 140 now—highlight conservation success
- Ecotourism Potential: Combines wildlife preservation with visitor education and sustainable tourism, featuring watchtowers and lakeside boating
🌳 Conclusion
Rajbari National Park stands as a compelling example of successful wildlife conservation, showcasing how targeted habitat enhancement, protective fencing, and community awareness can restore a threatened species. For travelers eager to witness Indian gaurs in their native habitat—set against tranquil forests and rich biodiversity—Rajbari offers a rare, immersive experience in Tripura’s wilderness frontier. Planning a visit? I can help with safari booking tips, best seasons, and nearby attractions!
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