Unveiling the astounding wildlife at Tripura’s amazing sanctuaries

Tripura may be a small state, but it is loaded with richness and boasts of varieties of nature and diverse cultures. About two-thirds area of the state is under forest cover, where different species of trees, orchids, birds, and wildlife are found. Tripura offers excellent opportunities for eco-friendly tourism, and the different wildlife sanctuaries in the state offer various attractions to tourists.

Located in the Northeast of India, Tripura is surrounded on north, west, and south by Bangladesh. To the east, it borders Mizoram and Assam. It is a wonderland of natural beauty, complete with meandering streams, rivers, deep valleys, and mountains. Tripura lies in hilly terrain with plenty of rain and is thus rich and abundant in flora and fauna. The many wildlife sanctuaries in Tripura are an abode to many animals, birds, insects, and plant kingdoms. There are four well-known sanctuaries in the state: Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located 45 minutes out of Agartala, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction in Tripura, particularly for wildlife enthusiasts. The area has been developed as a wildlife sanctuary, national park, and academic and research centre. The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is the home of Rhesus Macaque, Jungle Fowl, Pigtailed Macaque, Clouded Leopard, Capped Langur, Slow Loris, Barking Deer,

Civets, Wild boar and many more. The crab-eating mongoose, last sighted about 72 years ago in India, can be seen at the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, one can also find the unique bespectacled monkey, Phayre’s Leaf-eating Monkey. The Clouded Leopard National Park, India’s first dedicated wildlife park to Clouded Leopards, is located inside the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. There are varieties of flora and fauna found here, apart from 150 species of both local and migratory birds. It is a great place for indulging in bird photography.

The Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, 111 km from Agartala, established in 1988, has several perennial water rivulets, water bodies, and grassland. The Indian Gaur (Bison) is an attraction of this sanctuary. The Rajbari National Park is situated in the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary with an aim to conserve the gaurs surviving here. Apart from it, there are varieties of Birds, Deer, Hoolock Gibbons, Golden Langurs, Capped Langurs, Pheasants, and many other animals and reptiles. It is also one of the strongholds for Phayre’s Leaf-eating Monkey.

Another important wildlife reserve in Tripura, the Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, is situated on the northern fringes of Tripura. Despite its small size, it has gained a great deal of popularity over the years because of its natural beauty, restored with the active cooperation of the local community. Around 150 km from Agartala, the sanctuary is particularly rich in birds and reptiles. The sanctuary is also home to a bewildering variety of plant species, including several species of medicinal value. The Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary is a place full of nature and peace, tranquillity, and a nice place if one is looking to relax amidst nature.

Located amid lush greenery in the Southeast corner of Tripura, the Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary pleases everyone with its varied species of flora and fauna. Some 100 km from Agartala, the sanctuary shelters elephants, sambar, bison, barking deer, serow, wild goat, and many more. Reptiles have also found a home in the sanctuary. While in the sanctuary you can also spot different residential and migratory birds like the lesser adjutant stork, darter, and many more.