The short answer
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you like quiet forest walks and birds. It is the closest wildlife area to Kokrajhar, about 20 km away, but it is not a developed park: go with a guide arranged through Bodoland Tourism, expect rough tracks, and treat langur sightings as a bonus.
History and context
The story behind Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
The area was first declared a reserve forest in 1966, according to Wikipedia, and became a wildlife sanctuary on 14 July 1994. It was earlier known as Sikhri-Sikhla.
It covers about 45.6 sq km, mainly in Kokrajhar district with a portion in Dhubri district, and is a north-south hill tract with sal coppice on the lower slopes and mixed deciduous forest higher up.
Useful facts
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- About 20 km from Kokrajhar, Assam
- Experience type
- Forest walks, birdwatching, photography
- Known for
- Golden langur, hornbills, two wetlands
- Area
- About 45.6 sq km
- Declared
- Sanctuary since 14 July 1994
- Visitor contact
- Bodoland Tourism office, JD Road, Kokrajhar
Why it matters
Why Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Chakrashila was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 14 July 1994 to protect the golden langur, and Wikipedia describes it as the second protected habitat for the species in India. The species lives only in a small part of western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan, so even a modest forest such as this one carries real conservation weight.
It also gives Kokrajhar a green edge. The sanctuary, its hills and the Baukhungri peak inside it frame the town's southern side, and the lakes attract migratory birds in winter. For visitors, it is the simplest way to see what the Bodoland landscape looked like before the plains were farmed.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Golden langurs
A rare primate found only in a small part of Assam and Bhutan, best looked for early in the morning.
- 02
Forest birds
About a hundred species are recorded, including hornbills and three globally threatened birds.
- 03
Two lakes
Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel lie on either side of the hills and make a good second stop.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan Chakrashila as a morning outing from Kokrajhar. The sanctuary is roughly 20 km from town, so a car with a driver is the practical choice. Check at the Bodoland Tourism office on JD Road first: they can say which trails are open and put you in touch with guides who run treks, excursions and camps in the hills.
Once there, go slowly. Golden langurs are shy, live in groups high in the canopy, and are easiest to spot early in the day, when they feed in the treetops. Their cream-to-gold coats stand out against the sal and mixed deciduous forest. Bring binoculars: about a hundred bird species have been recorded, including hornbills, and the area is an Important Bird Area with the nearby wetlands.
The sanctuary lies between two lakes, Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel, and you can combine a short walk with a stop at Dheer Beel. Take food and water, wear covered shoes, and be back in town by afternoon. Treat any camping or paragliding offer as something to arrange in advance with the tourism office.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Call or visit Bodoland Tourism on JD Road before you go
- Take binoculars, water and food
- Start early; langurs are most active in the morning
- Wear closed shoes and long trousers
- Ask about guides rather than walking alone
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- About 20 km from Kokrajhar town, on the Kokrajhar and Dhubri district boundary
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- November to March for walking; early morning for langurs and birds
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Trails are forest tracks with uneven ground and few places to sit, and there are no facilities inside to rely on. Older travellers can enjoy the edge of the sanctuary and the lakes from the road, and leave longer treks to the fit.
- Tickets and access
- Entry fees, opening hours and permit rules are not published. Ask Bodoland Tourism on JD Road in Kokrajhar or the local forest office before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Trails are forest tracks with uneven ground and few places to sit, and there are no facilities inside to rely on. Older travellers can enjoy the edge of the sanctuary and the lakes from the road, and leave longer treks to the fit.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Chakrashila from Kokrajhar?
About 20 km, according to the official sightseeing list, so roughly 45 minutes by car in good conditions.
Will I see golden langurs?
Often possible with a guide in the early morning, but wild animals are never guaranteed.
Can I stay inside?
There is no accommodation inside the sanctuary to rely on. Kokrajhar town has the practical hotels; ask Bodoland Tourism about camps.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kokrajhar district sightseeing list (distances)
- Outlook Traveller: Walk in the woods
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
