Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary sits in the low hills of western Assam, a short drive from Kokrajhar town, and it is one of the quietest places in the state to watch wild primates. Chakrashila is best known as a stronghold of the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), a pale-gold monkey found only in a small belt of western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan. This guide pulls together what you actually need to plan a trip, with every fee, distance and timing checked against official sources.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a roughly 45.6 sq km protected forest straddling Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts in western Assam, famous as a refuge for the endangered golden langur. It lies about 6 km from Kokrajhar town. The cool, dry months from November to March are the best time to visit.
Key takeaways
- Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 45.568 sq km (4,556.8 hectares) across Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, Assam, per the Kokrajhar district administration.
- It is best known for the golden langur; a 2020–21 all-India survey reported 838 golden langurs at Chakrashila, the most of any site in the species’ southern range (as reported by The Hindu, March 2024).
- The nearest town is Kokrajhar (about 6 km); the nearest major airport is Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International, about 219 km away (Kokrajhar district administration).
- It was declared a reserve forest in 1966 and given sanctuary status on 14 July 1994, after a long community conservation movement led by the group Nature’s Beckon.
- The best window is November to March, when the weather is cool and dry; avoid the monsoon (Bodoland Tourism).
- No official online entry fee or fixed timings are published; arrange a guide and permission through the Wildlife Division office at Kokrajhar before you go.
About Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a hilly, forested reserve of about 45.568 sq km (4,556.8 hectares) in Kokrajhar district, with adjoining parts in Dhubri district, Assam, according to the Kokrajhar district administration. It is not to be confused with Chakrashila the village or with sites of similar name elsewhere; this is the protected forest in the Bodoland Territorial Region of western Assam.
The sanctuary is a north–south ridge flanked by two wetlands, Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel (beel means a freshwater lake). The lower slopes carry sal coppice regeneration and the middle and upper reaches hold mixed deciduous forest, per the district administration. It was originally known as the Sikhri-Sikhla reserve.
Its headline resident is the golden langur, described in a 2010 study in the journal Primate Conservation as an endangered primate for which Chakrashila is an important stronghold. Official and tourism sources vary in how they rank the site: the Kokrajhar district administration calls it the “second protected habitat for golden langurs in India,” while the conservation group Nature’s Beckon describes it as the only protected habitat raised to sanctuary status specifically for the species. Either way, the langur is the reason most people come.
Chakrashila also shelters a wider cast: the Kokrajhar district administration lists mammals such as rhesus macaque, Chinese pangolin, Asiatic jackal and Bengal fox, 119 recorded bird species (including three globally threatened ones), 23 reptile species and more than 40 butterflies. The Bodoland Tourism department additionally mentions leopard and elephant in the wider landscape and a longer bird list; treat the larger numbers as the tourism office’s own figures.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Chakrashila is November to March, when the weather is cool and dry and wildlife is easier to spot, according to the Bodoland Tourism department. The monsoon (roughly June to September) brings leeches, slippery trails and poor visibility, so it is best avoided.
Spring is worth a note: the Bodoland Tourism department flags April for the Baokhungri trek and festival in the wider Kokrajhar area, though days are already warming by then. The table below is a planning guide based on the general Assam calendar; reconfirm local conditions before you travel.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool and dry (best) | November–March | Comfortable days, clearer forest, easier langur sightings |
| Spring/pre-summer | April–May | Warming up; local festivals in the Kokrajhar area |
| Monsoon (avoid) | June–September | Heavy rain, leeches, difficult and sometimes unsafe trails |
| Post-monsoon | October | Green and humid; season begins to improve late in the month |
How to reach Chakrashila
The nearest town to Chakrashila is Kokrajhar, about 6 km away, and you reach the sanctuary by road from there, according to the Kokrajhar district administration. Kokrajhar is well connected by rail and road; the closest major airport is in Guwahati.
By air: The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati), about 219 km from Kokrajhar, per the district administration. From Guwahati you can continue by train or by road. A smaller airport, Rupsi (near Dhubri), is closer, but its scheduled commercial service has been intermittent in recent years and was suspended at times; reconfirm current flights with the airline or Rupsi airport office before relying on it (as of November 2026). For the city end of the journey, see our Guwahati travel guide.
By rail: Kokrajhar (station code KOJ) lies on the Northeast Frontier Railway’s main New Jalpaiguri–Guwahati corridor and is a stop for several Guwahati-bound trains. Specific train numbers and timings change, so check the live position on the IRCTC or National Train Enquiry System before booking (as of November 2026). The sanctuary is a short taxi or auto ride from the station.
By road: Kokrajhar sits on the national highway network of western Assam, with bus and shared-taxi links to Guwahati (about 200 km) and to Bongaigaon and Dhubri. From Kokrajhar town, hire a local taxi or auto for the final few kilometres to the forest edge.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kokrajhar town | about 6 km | Nearest town; taxi/auto to the forest edge |
| Dhubri town | about 68 km | By road |
| Guwahati (LGBI airport) | about 219 km | Nearest major airport; rail or road onward |
Top things to see and do
The main draw at Chakrashila is watching golden langurs in the wild, along with birding and forest walks. There are no built safari roads here as at the big tiger reserves; this is a walking sanctuary, so plan around trails, a local guide and early-morning light.
- Golden langur watching: Troops move through the canopy, usually most active in the cooler early hours. A local guide greatly improves your chances. Keep quiet, keep your distance, and never feed them.
- Birdwatching: The district administration records 119 bird species, including three globally threatened ones. Mornings near the forest edge and around the Dheer and Diplai wetlands are productive.
- Forest trekking: The Bodoland Tourism department lists trekking trails and watchtowers for wildlife viewing. Go with a guide, as paths are not always signposted.
- Wetland and photography: The two lakes, Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel, draw waterbirds and make good photo stops, especially in winter.
| Experience | Good for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Golden langur trail | Primate sightings, forest walk | Half day (early morning) |
| Birding at the forest edge / beels | Birdwatchers, photographers | 2–3 hours |
| Watchtower and ridge walk | Views, general wildlife | 2–4 hours |
Published entry fees, fixed timings and whether the forest department levies a camera charge are not listed on the official pages, so confirm all of these with the Wildlife Division office at Kokrajhar when you arrange a guide (see Permits and rules below).
A suggested two-day itinerary
Chakrashila works well as a one- or two-day add-on to a wider western Assam trip. A short, low-key plan:
- Day 1: Arrive in Kokrajhar by train or road; settle into a hotel in town or the tourist accommodation at Choraikhola. Afternoon visit to the forest edge and a wetland for birding; brief the guide for an early start.
- Day 2: Pre-dawn departure for the golden langur trail while troops are active; morning forest walk and watchtower; return to Kokrajhar by midday. Onward to Guwahati, Manas or Dhubri in the afternoon.
If you have only one day, do the early-morning langur trail first and bird the wetlands on the way back.
Where to stay
There is no large tourist-lodge cluster at the sanctuary gate; most visitors stay in or near Kokrajhar town, about 6 km away. The Kokrajhar district administration notes tourist accommodation at Choraikhola, Kokrajhar.
- Budget: Simple lodges and guesthouses in Kokrajhar town. Indicative ₹800–₹1,500 a night (planning estimate, reconfirm; as of November 2026).
- Mid-range: A handful of hotels in Kokrajhar town with air-conditioning and in-house dining. Indicative ₹1,800–₹3,500 a night (planning estimate, reconfirm).
- Government / institutional: Ask the Wildlife Division and Bodoland Tourism about any forest or circuit accommodation and the Choraikhola option; availability and tariffs are not published online, so book ahead by phone.
Rooms are limited and demand can spike during local festivals, so book ahead rather than arriving on spec. For context on the wider state, see our Assam travel guide.
Food to try
Expect simple Assamese and Bodo home-style cooking in Kokrajhar rather than a restaurant scene. A few things to look for:
- Assamese thali (a plate of rice with dal, a vegetable, and fish or chicken curry) is the dependable everyday meal.
- Bodo dishes such as onla (a curry thickened with rice powder) reflect the region’s Bodo cuisine; ask locally for what is being cooked that day.
- Fish from the rivers and beels features in many meals; freshwater fish curry is common in this part of Assam.
- Rice-based snacks and tea are easy to find; carry your own water and snacks for the forest, as there are no stalls inside.
Vegetarians will manage with dal, rice and vegetable dishes, though choices are limited; tell your hosts in advance.
Budget breakdown
A no-frills two-day Chakrashila trip is inexpensive, dominated by transport to the region and the cost of a local guide. The figures below are planning estimates to reconfirm, not quoted tariffs.
| Item | Indicative cost (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train/road, Guwahati–Kokrajhar return | 500–1,500 | Varies by train class or shared vs private car |
| Accommodation (1 night) | 800–3,500 | Budget to mid-range in Kokrajhar town |
| Local taxi/auto (2 days) | 1,000–2,500 | Town to forest edge and local runs |
| Guide and any forest charges | reconfirm locally | Not published online; arrange via Wildlife Division |
| Food (2 days) | 500–1,000 | Simple local meals |
| Approx. total | 2,800–8,500+ | Excludes unpublished forest/guide fees |
Assumptions: one traveller sharing shared transport where possible, basic to mid accommodation, and local eating. Costs rise sharply with a private car and a longer stay.
Permits and rules
No Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for this part of Assam, so Indian and most foreign visitors do not need a special state entry permit for Chakrashila. What you do need is practical permission and a guide from the forest authorities, because this is a walking sanctuary without a formal ticketed gate system published online.
- Arrange your visit and a local guide through the Wildlife Division / Divisional Forest Office at Kokrajhar before you go; confirm any entry or camera charges and the day’s conditions with them directly.
- Published entry fees and fixed opening hours were not available on the official pages checked for this guide (as of November 2026); do not assume a figure.
- Stay on trails with your guide, keep noise down, do not feed or crowd the langurs, and carry out all litter. Single-use plastic is discouraged across Assam’s protected areas.
- Drone use over wildlife sanctuaries needs prior permission; clear it with the forest department and follow DGCA rules. Do not fly without approval.
Practical tips
Chakrashila is a low-infrastructure sanctuary, so plan for self-sufficiency and confirm logistics by phone in advance.
- Connectivity and cash: Mobile coverage is reasonable in Kokrajhar town but patchy in the forest. Draw cash and confirm UPI works before you head out, as ATMs and card use are limited near the sanctuary.
- Health and safety: The nearest hospitals are in Kokrajhar town. Carry a basic first-aid kit, water and any personal medicines. There is no significant altitude concern here; these are low hills, not high passes.
- Guides: Hire a local guide for both safety and sightings; trails are not always marked.
- Solo women travellers: Kokrajhar town is generally manageable, but for a forest with limited signage and patchy phone coverage, go with a guide, share your plan, start early and return before dusk.
- Packing: In winter, layers for cold mornings; year-round, closed walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars and a water bottle. In the shoulder season, leech socks are worth carrying.
Nearby places
Chakrashila pairs naturally with other wildlife and cultural stops in the Bodoland region of western Assam. Distances below are approximate and should be reconfirmed before you drive.
| Place | Approx. distance from Kokrajhar | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kokrajhar town | about 6 km to sanctuary | Base for the trip; hotels, food, transport |
| Dhubri town | about 68 km | Riverside town on the Brahmaputra |
| Manas National Park | Bodoland region (reconfirm route) | UNESCO-listed tiger reserve; big-game wildlife |
| Guwahati | about 200 km | Gateway city; temples, museums, onward flights |
If you are building a longer loop, the Bodoland Tourism department lists other regional parks such as Raimona and Bornadi; check current access and permits for each separately.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is in western Assam, across Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, in the Bodoland Territorial Region. It lies about 6 km from Kokrajhar town, the nearest base, and roughly 219 km from Guwahati’s main airport, according to the Kokrajhar district administration.
What is Chakrashila famous for?
Chakrashila is famous for the endangered golden langur, a pale-gold monkey found only in western Assam and nearby Bhutan. A 2020–21 survey reported 838 golden langurs here, the highest count in the species’ southern range in India, as reported by The Hindu in March 2024.
What is the best time to visit Chakrashila?
The best time to visit Chakrashila is November to March, when the weather is cool and dry and wildlife is easier to see, per the Bodoland Tourism department. Avoid the monsoon months of June to September, when trails are wet, leech-prone and sometimes unsafe.
How do I reach Chakrashila?
Reach Chakrashila via Kokrajhar town, about 6 km away. Kokrajhar (station KOJ) is a stop on the Northeast Frontier Railway’s New Jalpaiguri–Guwahati line, and the nearest major airport is Guwahati, about 219 km away. Continue from either by taxi to the forest edge.
Do I need a permit to visit Chakrashila?
No Inner Line Permit is required for this part of Assam. However, you should arrange permission and a local guide through the Wildlife Division office at Kokrajhar, and confirm any entry or camera charges directly, as fixed fees and timings are not published online (as of November 2026).
Can you see golden langurs easily at Chakrashila?
Sightings are good but not guaranteed. Golden langurs are most active in the cool early morning, so start before dawn with a local guide who knows the troops’ ranges. Move quietly, keep your distance, and never feed the animals.
Last updated and sources
Chakrashila suits wildlife watchers, birders and quiet-forest walkers who are happy with simple logistics rather than lodge comforts. Go in the cool, dry window from November to March, and build in an early start for the best langur sightings.
Last updated: 3 November 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Kokrajhar district administration, Chakrashila tourist page (kokrajhar.assam.gov.in); Bodoland Tourism department, Chakrashila attraction page (tourism.bodoland.gov.in); The Hindu / Sentinel Assam reports on the 2020–21 all-India golden langur survey (sentinelassam.com); “Status and Conservation of Golden Langur in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary,” Primate Conservation (2010) (bioone.org); Nature’s Beckon, Activities and Achievements (naturesbeckon.org). Accessed September 2026.
