Kokrajhar
Kokrajhar
is one of the twenty-three districts of Assam and can be described
as the gateway to the northeastern region of India. Both road and
rail touches this district at Srirampur before they go on to other
districts in Assam and the other northeast states. The district
has a total area of 3,169.22 sq. km. and a total population of 9,30,404
according to the Census-2001.
Kokrajhar district is located on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra
that slices the state of Assam into two, identified as north and
south banks. The district lies roughly between 89.46' E to 90.38'
E longitudes and 26.19" N to 26.54" N latitudes. The district
is bounded on the north by the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, by Dhubri
district on the south, Bongaigaon district on the east and the Indian
state of West Bengal on the west.
The district can be easily reached as both the mainline road and
rail passes through this district. There are beautiful places to
visit in the district, especially in the northern side, where the
natural scenery is exquisite. There are also numerous natural picnicking
spots. It has to be admitted that these places are yet to be developed
as tourist spots. But there is a great deal of scope even now for
those who are adventurous and willing to witness the glory of nature
in all its rugged beauty.
The kingdom of Bhutan is intricately linked with the district of
Kokrajhar in many vital aspects of life of the people living both
in the Bhutan hills and the plains of Kokrajhar. There is hassle-free
movement of the people across the international border for the purpose
of business and tours. The Bhutanese town of Gelephu is a nice place
to visit from Kokrajhar as it is just across the international boundary.
There is a fine road leading from the Shyamthaibari point on the
National Highway 31(C) to Gelephu. Further on, inside Bhutanese
territory, there is the town of Sarbhang that also can be visited
via Gelephu.
The colourful Bodo community comprises the majority in Kokrajhar
district. It also has a sizeable Rajbongshi and Santhal population.
Kokrajhar is also the headquarter of the Bodoland Autonomous Council
which was created in 1993.
Wildlife
Golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) was first sighted in Kokrajhar
district in the year 1953 near Jam Duar of Raimona Forest Range
( Ripu Reserve Forest) by Mr. E.P. Gee, a naturalist. The word 'langur'
is derived from the Sanskrit word 'langulin' meaning long tail.
The natural habitat of the Golden langur is between the river Sankosh
and Manas along the marginal part of the foothills of eastern Himalayas.
The extended habitat of this animal is the Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary
near Kokrajhar.
The Golden langur is now endemic to the above habitat and is a
critically endangered species. It is also included in the Schedule-I
of the Wildlife Protection Act.
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General Information & Accomdation info on Kokrajhar city of Assam - India
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