Bodoland: Discover the land untouched

Dharma Narayan Das

(Dharma Narayan Das is an EM of Tourism Department, BTC)

Bodoland is naturally gifted with places having importance and scenic beauty. It has plentiful natural and cultural resources which are key ingredients for successful tourism industry. The return of peace in the region after a few decades has brought many positive changes amongst the mindset of the people which is fuelling the growth of the tourism industry in the BTR. The unique cultural identity and biodiversity are attracting tourists to the region and the industry is creating employment and engagement of the community. Manas National Park is also a biosphere reserve and project tiger location. It is also listed as one of the world's natural heritage sites. Bodoland can become one of the most emerging tourist destinations in the country because of its culture, striking wildlife, amazing scenic beauty, colourful festivals, adventure activities, music and food, tea gardens, hills and rivers, etc.

One may experience and witness vintage Sal Trees, Asian Elephants, One-Horned Rhinos, Golden Langur, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog, Indian Bison (Gaur), Tiger, Capped Langur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Slow Loris, Golden Langur, Butterflies apart from many species of birds.

We are aware that the Kokrajhar district in BTR is the gateway to the beautiful North Eastern Region of India which brings many other opportunities along with tourism. There are destinations which include Manas National Park, Raimona National National Park, Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary apart from many other reserve forests which are home to wildlife including many endangered species. There are other places for pilgrimage and for people who love adventure activities like paragliding, river rafting, trekking, etc. There is no shadow of a doubt that the region is a paradise for birding.

We have been focusing on branding and promotion and now after the pandemic, we see more challenges and opportunities from the perspectives of tourism in the region. We are seeking suggestions and ideas to promote tourism and brand it nationally and globally. We have started training for tourist guides who would be our main person on the ground to assist and support and take care of the tourist visiting the region. There are trained tourist guides apart from tour operators and agencies. Enjoying rural life will be an unforgettable memory for any tourist.

We shall take part in different activities to market and brand the region like conducting regular meetings with tourist officials of other places and also tour operators to get guidance and ideas from their side. We have social media campaigns through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc. Regular publicity is also made through advertisements in newspapers and showcasing in other events in the region and outside the region for attracting tourists.

On behalf of the Tourism Department, I would like to invite tourists to explore Bodoland and visit the region and feel the awesome destination. We also seek ideas to reach out to people all over the nation and outside as strategic promotion would enhance the tourism industry in the BTR. Let us visit Bodoland and discover the land untouched.