Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary witnesses massive New Year 2026 picnic rush as over 4,500 tourists visit. Ticket revenue crosses ₹1.15 lakh amid tight security, peaceful celebrations, and growing preference for nature-based tourism in Tripura.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary emerged as one of Tripura’s most preferred New Year destinations as thousands of tourists gathered on January 1, 2026, to celebrate the beginning of the year amid nature. The sanctuary, along with its picnic zones and boating facilities, witnessed a significant rush of visitors from different parts of the state, turning the area into a vibrant hub of festivity and leisure.
Located about 25 kilometres from Agartala, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across nearly 18.53 square kilometres and is renowned for its diverse wildlife, serene landscapes, and eco-tourism attractions. From early morning, families, groups of friends, and nature enthusiasts began arriving in large numbers to enjoy the calm environment, scenic water bodies, and forest surroundings.
Visitors were seen exploring the zoo, observing birds and animals, relaxing at designated picnic spots, and enjoying boating facilities developed inside the sanctuary. Children and adults alike expressed excitement at seeing wildlife species up close, while many used the occasion to spend quality time with family members away from crowded urban areas.
Officials said the sanctuary has undergone noticeable improvements in recent months following the appointment of Zoological Director Siddhartha Debbarma. Under his leadership, renewed emphasis has been placed on wildlife conservation, cleanliness, and visitor-friendly facilities. The improved maintenance and upgraded infrastructure were clearly visible during the New Year rush, officials added.
Among the main attractions drawing tourists to Sepahijala are the Royal Bengal Tiger and the endangered spectacled monkey, also known as the Phayre’s leaf monkey. Several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals further add to the sanctuary’s appeal, making it a popular destination for wildlife lovers, photographers, and students.
Although the number of visitors was slightly lower than the previous year’s New Year turnout, authorities confirmed that the day passed without any major untoward incident. The overall atmosphere remained peaceful and orderly, which locals and officials described as the biggest achievement of the celebrations.
To ensure safety and prevent any law-and-order issues, security arrangements were significantly tightened. Police assistance centres were set up at entry points, with personnel from the police department and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) deployed across the area. All incoming vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers, were thoroughly checked, and registration numbers were recorded.
During routine vehicle inspections, a small quantity of illegal foreign liquor was recovered from a few vehicles. Officials said necessary action was taken as per rules, while stressing that strict vigilance helped maintain discipline throughout the day.
According to forest department officials, ticket revenue collected at the first entry gate between 9 am and 5 pm amounted to approximately ₹1.15 lakh. The total number of visitors during this period was estimated to be around 4,500. The income and expenditure details were shared by Forester Soel Mia Khadim.
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Zoological Officer Siddhartha Debbarma and Warden-in-Charge Niranjan Debnath stated that tourist inflow to Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is expected to continue in the coming days. They noted a growing trend of people choosing nature-based destinations over conventional entertainment spots to celebrate holidays, festivals, and special occasions.
