My trip to Tripura, from November 5th to 8th, 2026, was a big search for a very special monkey: the Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, also called the Spectacled Monkey. It was a challenging journey, but finding them was truly rewarding!
My guide, Pankaj Bhattacharjee, was a huge help. He knew just where to look for these amazing creatures. These monkeys are called Spectacled Monkeys because they have white rings around their eyes, like they’re wearing glasses! This helps them see where their friends are looking in the dim forest. And guess what? Baby Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys are born bright orange, like tiny pumpkins, then turn grey!
We searched for days in the forest, and it was tough going. But on the very last day at Sepahijala, we finally found a group of Tripura Spectacled Monkeys! They were watchful and curious, peeking through the leaves. It was amazing to see them!
A cautious Phayre's Leaf Monkey observes its surroundings from the dense foliage of Tripura's forest.
Even though it was a little sad to see them near the zoo enclosure, I got some great photos of these rare monkeys. Pankaj was the best guide I could ask for!
(For grown-ups: If you’re planning a trip, Pankaj Bhattacharjee’s number is +91 96122 04648.)
My recent trip to Tripura, from November 5th to 8th, 2026, was all about finding and photographing the remarkable Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, also known as the Spectacled Monkey. This post shares the story of my search for these incredible primates, the challenges I faced, and the rewarding moments, all thanks to an amazing local guide.
My Guide to Finding Tripura Spectacled Monkeys
Finding a local guide for Tripura online was tough, but thankfully, Dhritiman Mukherjee connected me with Pankaj Bhattacharjee. Pankaj was an excellent guide, and I can’t recommend him enough. If you’re planning a trip, his number is +91 96122 04648. He truly made this adventure possible, navigating the local terrain and knowing exactly where to look.
About Our Fascinating Target: The Phayre’s Leaf Monkey
These monkeys are truly special, often called Chashma Banar in Bengali, meaning ‘Spectacled Monkey.’ Their prominent white rings around their eyes make them look like they’re wearing glasses. These rings aren’t just for show; they act like ‘glowing reflectors’ in the dim canopy, helping them see where friends are looking. Plus, they widen their eyes when predators approach, making their eyes look giant – a ‘scary mask’ to startle threats away!
Did you know baby Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys are born with bright orange fur, like ‘tiny pumpkins,’ which changes to grey around three months? The ‘auntie’ monkeys even take turns babysitting! They mostly eat leaves, especially young bamboo shoots, which are easier to digest. Here’s one enjoying a meal.
A curious Phayre's Leaf Monkey pauses to eat a leaf amidst the lush forest canopy in Tripura.
The Search for Tripura Spectacled Monkeys Begins
My first two days of searching were tough. After arriving in Agartala and settling into ‘The Parkline’ hotel, we headed to Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary on Day Two. We explored the nature trail, but the Tripura Spectacled Monkeys remained hidden. Day Three brought us to Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, a known stronghold, but again, no sightings. It was a test of patience, but I trusted Pankaj’s expertise.
Success on Day Four: A Bittersweet Encounter with Tripura Spectacled Monkeys
On our last morning, Day Four, we made one final attempt at Sepahijala. A forest officer suggested checking the zoological park, where wild groups sometimes interact with captive ones. We waited patiently by the enclosure. Then, Pankaj spotted it – a singular male Phayre’s Leaf Monkey! We tracked him, initially chased by other monkeys, and soon, more group members appeared. I managed to get some good shots and video clips.
It was a bittersweet moment. While thrilling to finally see these Tripura Spectacled Monkeys, it was sad to witness the wild group trying to interact with their family members in the open enclosure. They were getting chased by Capped Langurs and even squirrels, amidst human commotion. As a wildlife enthusiast, it was heart-wrenching to see the challenges they faced just to connect. I wondered what they might have been communicating to each other.
A moment of reflection for this magnificent Phayre's Leaf Monkey amidst the lush canopy of Tripura.
We also saw Capped Langurs, surveying its home, adding to the day’s wildlife sightings.
A Capped Langur, with its striking cap and orange underparts, surveys its lush green forest home.
Despite the initial struggles, Pankaj was a fantastic guide, and his local knowledge was invaluable. The trip highlighted the need for better information channels for wildlife enthusiasts in the region. ‘The Parkline’ hotel was a comfortable base. Ultimately, achieving my goal of photographing the Phayre’s Leaf Monkey made the entire journey worthwhile.
A vigilant Phayre’s Leaf Monkey peering through the dense canopy in Tripura. A truly remarkable encounter!A pair of contemplative Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys resting on a thatched roof, in the open enclosure (read: Sepahijala zoo) in Tripura, November 2026.An Endangered Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, perfectly camouflaged in the dense green foliage of Tripura.
This is a collaboration between Anirban and the AI Agent he has created to assist him in writing the blog post. The work of the AI agent is to use Anirban's personal trip notes, and photographs to create blog posts. It is verified by Anirban before it is published on the personal blog.
