KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
Carpeted with lush green primordial forests, ornamented by gushing waterfalls, meadows, snow covered mountain peaks, the Northeast region of India comprising the States o Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura literally renowned as “The Seven Sisters” is home to a wide variety of the denizens of the sylvan world. The region showcase, to the world, the rich variety of its flora and fauna wealth, some of them endemic and its diverse eco-systems in a variety of geographic settings and topography that are subjects of great interest to the nature lovers.The famous Kaziranga National Park of Assam is in fact, a living laboratory, unique in India, where in a single sweep of the eye, one can see hundreds of wildlife at any time of the year. A National Park and World Heritage Site, it is among the most well known wildlife areas in the world. It was hundred years ago in 1905, that this area on the flood plains of the Brahmaputra river was proposed as a reserved forest when the dwindling rhino population caught the attention of the Britishers.
Kaziranga is the largest unspoilt grassland area left in Northeastern India. The tall grass and reeds, also called the elephant grass or the wet savannah grassland, grows to a height of over five meters during the rainy season. Here inhabits the Indian or Greater One Horned Rhinoceros, the animal that has made Kaziranga world famous. But Kaziranga is also extremely important for various other reasons. It has the highest number of threatened birds among the 400 odd ‘Important Bird Areas’ in India. It also has the densest tiger population anywhere, while the largest population of the endangered wild water buffalo is found in this park. The Eastern race of the Swamp Deer, if it is treated as a valid subspecies, is virtually confined to Kaziranga only with stragglers in Manas. A thousand plus population of Asian Elephants makes the park vital for the survival of these pachyderms.
Kaziranga exhibits a great diversity in reptilian sheltering a host of endangered and rare species such as narrow headed soft shelled turtle, Assam roof turtle, Spotted Pond Turtle etc.. The population of spotted pond turtle in Kaziranga is significantly high in comparison to other parts of the world. The sighting of Eastern Cat Snake and the King Cobra is exceptionally frequent in Kaziranga.
Kaziranga National Park spreads over an area of 860 square kilometers in the flood prone plains of the Brahmaputra, lying in the Northeastern corner of India. The habitat is a perfect mosaic of deciduous jungle with cane groves, tall elephant grass, dotted with numerous marshes and shallow water pools locally called beels with swaths of lush green carpets of short grasses around them. The Diphaloo and Bhengrai are the main contributing rivers of these beels though the vast expanded tract is interested with numerous small streams.
Kaziranga declared as a National Park in 1974, is the symbol of most remarkable achievements in the conservation and protection of wildlife, and it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site on 06.12.1985 by UNESCO under UN Convention, and one of the five Natural World Heritage sites considering the natural criteria. After that Kaziranga National Park was declared as a Tiger Reserve on 2007.
ACTIVITIES: The rendezvous with Kaziranga begins at dawn. Much before the sunlight fliters through the clouds, the safari on the bedecked elephants begins to be followed by trips of jeep a couple of hours later. Through the foggy haze and the emerging sunlight the tourist can see the silent grassland enliven and within minutes the haunting beauty of the place begins to unveil itself. The Rhino, the Asiatic wild buffalo, the Swamp deer, the Asiatic elephant and the Royal Bengal tiger gradually surface.
For the purpose of smooth administration and effective functioning, the National Park has been divided into four different Ranges; Eastern Range at Agoratoli, Central Range at Kohora, Western Range at Bagori and the recently created Range at Burhapahar.
The Elephant Safari is fixed for an hour and Mihimukh, Central Range is possibly one of the best places to have a view of animals from a such a close quarter. To save time, tourists are allowed to ride on the elephants from the first tower, meander through the grasses till arrival at the second tower, which is half kilometers away. More than seventy swamp deer, a dozen Rhinos, a herd of buffalo, several fleeing hog deer and wild boar are guaranteed spotting to the average visitors. The Bengal Florican, a rare bird, is uncertain to encounter as though their number is estimated to be around six in the Mihifield grassland.
The jeep safari is allowed in a defined Tourist Circuit within the designated Tourism Zone, which is about six percent area of the park. However, navigation through the Brahmaputra River, which has become a part of the National Park, now is allowed only in special cases.
MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Somebody once called Manas that Earth must have looked like it before man set his foot on the planet. Nothing can be a better description of or a more fitting tribute to the magnificent Manas, which is a manifestation of nature in her unblemished self. Combining in itself pristine forests, breathtaking scenarary, and a bewildering variety of wildlife and flora – a rare occurrence anywhere on earth.Among the oldest protected areas in the State, Manas has a long history of conservation. It used to constitute, and still constitutes, a part of the largest conservation area in the region with contiguous forest in Bhutan in the north and Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal in the west. The Sonkosh River in the Kokrajhar districts marks its official boundary in the west. Towards the east, Manas Tiger Reserve extends up to the Dhansiri River in the district of Darrang. The total east –west length of the Tiger Reserve extends to 230Kms.
The conservation process of Manas began during the days of the British rule in India. The British were quick to realize the importance of protecting these virgin forest s, ad manas was accorded the position of Proposed Reserve Forest as early as 1905. It became a reserve forest forest in 1907 and in 1928 it was upgraded to a Game sanctuary, covering an area of 360 sq km. It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950 and then the area was further extended to 391.02 sq km in 1955. Inspite of its importance as a global biodiversity hotspot, Manas had to wait for several decades to attain the status of National Park in 1990. Manas national Park area was enhanced to 519.77 sq km with the addition of Panbari,
Kahitama and Kokilabari Reserve Forest. Mana was covered under the project Tiger immediately after the project was launched in 1973. Then, as a tribute to its outstanding universal value, it was recognized as a world heritage site in 1995. It was also honored with the title of Biosphere Reserve in 1989. Mana was also declared an Elephant Reserve in 2003.
Nestle along the Bhutan foothills, Manas National Park cover an area of 519.77 sq km of virgin forest, with the life-giving Manas River flowing right through it. The Park is divided into three ranges – Bansbari, Panbari and Bhuyapara. Considered among the best national park in the world.
Few protected area can match mans in its diversity of wildlife, which boasts of the highest number of the protected species in India with over 40. Home to as many as 21 of 41 Schedule 1(Indian wildlife protection Act 1972) species of mammals, the Manas National Park is a heaven for 60 species of mammals, 42 species of reptiles (11 families), over 370 species birds, seven species of amphibians, 54 species of fish and countless different insects.
Of the 21 endangered species found in Manas, some, such as the pigmy hog, the hispid hare and the golden langur are endemic to it. The avifauna population of Manas is as impressive as other life forms found in abundance in the park. Of the 370 – odd species f birds, ten are listed in Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act.
Of the 60 mammals of Manas, 21 are Scheduled 1 species, which is the highest in any protected area of the country. These includes three primates – golden langur, capped langur and slow loris and six from the cat family, black panther, clouded leopard, leopard cat, golden cat and fishing cat. The rest comprise sloth bear, binturong, elephant, great Indian one horned rhinoceros, Chinese pangolin, Asiatic water buffalo, swam deer, flying squirrel, hispid hare, gangetic dolphin, wild boar and pigmy hog.
Flock of feathers: With over 456 species of birds recorded so far, Manas can very well stake its claim to fame on the strength of its avifauna diversity alone. Of these, ten belongs to the Schedule 1 category. These are the black – created baza, Lagger falcon, Shahin falcon, Bengal Florican, pied hornbill, great pied hornbill, rufous – necked hornbill, wreathed hornbill, common peafowl and peacock pheasant.
Probably the avain life of the whole of Manas is yet to be properly studied. Renowned ornithologist and the Director of the Bombay Natural History Society, Asad R Rahmani, once recorded 270 species within a small study area near bansbari in 1990.As per the biome classification of Birdlife International; Manas National Park mainly lies in the Indo-Gangetic Plain where 1 species are considered as Biome represented. The presence of such a high percentage of biome-restricted species confirms that the habitat of Manas is still intact and in pristine condition.
MANAS BIOSPHERE RESERVE: Manas Tiger Reserve was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve n March 14,1989, making it the first biosphere reserve of Assam. Till date, Dibru – Saikhowa in the upper Assam district of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia is the only other Biosphere Reserve of the State. Spread over a sprawling area of 2837 sq km from the Sonkosh river in the west and the Dhansiri river in the east ( the core area of 519.77 sq km forms the Manas National Park), Manas represents best in the tropical humid Bengal rain forest on the Indo – Malayan realm. The entire reserve is spread over a belt of forests lying along the Himalayan foothills to the north of the Brahmaputra valley, in the linear belt about 50 km wide at the broadest position in the west and gradually narrowing towards the east.
CLIMATE: THE CLIMATE OF Manas is moist tropical, and the annual rainfall is around 4,000 mm. it receives most of the rainfall between June and September, although the rains generally starts in march and continue up to as late as October. Summer in Manas can be sweltering, with the maximum temperature shooting up to 36 degree Celsius, while the winters can be equally freezing, with temperatures plummeting to 5 degree Celsius.
VEGETATION Over 700 species of plants have been recorded so far in Manas. As not much research has gone into its plant life, it is very likely that many species have gone unrecorded. Most of the plants are dicotylendons and monocotyledons.
The forest of Manas is classified into 6 types, in accordance with the classification system of Champion and Seth.
(a) Sub – Himalayan high alluvial semi – evergreen forests
(b) Eastern Bhabar Type Forest
(c) East Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forest
(d) Assam valley semi-evergreen Forests
(e) Eastern wet alluvial grassland
GETTING THERE:
AIR: THE LOKAPRIYA GOPINATH BORDOLOI International airport at Guwahati I the nearest airport to reach Manas National Park. Its 180 kms from Guwahati airport to Manas National Park ( Bansbari Range)
RAIL: Barpeta Road is the nearest railhead and Guwahati Kamakhya Station is the second nearest.
ACCOMMODATION:
MUSA JUNGLE RETREAT – THE BEST ACCOMMODATION
BANSBARI LODGE
FLORICAN COTTAGE
BIRINA LODGE
MANAS MAOZIGENDRI ECO – TOURIM SOCIETY
Nestle along the Bhutan foothills, Manas National Park cover an area of 519.77 sq km of virgin forest, with the life-giving Manas River flowing right through it. The Park is divided into three ranges – Bansbari, Panbari and Bhuyapara. Considered among the best national park in the world.
CHRONOLOGY OF DIFFERENT STATUS BESTOWED ON MANAS
- PROPOSED RESERVE FOREST – 1905
- RESERVE FOREST – 1907
- GAME SANCTUARY – 1928
- WILDIFE SANCTUARY – 1950
- TIGER RESERVE – 1973
- WORLD HERITAGE SITE – 1985
- BIOSPHERE RESERVE – 1989
- NATIONAL PARK – 1990
- ELEPHANT RESERVE – 203
Few protected area can match mans in its diversity of wildlife, which boasts of the highest number of the protected species in India with over 40. Home to as many as 21 of 41 Schedule 1(Indian wildlife protection Act 1972) species of mammals, the Manas National Park is a heaven for 60 species of mammals, 42 species of reptiles (11 families), over 370 species birds, seven species of amphibians, 54 species of fish and countless different insects.
Of the 21 endangered species found in Manas, some, such as the pigmy hog, the hispid hare and the golden langur are endemic to it. The avifauna population of Manas is as impressive as other life forms found in abundance in the park. Of the 370 – odd species f birds, ten are listed in Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act.
Of the 60 mammals of Manas, 21 are Scheduled 1 species, which is the highest in any protected area of the country. These includes three primates – golden langur, capped langur and slow loris and six from the cat family, black panther, clouded leopard, leopard cat, golden cat and fishing cat. The rest comprise sloth bear, binturong, elephant, great Indian one horned rhinoceros, Chinese pangolin, Asiatic water buffalo, swam deer, flying squirrel, hispid hare, gangetic dolphin, wild boar and pigmy hog.
Flock of feathers: With over 456 species of birds recorded so far, Manas can very well stake its claim to fame on the strength of its avifauna diversity alone. Of these, ten belongs to the Schedule 1 category. These are the black – created baza, Lagger falcon, Shahin falcon, Bengal Florican, pied hornbill, great pied hornbill, rufous – necked hornbill, wreathed hornbill, common peafowl and peacock pheasant.
Probably the avain life of the whole of Manas is yet to be properly studied. Renowned ornithologist and the Director of the Bombay Natural History Society, Asad R Rahmani, once recorded 270 species within a small study area near bansbari in 1990.As per the biome classification of Birdlife International; Manas National Park mainly lies in the Indo-Gangetic Plain where 1 species are considered as Biome represented. The presence of such a high percentage of biome-restricted species confirms that the habitat of Manas is still intact and in pristine condition.
MANAS BIOSPHERE RESERVE: Manas Tiger Reserve was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve n March 14,1989, making it the first biosphere reserve of Assam. Till date, Dibru – Saikhowa in the upper Assam district of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia is the only other Biosphere Reserve of the State. Spread over a sprawling area of 2837 sq km from the Sonkosh river in the west and the Dhansiri river in the east ( the core area of 519.77 sq km forms the Manas National Park), Manas represents best in the tropical humid Bengal rain forest on the Indo – Malayan realm. The entire reserve is spread over a belt of forests lying along the Himalayan foothills to the north of the Brahmaputra valley, in the linear belt about 50 km wide at the broadest position in the west and gradually narrowing towards the east.
CLIMATE: THE CLIMATE OF Manas is moist tropical, and the annual rainfall is around 4,000 mm. it receives most of the rainfall between June and September, although the rains generally starts in march and continue up to as late as October. Summer in Manas can be sweltering, with the maximum temperature shooting up to 36 degree Celsius, while the winters can be equally freezing, with temperatures plummeting to 5 degree Celsius.
VEGETATION Over 700 species of plants have been recorded so far in Manas. As not much research has gone into its plant life, it is very likely that many species have gone unrecorded. Most of the plants are dicotylendons and monocotyledons.
The forest of Manas is classified into 6 types, in accordance with the classification system of Champion and Seth.
(a) Sub – Himalayan high alluvial semi – evergreen forests
(b) Eastern Bhabar Type Forest
(c) East Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forest
(d) Assam valley semi-evergreen Forests
(e) Eastern wet alluvial grassland
GETTING THERE:
AIR: THE LOKAPRIYA GOPINATH BORDOLOI International airport at Guwahati I the nearest airport to reach Manas National Park. Its 180 kms from Guwahati airport to Manas National Park ( Bansbari Range)
RAIL: Barpeta Road is the nearest railhead and Guwahati Kamakhya Station is the second nearest.
ACCOMMODATION:
MUSA JUNGLE RETREAT – THE BEST ACCOMMODATION
BANSBARI LODGE
FLORICAN COTTAGE
BIRINA LODGE
MANAS MAOZIGENDRI ECO – TOURIM SOCIETY
NAMERI NATIONAL PARK
Nameri National Park & Tiger Reserve is situated in the northern part of Sonitpur District of Assam and lies along the foothills of Eastern Himalayas. Spread over an area of 344 sq. km.. Nameri National Park boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Well known for its scenic beauty and conservation values, Nameri National Park is one of the important protected area on the north bank of river Brahmaputra. The core area of the Park which constitutes the Nameri National Park is bound by river Jia Bhorelli on the west and river Bor-Dikrai in the east. To the north of the Nameri lies the Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh. Nmaeri was declared as a National Park in 1998 and Tiger Reserve in 2000.The park is crisscrossed by Digi, Dinai, Nameri, Doigrung, Upper Dikrai, Bor dikrai, Khari and the Jia Bhorelli rivers. These rivers harbor a variety of lifeforms, Amongest the fish species, the famous Golden Masheer is known to thrive here.
Nameri is unique in having a rare assemblage of sympatric carnivores consisting of Tiger, Leopard, clouded leopard and the wild dog. Apart from the charismatic tiger at the apex of food chain, Nameri National Park is also home for herbivores like Asian elephant, Indian bison, Sambar, Barking & Hog deer etc.. The check list of wildlife includes more than 25 species of mammals namely sloth beer, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Hare, Capped langur, slow loris, Himalayan yellow throated martin, Malayan Giant Squirrel, wild boar etc..
The rich and varied bird diversity of Nameri has been attracting birdwatchers from all over the world. So far 380 bird species have been identified of which 8 species are globally threatened. Amongst these the endangered White Winged Wood Duck is also found in the park. There only about 1000 of these ducks left in the world, about half of them in Northeast India.
Safaris are not on offer in Nameri National Park but that doesn’t mean visitors have to wait for the wildlife to come to them. There are a number of ways to explore the park – be it by boat or simply on foot. Visitors are allowed to go on a couple of set walking trails that wind their way through a few kilometers of forest, grassland and the river bank with a official forest guard. They also have the option of row boating down the Jia Bhorelli river, passing through gentle shallow rapids and gentler deep stretches, watching the forest on both sides.
Trekking:
The delightful difference between Nameri and other Tiger Reserve is that you can walk in the Core Areas of the park. Nature walks or Treks through the jungle and over dry riverbeds will leave you feeling like a wilderness explorer. Prior permission is needed for these trips, which are organized by forest authorities. Visitors are accompanied by forest guards who are usually well versed in the park. Besides the tiger and elephant, you might be lucky enough to catch sight of leopard, slow loris, sambar, barking deer, sloth deer, Indian bison, capped langur and a variety of turtles including the Indian soft shelled turtle and Asian leaf turtle. Serious birders will also enjoy such nature trails, one of which includes walking up at the crack of dawn and crossing the Jia Bhorelli river in a small dinghy (wooden boat) to get to the jungle.
Rafting:
A trip to Nameri is incomplete without trying the river rafting here. Beginners can easily surf the docile rapids of the Jia Bhorelli river. The trip usually commences 13 km. upriver and should not last more than three hours if you don’t half along the way. It is highly like you will spot many water birds such as Ibisbill, Long billed plover, Indian Thick Knee, Great thick knee etc. along the way or see bigger animals drinking at the banks of the river.
Pigmy Hog Breeding Centre:
Located close to the Potasali Range Office, Nameri, the Pygmy Hog Breeding Centre is run by Eco Systems India. One of the country’s most important endeavors to revive the population of a highly threatened species, it is worth a visit to catch a glimpse of the tiny hogs in their breeding pens.
Hearsay has it that several decades ago, this swampy, wooded area was inhabited by the Orang people, who probably deserted it upon being hit by disease. In 1915, Orang was declared a Game Reserve. In 1985, it was notified a Wildlife Sanctuary and in 1998, it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1999 it was made a National Park. There are 26 man-made ponds here substantiating the belief that this region was once home to a particular community. Of these, a few still collect water but most have dried out and are overgrown.
Orang terrain is similar to Kaziranga – Swampy grassland with landlocked beels (wetlands) and slightly higher woodlands stretching away from the river. There are 12 existing beels in Orang, some of which are homing grounds for thousands of migratory birds in the winter. Tiger sightings are quite common here; in fact, Orang is known to have the highest tiger sighting record in Assam. Bird watching is also possible, as the area has about 200 species of birds.
Safaris here are inevitably rewarding, as Orang has a high density of animals. One can spot several creatures here, including the Great Indian one horned Rhino, wild elephant, hog deer, wild boar etc.. Reptiles that have been seen at Orang National Park include monitor lizards and several snake species such as vipers, kraits, cobras and pythons. Apart from these Orang is home to around 200 bird species including Bengal florican, pelican, heron, bittern, stork, eagle, kingfishers etc..
Elephant safari can be arranged into terrain that is not accessible by jeep, offering glimpse of untouched wilderness. There is a small elephant training camp on the bank of the river Pasnoi, where young elephants are trained and look after.
A trip to Nameri is incomplete without trying the river rafting here. Beginners can easily surf the docile rapids of the Jia Bhorelli river. The trip usually commences 13 km. upriver and should not last more than three hours if you don’t half along the way. It is highly like you will spot many water birds such as Ibisbill, Long billed plover, Indian Thick Knee, Great thick knee etc. along the way or see bigger animals drinking at the banks of the river.
Pigmy Hog Breeding Centre:
Located close to the Potasali Range Office, Nameri, the Pygmy Hog Breeding Centre is run by Eco Systems India. One of the country’s most important endeavors to revive the population of a highly threatened species, it is worth a visit to catch a glimpse of the tiny hogs in their breeding pens.
ORANG NATIONAL PARK
Orang is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra. Even though it is only 78.8 sq. km. in area, it stetches across Udalguri and Sonitpur districts. The terrain slopes gently north to south and is fringed by the Dhansiri and Pasnoi river to its west and east. All the streams that run through the park drain into the Brahmaputra in the south.Hearsay has it that several decades ago, this swampy, wooded area was inhabited by the Orang people, who probably deserted it upon being hit by disease. In 1915, Orang was declared a Game Reserve. In 1985, it was notified a Wildlife Sanctuary and in 1998, it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1999 it was made a National Park. There are 26 man-made ponds here substantiating the belief that this region was once home to a particular community. Of these, a few still collect water but most have dried out and are overgrown.
Orang terrain is similar to Kaziranga – Swampy grassland with landlocked beels (wetlands) and slightly higher woodlands stretching away from the river. There are 12 existing beels in Orang, some of which are homing grounds for thousands of migratory birds in the winter. Tiger sightings are quite common here; in fact, Orang is known to have the highest tiger sighting record in Assam. Bird watching is also possible, as the area has about 200 species of birds.
Safaris here are inevitably rewarding, as Orang has a high density of animals. One can spot several creatures here, including the Great Indian one horned Rhino, wild elephant, hog deer, wild boar etc.. Reptiles that have been seen at Orang National Park include monitor lizards and several snake species such as vipers, kraits, cobras and pythons. Apart from these Orang is home to around 200 bird species including Bengal florican, pelican, heron, bittern, stork, eagle, kingfishers etc..
Elephant safari can be arranged into terrain that is not accessible by jeep, offering glimpse of untouched wilderness. There is a small elephant training camp on the bank of the river Pasnoi, where young elephants are trained and look after.
DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK:
The sprawling Dibru Saikhowa National Park, spread over an area 650 sq. km., is located in the eastern border region of Assam, stradding both the districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. In 1997, Dibru Saikhowa National Park became the ninth biosphere reserve out of the total 18 identified till date in India. Earlier known as Dibru Reserve and Saikhowa Reserve Forest, this protected area was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1986 and a national park in 1999. The Park is famous for the rare White Winged Wood Duck as well as Feral Horses.Comprising tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical semi green forests, Salix swamp forests, Moist evergreen forest, Grasslands and Canebrakes, Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of the 19 biodiversity hotspots in the world. The region originally comprised a tropical rainforest but after the disastrous earthquake of 1950, it underwent major geomorphologic changes and the rainforest eventually gave way to deciduous forest.
The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra River, Lohit River and Arunachal Hills in the north and Dibru River, Dibang River, Dibru and Patkai Hills in the south, making for beautiful, verdant surrounds. The climate is tropical monsoon. Dibru Saikhowa is accessible round the year. Although the best time to visit this park is during the late winter and during the monsoon, the park may sometimes close due to heavy rain.
The Dibri Saikhowa National Park, created especially for the conservation of the rare and endangered white winged wood duck, now houses of numerous species of endangered mammals, reptiles and birds. Till date 36 species of mammals, 502 species of birds, 104 species of fish, 43 species of reptiles, 105 species of butterflies and 680 species plants have been recorded here. Moreover, 25 percent of India’s threatened bird species have been recorded in this national park. The park is also home to nearly 50 feral horses, which can be spotted in the northern part of the park at the Churkey Chapori area.
Wildlife frequently spotted here includes sambar, sloth beer, dhole. Small Indian Civet, Malayan giant squirrels, Chinese pangolin, capped langur, elephant, wild boar, hillock gibbon, hog deer etc.. Luck holders might even spot one of the big cats – a Royal Bengal Tiger or a leopard or the relatively rare Gangetic River Dolphin gamboling in the water.
Boat Safari: Exploring the Dibru Saikhowa National Park is an experience second to none. There are no elephant and jeep safaris here and visitors have to hire a local boat to explore the park. Boating in the park is an opportunity not to be missed – sailing on the clear waters, navigating through the water hyacinths, passing between tall grasses and canebrakes with water birds swooshing past, and river dolphins frolicking in the distance, all make for unforgettable memories.
Trekking: Trekking is another rewarding way of exploring this park. The jungle is quiet far removed from the cacophony of the city, the stillness only broken by the rustle of dry leaves beneath the feet or the chorus of birdcalls. It is also possible to explore the two villages inside the park, Dhadia and Laika and explore how the locals live. Also visit Maguri Beel (Lake) adjacent to the park. This lake is a must visit for the birdwatchers and enthusiasts, as a variety of birds can be spotted here.
NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK
A few kilometers from the town of Miao, the Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. Amongst the biggest national parks of India, Namdapha stretches along the international border between India and Myanmar.Spanning over varying elevations, the park harbors many natural habitats, making it one of the richest and most biodiversity parts of the subcontinent. Namdapha’s remote location, the Dapha Range (at the height of 5000m) and the snow fed rivers that crisscross through the area have kept it well protected and largely unexplored. It is one of the few parks in the country that must be traversed on foot; indeed after a point, there is simply no road to drive on. For nature and enthusiasts, this is perhaps the best experience offered anywhere in the country. NEROUTES
Established as a part of Project Tiger on 1983, Namdapha National Park has a core area of 1808 sq. km. and a buffer zone of 177 sq. km. The vegetation here changes from tropical moist forests at the lower altitude to montane forests and alpine meadows at the higher elevations. A number of rare orchid species can be found in the park, including the lady’s slipper, blue vandal, foxtail and dendrobium. The lower reaches, have a dense undergrowth with abundant bamboo and canebrakes. With trees reaching as high as 150m, the jungle has a thick canopy.
Namdapha is home to many species of mammals, such as tiger, leopard (both clouded and snow), elephant, red panda, deer and even the endangered hillock gibbon, The park is also home to several avain species, including white-bellied heron, snowy-throated babbler, white winged wood duck, pied falconet, fulvettas, scimitar babblers and five species of hornbills.
Located on the northeren banks of the Noa-dihing river, Deban is an excellent base for exploring Namdapha. The site is a heaven for naturalists, offering plenty of birding opportunities. In the area around Gibbon’s Land, 11 km. away, look out for the Assamese Macaque. The site also offers amazing trails for trekking.
Trekking is the only way to thoroughly explore Namdapha and experience nature at its wildest. There are two ways to trek in Namdapha, depending on time and availability. Tigers can be mostly spotted in the parks core area, in the interior of the jungle, which is nowhere close to navigable.
Area of the park : 1985.23 square kilometers.
Longitude : 96°15’ E to 96°58’ E.
Latitude : 27°23’ N to 27°39’ N.
Altitude : 200 metres to 4571 metres.
Temperature (deg C) : Varies from 37°C to 8°C.
Rainfall: Varies from 1485 mm to 2508 mm.
Clothings : Summer - cottons, Winter - woolen.
Languages spoken: Tangsa, Singpho, Assamese, Hindi, English.
Best season: October to April.
SANCTUARIES
DEEPOR BEEL BIRD SANCTUARY:
Located southeast of Guwahati city, in the Kamrup District of Assam, is the Deepor Beel (lake) Bird Sanctuary, the first bird sanctuary of Assam, a massive freshwater lake, in a former channel of Brahmaputra River. This unique ecological habitat covers an area of 414 hectors and supports the livelihood of 14 villages located around the beel (lake). The beel (lake) is home to a great number of migratory birds. Over 120 species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary so far. Some globally endangered species like the spot-billed pelican, greater adjutant stork, pochard and Pallas fish eagle can be spotted here. Deepor Beel is considered as one of the largest lake in the Brahmaputra Valley in lower Assam.
Located southeast of Guwahati city, in the Kamrup District of Assam, is the Deepor Beel (lake) Bird Sanctuary, the first bird sanctuary of Assam, a massive freshwater lake, in a former channel of Brahmaputra River. This unique ecological habitat covers an area of 414 hectors and supports the livelihood of 14 villages located around the beel (lake). The beel (lake) is home to a great number of migratory birds. Over 120 species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary so far. Some globally endangered species like the spot-billed pelican, greater adjutant stork, pochard and Pallas fish eagle can be spotted here. Deepor Beel is considered as one of the largest lake in the Brahmaputra Valley in lower Assam.
CHAKRASILA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:
Spread over two districts of lower Assam – Kokrajhar and Dhubri, the small Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary covers approximately 45sq kms. Chakrasila is famous for the Golden Langur (Presbytis Geei) and was declared a protected habitat for this rare primate in India. It was first declared a reserve forest in 1996 and then, in 1994, it was given the status of sanctuary by the state government. The forest is mostly semi-evergreen, interspersed with grasslands. Sal is the dominant tree over the hills. The sanctuary is open throughout the year, although winter is the best time to visit.
Spread over two districts of lower Assam – Kokrajhar and Dhubri, the small Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary covers approximately 45sq kms. Chakrasila is famous for the Golden Langur (Presbytis Geei) and was declared a protected habitat for this rare primate in India. It was first declared a reserve forest in 1996 and then, in 1994, it was given the status of sanctuary by the state government. The forest is mostly semi-evergreen, interspersed with grasslands. Sal is the dominant tree over the hills. The sanctuary is open throughout the year, although winter is the best time to visit.
LAOKHOWA AND BURA-CHAPORI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:
A little outside Nagaon Town, located on the bank of the River Dhaniasuti, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, the Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 70sq km and is home to the India Rhinoceros and wild buffalo. Other animals that can be spotted here include tiger, leopard, wild boar, civet cat and hog tiger. The Champawati Kunda or Chapanalla Falls, situated within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Burachapori Sanctuary is located on the other side of River Dhaniasuti. A bridge connects these two reserves. This sanctuary is heaven for birds. Watch out for Bengal floricn, black necked stork, mallard and swamp partridge among other species. The sanctuary is also home to tigers, bison, hog deer, leopard and wild boar with elephants.
A little outside Nagaon Town, located on the bank of the River Dhaniasuti, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, the Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 70sq km and is home to the India Rhinoceros and wild buffalo. Other animals that can be spotted here include tiger, leopard, wild boar, civet cat and hog tiger. The Champawati Kunda or Chapanalla Falls, situated within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Burachapori Sanctuary is located on the other side of River Dhaniasuti. A bridge connects these two reserves. This sanctuary is heaven for birds. Watch out for Bengal floricn, black necked stork, mallard and swamp partridge among other species. The sanctuary is also home to tigers, bison, hog deer, leopard and wild boar with elephants.
HOLLONGAPAR OR HOLLOCK GIBBON SANCTUARY:
Located at Jorhat district and 20 km drive from the town, Hollongapar sanctuary might be the smallest sanctuary in the country, just 20.98 sq km.. Designated a sanctuary in 1997, it is home to India’s only ape, the western Hoolock Gibbon. This is also the first protected area ever named after a species of primate. Hollongapar is also home to a host of other mammals. The Capped Langur, Stamped-tailed Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque and the Slow Loris all make their home here, making it something of a primate hotspot.
Located at Jorhat district and 20 km drive from the town, Hollongapar sanctuary might be the smallest sanctuary in the country, just 20.98 sq km.. Designated a sanctuary in 1997, it is home to India’s only ape, the western Hoolock Gibbon. This is also the first protected area ever named after a species of primate. Hollongapar is also home to a host of other mammals. The Capped Langur, Stamped-tailed Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque and the Slow Loris all make their home here, making it something of a primate hotspot.
PANIDIHING BIRD SANCTUARY:
Covering an area of approximately 34sq km., the Panidihing Bird Sanctuary was established in 1996, located in Sivasagar district. It is 22km away from Sivasagar town. It was carved out of a portion of the Panidihing Reserved Forest and also from the land adjoining the forest. Set in a flood plain, between the rivers Brahmaputra and Desang, Panidihing has been blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare species. As many as 267 species of birds including 70 species of migratory birds have been identified and recorded in Panidihing. The birds commonly seen here include bar-headed goose, greylag goose, spot billed duck, wigeon, garganey, shoveller, red crested and common pochard, ferruginous duck, white neck stork etc.. The much rarer griffon and white rumped vulture have also been seen here.
Covering an area of approximately 34sq km., the Panidihing Bird Sanctuary was established in 1996, located in Sivasagar district. It is 22km away from Sivasagar town. It was carved out of a portion of the Panidihing Reserved Forest and also from the land adjoining the forest. Set in a flood plain, between the rivers Brahmaputra and Desang, Panidihing has been blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare species. As many as 267 species of birds including 70 species of migratory birds have been identified and recorded in Panidihing. The birds commonly seen here include bar-headed goose, greylag goose, spot billed duck, wigeon, garganey, shoveller, red crested and common pochard, ferruginous duck, white neck stork etc.. The much rarer griffon and white rumped vulture have also been seen here.
DEHING PATKAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:
Often referred to as the “Amazon of the East”, the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 38km from Digboi town. Deriving its name from the Dehing River and the Patkai mountain range, this rainforest stretches till state of Arunachal Pradesh, along with its territory in Assam. The rainforest also stretches to the district of Tinisukua, Sivasagar and Dibrugarh. Out of 575sq km of Dehing Patkai, an area of 111.19sq km was declared the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary by the Assam Government in 2004. The rainforest sees heavy rainfall for nine out of the twelve months. The sanctuary is a habitat to around 30 species of butterflies and also boasts a large number of reptiles. The sanctuary has more than 290 species of birds. This territory is also home to elephants, tiger, panther, leopard, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, crab eating mongoose, golden cat, hollock gibbon and other primate species.
Often referred to as the “Amazon of the East”, the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 38km from Digboi town. Deriving its name from the Dehing River and the Patkai mountain range, this rainforest stretches till state of Arunachal Pradesh, along with its territory in Assam. The rainforest also stretches to the district of Tinisukua, Sivasagar and Dibrugarh. Out of 575sq km of Dehing Patkai, an area of 111.19sq km was declared the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary by the Assam Government in 2004. The rainforest sees heavy rainfall for nine out of the twelve months. The sanctuary is a habitat to around 30 species of butterflies and also boasts a large number of reptiles. The sanctuary has more than 290 species of birds. This territory is also home to elephants, tiger, panther, leopard, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, crab eating mongoose, golden cat, hollock gibbon and other primate species.
POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:
This small wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of Indian one horned rhinoceros. Sitting in the district of Morigaon, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary only covers an area of 39 sq km. Pobitora is also home to leopard, barking deer, wild boar, wild buffalo and to around 200 species of migratory birds in winter. This sanctuary is close to Guwahati city and can be covered as a day trip.
This small wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of Indian one horned rhinoceros. Sitting in the district of Morigaon, the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary only covers an area of 39 sq km. Pobitora is also home to leopard, barking deer, wild boar, wild buffalo and to around 200 species of migratory birds in winter. This sanctuary is close to Guwahati city and can be covered as a day trip.