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National Parks of Assam : A Wildlife Haven in Northeast India
Assam, located in the northeastern part of India, is home to some of the country’s most renowned national parks, offering a unique opportunity to experience rich biodiversity and explore vast natural landscapes. These national parks in Assam are not only crucial for wildlife conservation but also provide sanctuary for several endangered species, making them vital to the preservation of India’s ecological heritage.
- Kaziranga National Park
Location: Golaghat and Nagaon districts, Assam
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Kaziranga National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Assam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for being home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which constitutes more than two-thirds of the world’s population. The park spans across 1,032 square kilometers and is located on the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River. It boasts a unique landscape of grasslands, wetlands, and tropical forests, providing a perfect habitat for its diverse wildlife.
Apart from the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is home to a variety of species, including tigers, wild buffaloes, swamp deer, elephants, and more than 500 species of birds, including bustards, hornbills, and pelicans. The park is also home to several species of reptiles and amphibians.
What Makes Kaziranga Famous: Kaziranga’s success in the conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros, along with its thriving tiger population, has earned it international recognition. The park also offers safaris, both jeep and elephant, providing an up-close encounter with its wildlife.
- Manas National Park
Location: Baksa, Chirang, and Barpeta districts, Assam
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Manas National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Spanning across 1,057 square kilometers, the park is an ecological treasure trove, home to an incredible range of flora and fauna. Its landscape comprises tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.
Wildlife and Species to See: Manas is famous for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, wild buffalo, elephants, tigers, and golden langurs. Additionally, it houses a variety of birds, including the Bengal florican, greater adjutant stork, and white-winged wood duck. The park is also home to the Pygmy Hog, one of the rarest and smallest hog species in the world.
What Makes Manas Famous: Known for its exceptional biodiversity, Manas is not only a national park but also a Biosphere Reserve and an Important Bird Area (IBA). Its cultural diversity, including the indigenous communities living in and around the park, adds to its significance.
- Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Location: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Assam
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is one of Assam’s most picturesque national parks, located along the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River. The park covers an area of 340 square kilometers and is famous for its riverine ecosystems, wetlands, and grasslands. The area is a haven for migratory birds and is rich in both flora and fauna.
Wildlife and Species to See: Dibru-Saikhowa is home to wild buffaloes, Hoolock gibbons, tigers, leopards, and the white-winged wood duck. It is also an important habitat for migratory birds, including bar-headed geese, sarus cranes, and waterfowl. The park is famous for its river dolphins that inhabit the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
What Makes Dibru-Saikhowa Famous: Dibru-Saikhowa is known for its unique riverine habitat, which creates a rich ecosystem for both terrestrial and aquatic species. The park is also an Important Bird Area, making it a prime destination for bird watchers.
- Nameri National Park
Location: Sonitpur district, Assam
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nameri National Park is located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, offering a beautiful landscape of dense forests, bamboo groves, and riverine habitats. The park, covering over 200 square kilometers, is a biodiversity hotspot and an ideal destination for wildlife lovers.
Wildlife and Species to See: Nameri is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and the Indian bison (Gaur). The park is also famous for its birdlife, including Bengal florican, hornbills, and storks. Its riverside location makes it an excellent place for spotting fishing eagles and riverine birds.
What Makes Nameri Famous: Nameri is one of Assam’s most popular national parks for eco-tourism and river rafting. Its proximity to Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary (in Arunachal Pradesh) further strengthens its role in regional biodiversity conservation.
- Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONPTR)
Location: Darrang and Sonitpur districts, Assam
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Orang National Park, also known as Orang Tiger Reserve, is located on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River. Spanning 78.81 square kilometers, the park is often referred to as the “Mini Kaziranga” due to its similar ecosystem, which includes grasslands and wetlands.
Wildlife and Species to See: Orang is home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, swamp deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species, including herons, eagles, and kingfishers.
What Makes Orang Famous: While smaller than Kaziranga, Orang is known for being a significant rhino sanctuary and a vital wildlife corridor between Kaziranga and other protected areas.
- Dehing Patkai National Park
Location: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Assam
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Dehing Patkai National Park is often referred to as the “Amazon of the East” due to its dense tropical forests, which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers, the park is situated in the foothills of the Patkai range.
Wildlife and Species to See: Dehing Patkai is home to species such as elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, and the Indian bison. The park also has a rich birdlife, including hornbills, woodpeckers, and migratory species.
What Makes Dehing Patkai Famous: The park is known for its tropical rainforests, which make it unique in Assam. The Dehing River that flows through the park is famous for being a vital water source for the region’s wildlife.
- Raimona National Park
Location: Baksa district, Assam
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Raimona National Park is the newest national park in Assam, established in 2021. It is located in the Bodoland Territorial Region and covers over 422 square kilometers. Raimona is known for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes.
Wildlife and Species to See: The park is home to elephants, tigers, Indian bison, and gibbons. It also has a large variety of bird species, including hornbills and eagles.
What Makes Raimona Famous: Raimona is part of the Bodoland Reserve Forest, making it a vital area for wildlife corridors in Assam. Its untouched natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a promising destination for eco-tourism.
- Shikna Jwhwlao National Park
Location: Barpeta district, Assam
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Shikna Jwhwlao National Park is one of Assam’s lesser-known gems, located in the Barpeta district. Spanning a moderate area, it is famous for its wetlands and bamboo forests, providing a unique habitat for a range of species.
Wildlife and Species to See: The park houses wild buffaloes, swamp deer, and several species of waterfowl. It is also home to migratory birds during the winter months.
What Makes Shikna Jwhwlao Famous: The park’s wetland ecosystem and its importance as a bird habitat make it an excellent choice for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Assam’s national parks are a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering a rare opportunity to explore some of India’s most protected ecosystems. Whether you’re looking to encounter the legendary one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga, explore the bird-rich landscapes of Dibru-Saikhowa, or discover the diverse wildlife of Raimona, Assam’s national parks provide a haven for both wildlife enthusiasts and travelers alike. The best time to visit national parks in Assam is generally from November to April, during the cooler months when wildlife is more active.
By visiting these national parks, not only do you get to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in India, but you also contribute to the conservation efforts that protect these delicate ecosystems. Whether you are a nature lover, an eco-tourist, or a wildlife photographer, Assam’s national parks promise an unforgettable adventure into the heart of India’s natural heritage.
