National Park & Sanctuary in the North East

National Park & Santucry in North East

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is known for its incredible biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. The state is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which play a crucial role in preserving its unique flora and fauna.

• Namdapha National Park, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest protected area in India, covering approximately 1,985 sq km. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, it is a biodiversity hotspot with altitudes ranging from 200 m to over 4,500 m, offering diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows. The park is renowned for hosting all four big cats: tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards. It is also home to rare species like the red panda, hoolock gibbon, and white-bellied heron. Rich in flora, it features over 1,000 plant species. Namdapha is a paradise for trekkers, birdwatchers, and wildlife enthusiasts, offering unparalleled natural beauty. The best time to visit is from October to April.

• Mouling National Park, located in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, spans approximately 483 sq km and is a vital part of the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve. Named after the local word “Mouling,” meaning red poison, referencing a plant found in the park, it boasts diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows.
  The park is home to endangered species such as red pandas, takins, clouded leopards, and hoolock gibbons, along with a wide variety of birds and reptiles. Its pristine landscapes feature dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountain vistas, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Best visited between November and April, Mouling National Park offers a serene retreat for eco-tourism, trekking, and wildlife exploration.

• Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Pakke Tiger Reserve, is a pristine protected area in Arunachal Pradesh, spanning 862 sq km. Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, it is bordered by rivers like Kameng, Pakke, and Bhareli. Declared a tiger reserve in 2002, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. The sanctuary is home to Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, elephants, and barking deer, alongside an array of bird species, including four hornbill species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Its dense forests and scenic landscapes are perfect for eco-tourism and wildlife safaris. The best time to visit is from November to April, offering a unique opportunity to experience its tranquil beauty and diverse wildlife.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya, known as the “Abode of Clouds,” is a biodiversity-rich state in Northeast India with several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that protect its unique ecosystems and endemic species. These protected areas play a critical role in preserving the state’s natural heritage while promoting eco-tourism.

• Balpakram National Park, located in the South Garo Hills of Meghalaya, is a biodiversity hotspot spanning approximately 220 sq km. Known as the “Land of Eternal Winds,” it features striking landscapes of gorges, canyons, limestone cliffs, and dense tropical forests.The park is home to rare and endangered species, including the golden cat, red panda, Indian bison, and Himalayan black bear. It is also a haven for medicinal plants and unique flora, attracting botanists and researchers.Balpakram holds cultural significance for the Garo tribe, who believe it to be the resting place of departed souls. Accessible mainly from Tura, the park is best visited between November and March, offering scenic beauty and opportunities for wildlife exploration and trekking.

• Nokrek National Park, located in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a vital biodiversity hotspot. Spanning approximately 47.48 sq km, it is known for its pristine subtropical and tropical forests and unique wildlife.The park is home to the endangered red panda, Asian elephants, and the rare hoolock gibbon, along with diverse bird species like hornbills and pheasants. It is also a treasure trove of medicinal plants and rare orchids, including the citrus indica, believed to be the ancestor of modern citrus fruits.Nokrek’s lush greenery and undisturbed ecosystems make it ideal for nature lovers and researchers. The best time to visit is between November and March for trekking and wildlife exploration.
  

Assam

Assam, located in the northeastern region of India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The state is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which play a critical role in conserving its unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna. Here’s an overview:

• Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Assam, India, and is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty. Spanning over 430 sq km along the Brahmaputra River, it is famous for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros, hosting more than two-thirds of the global population of this species. The park also shelters other iconic wildlife such as Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, swamp deer, and wild water buffalo, earning it the status of a Tiger Reserve. Kaziranga’s diverse landscapes include grasslands, wetlands, and tropical forests, which support over 500 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Migratory birds like pelicans, storks, and ducks flock here during the winter season. The park’s conservation efforts have gained international recognition for their success in protecting endangered species. Best visited between November and April, Kaziranga offers thrilling wildlife safaris, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience of Assam’s rich natural heritage.

• Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam, India. Covering an area of approximately 950 sq km, it is also a Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve, reflecting its ecological importance. The park is famous for its stunning landscapes, featuring grasslands, tropical forests, and riverine ecosystems. Home to rare and endangered species like the golden langur, pygmy hog, Bengal tiger, and Indian elephant, it also hosts diverse bird species, including the Bengal florican. The Manas River, which flows through the park, adds to its scenic charm. Visitors can enjoy jungle safaris, birdwatching, and river rafting from November to April, making Manas a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

•  Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, located in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts of Assam, is a unique riverine national park covering approximately 340 sq km. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, it is surrounded by the Brahmaputra, Lohit, and Dibru rivers, creating a stunning landscape of wetlands, grasslands, and semi-evergreen forests. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 350 bird species, including migratory birds like the white-winged wood duck and the ferruginous pochard. It is also home to endangered species such as feral horses, river dolphins, and clouded leopards. Accessible primarily by boat, Dibru-Saikhowa offers eco-tourism activities like birdwatching, boat safaris, and trekking. The best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is pleasant.

• Nameri National Park, located in the Sonitpur district of Assam, is a serene wildlife sanctuary spanning about 200 sq km. Situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, it is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring lush forests, grasslands, and the sparkling Jia Bhoroli River. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species, including the endangered white-winged wood duck, hornbills, and pied falcons. It is also home to elephants, tigers, leopards, Himalayan black bears, and sambars, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy river rafting, jungle trekking, and birdwatching while exploring the park. The best time to visit is between November and April when the park is most vibrant.

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Morigaon district of Assam, is a small but biodiversity-rich sanctuary spanning about 38 sq km. Known as the “Mini Kaziranga,” it boasts one of the highest densities of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world, making it a vital conservation area for this species.In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boars, leopards, and Asiatic buffaloes, along with over 200 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The wetlands and grasslands of Pobitora create a stunning landscape that supports this diverse ecosystem.Easily accessible from Guwahati, the sanctuary offers jeep safaris and elephant rides. The best time to visit is from November to March.