Assam is renowned for its rich biodiversity and offers several stunning wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Here are some of the best ones, with details for first-time visitors:
1. Kaziranga National Park
Location: Central Assam, near the town of Bokakhat.
Famous For: One-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Activities: Jeep safaris, elephant rides, bird watching.
Entry Fees: INR 100 for Indians, INR 650 for foreigners (varies by season).
Accommodation: Options range from luxury resorts to budget lodges. Popular places include the Kaziranga National Park Resort and Bonhabi Resort.
2. Manas National Park
Location: Western Assam, bordering Bhutan.
Famous For: Bengal tigers, pygmy hogs, golden langurs, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Activities: Jeep safaris, river rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners (varies by season).
Accommodation: Options include the Manas Resort and the Bansbari Lodge.
3. Nameri National Park
Location: Northeastern Assam, bordering Arunachal Pradesh.
Famous For: Elephants, tigers, and the rare white-winged wood duck.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Activities: Trekking, river rafting, and wildlife safaris.
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners (varies by season).
Accommodation: Eco-camps and lodges such as the Nameri Eco Camp.
4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Location: Eastern Assam, near Tinsukia.
Famous For: Wild horses, white-winged wood ducks, and a range of bird species.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Activities: Boat rides, wildlife viewing, and bird watching.
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners (varies by season).
Accommodation: Options include the Dibru Saikhowa Eco Camp and local guesthouses.
5. Raimona National Park
Location: Western Assam, part of the Bodo Territorial Region.
Famous For: Diverse wildlife including elephants, tigers, and various primate species.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Activities: Wildlife viewing, nature trails.
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners (varies by season).
Accommodation: Limited options, with basic lodges and guesthouses available.
6. Kopili River Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Karbi Anglong district, Assam.
Famous For: A variety of bird species and the habitat for animals like the pygmy hog.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Activities: Wildlife watching and nature walks.
Entry Fees: Typically low, but exact fees can vary.
Accommodation: Basic lodges and local guesthouses.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Permits: Some parks require permits, especially if visiting restricted zones. It’s best to check in advance.
Guides: Hiring a local guide can enhance the experience and provide more information about wildlife and the environment.
Safety: Follow park rules and regulations, especially regarding wildlife interactions.
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for trekking and safaris. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal.
Health Precautions: Carry insect repellent and stay hydrated.
These parks and sanctuaries offer unique opportunities to experience Assam’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Assam is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that boast rich biodiversity, including rare and endangered species. Here are some of the prominent wildlife sanctuaries in Assam:
1. Kaziranga National Park
Location: Golaghat and Nagaon districts
Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is famous for its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. It also hosts tigers, elephants, wild water buffaloes, and swamp deer.
Activities: Elephant safaris, jeep safaris, birdwatching, and nature walks.
2. Manas National Park
Location: Barpeta district
Significance: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas is known for its diverse wildlife, including the Assam roofed turtle, pygmy hog, golden langur, and Indian rhinoceros.
Activities: Jeep safaris, river rafting, birdwatching, and elephant rides.
3. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Location: Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts
Significance: Known for its feral horses and rich avifauna, Dibru-Saikhowa is one of the few biosphere reserves in India.
Activities: Boat rides, birdwatching, and nature walks.
4. Nameri National Park
Location: Sonitpur district
Significance: A haven for birdwatchers, Nameri is home to over 300 species of birds, including the white-winged wood duck. It also has a healthy population of elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Activities: River rafting, birdwatching, and trekking.
5. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Marigaon district, near Guwahati
Significance: Often referred to as the “Mini Kaziranga,” Pobitora has a high density of one-horned rhinoceroses. It also hosts a variety of bird species.
Activities: Elephant rides, jeep safaris, and birdwatching.
6. Orang National Park
Location: Darrang and Sonitpur districts
Significance: Known as the “Mini Kaziranga,” this park is home to rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, and several bird species. It’s less crowded than other parks, offering a more serene experience.
Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, and photography.
7. Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Kamrup district, near Guwahati
Significance: A Ramsar Site, Deepor Beel is a large freshwater lake and an important bird sanctuary. It’s a wintering ground for many migratory birds.
Activities: Birdwatching, boating, and photography.
8. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Nagaon district
Significance: Laokhowa is known for its population of rhinoceroses and wild buffaloes, and it serves as a crucial corridor for elephants.
Activities: Wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
9. Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Sonitpur district
Significance: This sanctuary is rich in avifauna and also hosts various mammals such as tigers, elephants, and wild buffaloes.
Activities: Birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
10. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts
Significance: Known for being the only protected habitat of the golden langur, Chakrashila is a biodiversity hotspot with a variety of flora and fauna.
Activities: Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and trekking.
11. Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Karbi Anglong district
Significance: One of the oldest sanctuaries in Assam, Garampani is known for its hot water springs and rich biodiversity.
Activities: Trekking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
These sanctuaries and national parks in Assam offer an incredible opportunity to experience the region’s rich biodiversity, whether you’re interested in large mammals like rhinos and tigers or in birdwatching and exploring diverse ecosystems.