Assam, a state in northeastern India, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The varied ecosystems range from lush forests to wetlands and grasslands, providing habitats for a plethora of flora and fauna. Assam is home to some of India’s most significant wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Here’s an in-depth look at 15 of these remarkable locations.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans approximately 430 square kilometers and is renowned for its success in protecting the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park’s landscape features tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense forests, creating a diverse ecosystem.
Wildlife: Kaziranga hosts about two-thirds of the world’s population of one-horned rhinos, along with a healthy population of tigers, elephants, and swamp deer. Birdwatchers will find over 480 species of birds, including the great hornbill and the pelican.
Activities: The park offers various activities such as jeep safaris and elephant rides for exploring the diverse wildlife. Birdwatching is highly rewarding, especially during the migratory season when many species visit.
Best Time to Visit: The park is open from November to April. The months of January and February are particularly good for sightings.
How to Reach: Jorhat’s Rowriah Airport is the closest, about 96 km away, while Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is approximately 200 km from the park.
Manas National Park is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers an area of 950 square kilometers and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Wildlife: It is home to several endangered species, including the Assam roofed turtle, pygmy hog, and golden langur. The park also boasts a significant population of tigers and elephants.
Activities: Jeep safaris, elephant rides, and river rafting on the Manas River are popular activities. The park’s diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for trekking and nature walks.
Best Time to Visit: The park is open from October to April. The winter months are ideal for wildlife sightings.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Guwahati, located about 145 km away. Local transportation and taxis are available to reach the park.
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a unique biodiversity hotspot, covering around 340 square kilometers in the Tinsukia district. The park is known for its wetlands, which are home to numerous aquatic species.
Wildlife: This national park is famous for its population of the Gangetic river dolphin and is home to several rare and endangered species, including hoolock gibbons and various migratory birds.
Activities: Boat rides on the Dibru River offer excellent opportunities for dolphin watching and birding. Nature trails within the park provide a chance to explore its rich flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the best time, as heavy monsoon rains can make the park difficult to navigate.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport, about 40 km away, and local transport options are available.
Situated in the Darrang district, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary covers 26 square kilometers and is a lesser-known gem in Assam’s wildlife repertoire. The sanctuary is characterized by its lush vegetation and serene atmosphere.
Wildlife: Bornadi is home to endangered species like the white-winged wood duck and various species of primates. The sanctuary’s rich biodiversity attracts numerous bird species.
Activities: Birdwatching, wildlife photography, and guided tours through the sanctuary are popular activities.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from November to April, when wildlife sightings are more common.
How to Reach: The closest airport is Guwahati, approximately 150 km away. Local transport options are available to reach the sanctuary.
Located in the Golaghat district, Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary spans 37 square kilometers and is known for its hot springs and beautiful landscapes.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to a variety of mammals, including tigers and elephants, along with a rich array of bird species.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy trekking and exploring the scenic hot springs, which add a unique aspect to the sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for visits is from November to April.
How to Reach: Dimapur Airport is the closest, about 55 km away, while Jorhat Airport is approximately 85 km from the sanctuary.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kokrajhar district and covers an area of 45 square kilometers. It is noted for its picturesque hills and rich biodiversity.
Wildlife: This sanctuary is significant for the conservation of the endangered golden langur, along with various bird species, mammals, and reptiles.
Activities: Trekking and wildlife photography are popular, along with nature walks through the sanctuary’s beautiful landscapes.
Best Time to Visit: The best time for visits is from October to March.
How to Reach: The sanctuary is about 6 km from Kokrajhar town and around 219 km from Guwahati Airport.
Deepor Beel is an important wetland and bird sanctuary located near Guwahati. It spans approximately 4.5 square kilometers and is a significant habitat for migratory birds.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to over 120 bird species, including kingfishers, migratory ducks, and various raptors, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Activities: Birdwatching, photography, and boat rides on the beel (wetland) are popular activities.
Best Time to Visit: November to March is the ideal time for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to the area.
How to Reach: Deepor Beel is about 20 km from Guwahati Airport, easily accessible by taxi or local transport.
Established in 1997, Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is located in the Jorhat district and covers about 14 square kilometers. It is the only sanctuary in India dedicated to the protection of gibbons.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is known for its hoolock gibbons, along with other species like the Bengal slow loris and various birds.
Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, and exploring the surrounding tea gardens are popular activities among visitors.
Best Time to Visit: Winter months are ideal for wildlife sightings, particularly for spotting gibbons.
How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Mariani, while Jorhat Airport is the closest airport, providing convenient access.
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nagaon district and is known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Covering an area of approximately 70 square kilometers, it plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation.
Wildlife: Besides rhinos, the sanctuary hosts tigers, elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds, offering an enriching experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Activities: Jeep safaris, birdwatching, and exploring the lush landscapes are popular activities within the sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the best time, as the sanctuary is closed during the monsoon.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Guwahati, about 120 km away.
Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a small yet significant sanctuary located in the Morigaon district, known for its high density of one-horned rhinoceroses.
Wildlife: The sanctuary has a thriving population of rhinoceroses, Asiatic elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Activities: Jeep safaris and elephant rides allow visitors to explore the sanctuary and experience its wildlife up close.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the ideal time for visits.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Guwahati, located about 50 km away.
Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in the Sonitpur district. Covering an area of approximately 44 square kilometers, it is known for its diverse wildlife.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to tigers, rhinoceroses, and a variety of birds, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers.
Activities: Jeep safaris and birdwatching are popular activities in this beautiful sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from November to April.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jorhat, about 80 km away.
Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary, located near the Brahmaputra River in the Sivasagar district, covers around 30 square kilometers. It is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly in aquatic and wetland species.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including elephants and deer.
Activities: Birdwatching and wildlife photography are popular activities, especially during the migratory season.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for visits is from November to April.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jorhat, located about 65 km away.
Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Karbi Anglong district, is known for its hot springs and diverse ecosystems. Covering an area of approximately 21 square kilometers, it features dense forests and varied terrain.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, including elephants and tigers.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy trekking, wildlife photography, and exploring the natural hot springs.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the best time for visits.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dimapur, about 70 km away.
Often referred to as the “mini Kaziranga,” Orang National Park is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. Covering approximately 78 square kilometers, it is known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
Wildlife: The park is home to various species, including tigers, elephants, and a wide variety of birds, providing an enriching experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Activities: Jeep safaris and birdwatching are popular activities in the park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the best time for visits.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Guwahati, about 130 km away.
Located in the Karbi Anglong district, Kanchanjuri Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 54 square kilometers.
Wildlife: Kanchanjuri is home to various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including elephants and several endemic bird species.
Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, and nature photography are popular activities for visitors.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for visits is from November to April.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dimapur, approximately 80 km away.
Assam’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the region. Each sanctuary and park presents distinct wildlife, landscapes, and experiences. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, Assam’s natural reserves provide an unparalleled adventure. From the iconic Kaziranga to the lesser-known gems like Bornadi and Kanchanjuri, these sanctuaries create a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Plan your visit to explore these stunning locations and create memories that will last a lifetime. The combination of lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the vibrant culture of Assam make it a truly special destination for nature enthusiasts.
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