Posted 21 April 2023 in Wildlife

8 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Assam

The experience of meeting a wild animal in its natural habitat can be a fulfilling experience for travellers. Wildlife spotting is something you will remember for years to come. Some places around the world attract wildlife fanatics, and Assam is one such place. Assam is a top biodiversity hotspot due to the Himalayan foothills and the Brahmaputra River.

Assam's wildlife is composed of a diverse range of landforms, vegetation, birds, and animals. As a result of the favourable climatic conditions, several endemic wildlife species, including the Pygmy hog, exist only in Assam. The state has several other rare wildlife species such as wild water buffalos, hoolock gibbons, hog deer, great one-horned rhinoceroses, and Ganges dolphins.

In addition to Indian tigers, Indian leopards, clouded leopards, and black panthers, there are more than 450 different bird species, five kinds of deer in the biodiversity zone, and an abundance of herbivores. In Assam, the popular wildlife reserves include Kaziranga, Manas, Pobitora, Nameri, Dibru-Saikhowa, and more.

Here’s a list of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Assam that should be on your travel list.

1. Manas National Park

Manas, one of Assam's best-kept national parks, is recognised for its rare red panda and golden langur, in addition to being the sole tiger park in Assam. There are 450 species of birds, 36 of reptiles, 55 of mammals, and three of amphibians in Manas National Park. Among the famous residents are the Indian tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephants, leopards, black panthers, Asian golden cats, barking deers, hornbills, pelicans, and more. It has the second-largest population of tigers in the nation. This place is also home to endangered species such as the golden langur and pygmy hog.

How to reach?

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is the closest airport and about 145 km from Manas National Park. Air connectivity between Guwahati and other areas of the nation is excellent. Taxis are available to transport you to the national park from the airport.

Best time to visit: A good time to visit is both the summer and winter seasons. Manas is open from October through May. However, heavy rains cause the park to shut down during the monsoon.

2. Kaziranga National Park

The Kaziranga National Park is a favourite wildlife sanctuary with an area of 800 sq. km. It is common to spot a number of birds and other kinds of wildlife roaming freely around the dry deciduous forest, rocky terrain, and thickets. The Park's main attraction are the rhinos. Jeeps are used for exploring all the areas of the Park.

How to reach?

Kaziranga is located about 96 km away from Jorhat's Rowriah Airport. IndiGo offers regular flights to and from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. When you arrive here, you can hire a taxi to Kaziranga National Park.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is between November and April. The park is closed during monsoon season.

3. Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Several endangered species of flora and fauna can be found in Dibru Saikhowa National Park. Among the few protected areas in the Assamese plains, it is home to endemic bird species. Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of the 19 biodiversity hubs in the world. Located 12 km north of Tinsukia, it has seven separate sections, one of which is a swamp, and the rest is primarily grasslands and dense forests. Various animals can be seen here, including Royal Bengal tigers, hoolock gibbons, leopards, wild water buffaloes, tigers, and elephants. During a boat ride, visitors are likely to see the Gangetic river dolphins, which are the park's main attraction.

How to reach?

Dibrugarh Airport is the closest, located about 40 km away. You can take a taxi from the airport to reach the Park.

Best time to visit: November to April is a good time to visit the Park. Visitors should avoid visiting during monsoons.

4. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife aficionados can enjoy the rich vegetation of Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, brimming with rich flora and fauna. With its unmatched natural beauty, this sanctuary, perched amidst the majestic Himalayas, can never be fully explained in words. The park is a habitat for rare animals like clouded leopards, white-winged wood ducks, and golden langurs. Numerous bird species, pygmy hogs, and hispid hares, are waiting for you.

How to reach?

The closest airport is Guwahati Airport, located 150 km away. Approximately 70 km from the sanctuary is Mangaldoi, the nearest railhead.

Best time to visit: November to April, when the climate is temperate with neither too cold nor too hot weather conditions.

5. Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary

As a modestly-sized sanctuary, covering an expanse of 37 sq. km, this place sits amidst lush greenery and azure water areas that shimmer like a vision of gold. The sanctuary provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger (the national animal of India). Besides Nambor's hot springs, Goram Pani is also among the most popular attractions here.

How to reach?

Dimapur Airport is 55 km from Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jorhat Airport is 85 km away.

Best time to visit: A trip to the sanctuary is most enjoyable from November to April.\

6. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

This is a leading wildlife sanctuary in the state of Assam. The wildlife preserve in Assam's Dhubri and Kokrajhar areas is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts. A spectacular view awaits visitors after hiking through the Chakrashila Hills. Here you can see the golden langur, which is on the endangered list. The nearby Beel as well as the Diplai Beel Lakes are home to wildlife species such as Indian flying foxes, Chinese pangolins, rhesus macaques, Indian pipistrelles, Bengal foxes, Asiatic jackals, and hornbills.

How to reach?

This wildlife sanctuary is located 6 km south of Kokrajhar town, 219 km from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and 68 km from Dhubri town. After landing at the airport, you can take a bus to reach here.

Best time to visit: The Wildlife Reserve is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you're thinking of visiting this sanctuary, the best months are from October till March.

7. Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary

This beautiful bird sanctuary is covered with lush greenery and beautiful water features. Located in Deepor Beel, this Bird Sanctuary is regarded as the best bird refuge in the area. With over 120 kinds of birds, you can spot kingfishers, eagles, and ducks here.

How to reach?

Nearly 20 km away is the closest airport in Guwahati. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the bird sanctuary.

Best time to visit: Winter months, from November to March, is the ideal time to visit Deepor Beel since migratory birds flock during this season in abundance.

8. Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Although Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is very beautiful, it is located in an eerie area and is said to have been formed in 1997. The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary offers a wildlife experience like no other. Visitors come from all parts of the country to see several amazing wildlife species, amidst the mesmerising tea gardens and the long sweeps of green grass. At the Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, you can see India's only nocturnal monkey and the marvellous Bengal slow loris, both of which are rare and unique to India.

How to reach?

Mariani is the nearest railway head, while Jorhat is the nearest airport. Mariani can be reached by taking an auto or a taxi from Jorhat.

Best time to visit: The ideal time to explore Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is in the winter season as this is when one is most likely to see hooded gibbons and slow loris.

Conclusion

Besides the monsoon season, which is noted for heavy rainfall, other times of year are considered excellent to plan a vacation. For any reason, it is never a wasted trip to explore the top wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Assam. The variety of wildlife animals and different varieties of birds will leave you amazed enough to make Assam your next destination.