Assam's National Parks and Sanctuaries: The Wild Heart of Northeast India

Assam is a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty, celebrated for its expansive tea gardens, mighty rivers, and lush forests. The state's diverse ecosystems support a unique array of flora and fauna, making it a critical area for conservation. 

Home to several National Parks in Assam and wildlife sanctuaries in Assam, the region is pivotal in protecting the rare one-horned rhinoceros among other endangered species. These protected areas not only bolster efforts to preserve wildlife in Assam but also offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and adventurers, showcasing the state's commitment to its natural heritage.

7 National Parks of Assam

• Kaziranga National Park

Location: Golaghat and Nagaon districts, Assam.

Kaziranga National Park, the most popular National Park in Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic wildlife reserves in India. Spanning 430 sq. km, the park is renowned for its significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which attracts wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. The park's landscape is a mix of grasslands, wetlands, and dense tropical forests, offering stunning vistas of the Karbi Anglong Hills. Safaris here, whether by jeep or elephant, provide opportunities to spot not just rhinos but also tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, and an incredible variety of birds.

Best Season to Visit: November to April.

How to Reach: The park is accessible by road from Jorhat and Tezpur airports, or by train from Guwahati.

Entry Charges: Approx. ₹100 for Indian citizens and ₹650 for foreigners, with additional charges for safaris.

Wildlife: Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and over 500 species of birds, including migratory species like the black-necked stork and pelican.

Where to Stay: Nestled near the Kaziranga National Park, the Summit Green Lake Tea Resort & Spa, A Club Mahindra Associate resort in assam offers an idyllic setting for nature enthusiasts, providing easy access to the park's rich biodiversity and majestic wildlife.

• Manas National Park

Location: Western Assam, bordering Bhutan.

Manas National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, also recognized as a tiger reserve, elephant reserve, and biosphere reserve. Spanning 950 sq. km, this National Park in Assam is known for its dense forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems. It is a haven for endangered species, including the golden langur, pygmy hog, and hispid hare. The park is also home to the largest tiger population in India and offers a peaceful environment where wildlife in Assam thrives..

Best Season to Visit: October to December and March to April.

How to Reach: The nearest airport and railway station are in Guwahati, with good road connectivity to the park.

Entry Charges: Approx. ₹50 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners, with additional safari costs.

Wildlife: Royal Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Assam roofed turtle, golden langur, and pygmy hog.

• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

• Location: Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, Assam.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is one of the world's 19 biodiversity hotspots, spanning 340 sq. km of wetlands and grasslands in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River. This National Park in Assam is particularly famous for bird watching, with over 500 species recorded, including many migratory birds. The park’s landscape is shaped by the confluence of several rivers, creating an environment rich in flora and fauna. This National Park in Assam one of the few places where visitors can explore by boat, adding a unique experience to view the wildlife in Assam.

Best Season to Visit: November to April.

How to Reach: Accessible via Dibrugarh airport and Tinsukia railway station.

Entry Charges: Varies; boat safari charges are additional.

Wildlife: White-winged wood duck, feral horses, Gangetic dolphins, hoolock gibbons, and numerous migratory birds.

• Nameri National Park

• Location: Sonitpur district, Assam.

This National Park in Assam, along the Jia Bhoroli River, covers 200 sq. km and is known for its dense forests and vibrant wildlife. Nameri National Park shares its northern boundary with Arunachal Pradesh's Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary. Nameri is a crucial conservation area for elephants and tigers. The park is also a paradise for bird watchers, with species like the white-winged wood duck and hornbills being major attractions. River rafting on the Jia Bhoroli adds an adventurous twist to explore the wildlife in Assam.

Best Season to Visit: November to April.

How to Reach: Accessible via road from Tezpur airport.

Entry Charges: Minimal, with additional fees for rafting and safaris.

Wildlife: Asian elephant, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, and over 300 species of birds.

• Orang National Park

• Location: Darrang and Sonitpur districts, Assam.

Often referred to as the “Mini ranga,” Orang National Park covers 78 sq. km and features similar landscapes to its more famous counterpart. It is crucial for the conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros and offers a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife in Assam. Despite its smaller size, National Park in Assam is an important breeding ground for several species of fish and birds, making it a key ecological area.

Best Season to Visit: November to April.

How to Reach: Closest access is from Guwahati.

Entry Charges: Approx. ₹50 for Indians, with separate safari fees.

Wildlife: One-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Gangetic dolphin, and a wide range of birds.

• Dehing Patkai National Park

• Location: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Assam.

Dehing Patkai National Park, also known as the "Amazon of the East," preserves the last remaining stretches of Assam’s tropical wet evergreen forests. Spanning 234 sq. km, it is part of the Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve and is home to a variety of unique wildlife in Assam. This National Park in Assam is not only significant for its biodiversity but also for its historical sites, including World War II cemeteries and the oldest oil refinery in Asia at Digboi.

Best Season to Visit: September to March.

How to Reach: Easily accessible from Dibrugarh.

Entry Charges: Nominal; additional fees for guided tours.

Wildlife: Clouded leopards, marbled cats, Assamese macaques, and over 300 bird species, including hornbills and pheasants.

• Raimona National Park

• Location: Kokrajhar district, Assam.

Raimona National Park is the newest addition to Assam’s national parks, covering 422 sq. km. It forms a crucial part of the Buxa-Raimona elephant corridor, ensuring safe passage for these majestic creatures. This National Park in Assam has dense forests and varied topography making it a sanctuary for several endangered species and a new destination for eco-tourists to see wildlife in Assam.

Best Season to Visit: November to April.

How to Reach: Accessible via road from Guwahati and nearby railway stations.

Entry Charges: Nominal; additional fees for guided tours.

Wildlife: Golden langurs, Indian elephants, Bengal tigers, and a wide array of avian species.

7 Key Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Morigaon district, about 50 km from Guwahati.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for having the highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world. Spanning an area of approximately 38 sq. km, this sanctuary was officially declared in 1987. The landscape is dominated by grasslands and wetlands, which provide an ideal habitat for the rhinoceros and other species. This Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam  is also home to a variety of migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Best Season to Visit: November to February.

How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Guwahati, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Entry Charges: ₹50 for Indian nationals, ₹500 for foreigners. Jeep safari charges start at ₹1,000.

Wildlife: One-horned rhinoceros, wild boars, Indian leopards, Asiatic buffaloes, and a wide variety of migratory birds such as the Indian pied hornbill and white-throated kingfisher.

• Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

• Location: Jorhat district, eastern Assam.

The Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam  is named after the Hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species, the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is a unique destination. Spread over about 21 sq. km, it was established in 1997. The sanctuary is primarily composed of semi-evergreen forests, providing a rich habitat for not only the Hoolock gibbons but also other primates. The dense canopy and the presence of large Hollong trees make it a critical conservation area for wildlife in Assam.

Best Season to Visit: October to April.

How to Reach: Nearest airport is Jorhat (25 km), accessible by road.

Entry Charges: ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹250 for foreigners.

Wildlife: Hoolock gibbons, capped langurs, Assamese macaques, pig-tailed macaques, and over 200 bird species, including the great hornbill and the white-winged wood duck.

• Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, western Assam.

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its efforts to protect the golden langur, a primate species endemic to the region. The sanctuary covers approximately 45 sq. km of hilly terrain and lush forests. It was declared a sanctuary in 1994 and serves as a critical habitat for this endangered species. The scenic beauty of Chakrashila, with its undulating hills and valleys, adds to the appeal of this sanctuary and make it one of the most visited Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.

Best Season to Visit: November to April.

How to Reach: Nearest airport is Guwahati (219 km), well-connected by road.

Entry Charges: ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreigners.

Wildlife: Golden langur, Indian flying fox, barking deer, pangolin, and a variety of butterflies and reptiles.

• Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctury

• Location: Sonitpur district, northern Assam.

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary spans about 220 sq. km and is known for its population of elephants and its breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills. Established in 1998, the sanctuary is characterized by grasslands and dense forests. This Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam  provides a critical habitat for several species of endangered wildlife in Assam and is a key area for conservation efforts in Assam.

Best Season to Visit: November to March.

How to Reach: Nearest airport is Tezpur (52 km), accessible by road.

Entry Charges: ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹300 for foreigners.

Wildlife: Elephants, tigers, Indian gaur, leopards, and a variety of bird species such as the white-winged wood duck and hornbills.

• Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Sonitpur district, northern Assam.

Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known gem in Assam, covering about 44 sq. km. Situated along the southern banks of the Brahmaputra River, this Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam  is an extension of the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1974, Burachapori is known for its grassland ecosystem and is home to a variety of species. The sanctuary is also part of the tiger and rhino conservation efforts in Assam.

Best Season to Visit: November to March.

How to Reach: Nearest airport is Tezpur (40 km), accessible by road.

Entry Charges: ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreigners.

Wildlife: Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, wild boars, Asiatic buffaloes, and migratory birds like the ferruginous duck and swamp francolin.

• Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Karbi Anglong district, central Assam.

Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Assam’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries, covering an area of about 6 sq. km. Established in 1952, the sanctuary is known for its hot water springs and rich biodiversity. The sanctuary’s landscape features semi-evergreen and tropical forests, which provide a habitat for various species of animals and birds.

Best Season to Visit: November to April.

How to Reach: Nearest airport is Dimapur (55 km), accessible by road.

Entry Charges: ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹250 for foreigners.

Wildlife: Elephants, tigers, leopards, hoolock gibbons, and over 100 species of birds including the great hornbill.

Other Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (Sonitpur district): Known for its one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and migratory birds. It covers 70 sq. km of grasslands and forests.

Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary (Tinsukia district): Small sanctuary spread across 7 sq. km, home to hoolock gibbons, capped langurs, and a variety of birds.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (also a Wildlife Sanctuary) (Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts): This Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam  covers340 sq. km is known for its wild horses, river dolphins, and diverse birdlife.

Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary (Baksa district): A small wildlife sanctuary in Assam covering about 26 sq. km, home to golden langurs, elephants, and various reptiles.

Panidihing Bird Sanctuary (Sivasagar district): This Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, spans 34 sq. km of wetlands, is famous for its large populations of migratory birds, especially during winter. 

Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary (Kamrup district): This Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam covers about 78 sq. km of hilly terrain, known for elephants, leopards, and various bird species.

Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary (Karbi Anglong district): A lesser-known wildlife sanctuary of Assam covering 451 sq. km, home to tigers, leopards, and various reptiles.

Practical tips for visiting the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Assam

1. Book in Advance: Secure permits and accommodations early, especially during peak tourist seasons.

2. Hire Local Guides: Utilize local guides for the best wildlife spotting opportunities and to gain insights into the area’s ecology.

3. Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, earth-toned clothing to blend in with the environment and sturdy footwear for walking.

4. Follow Park Rules: Adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the sanctuary to ensure safety and conservation efforts.

5. Pack Essentials: Include binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit.

6. Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid feeding or disturbing them.

7. Be Patient: Wildlife spotting can be unpredictable; patience and silence increase your chances of a rewarding experience.

8. Leave No Trace: Ensure you leave the habitats as you found them, minimizing your impact on the natural surroundings.

Conclusion

Assam's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries offer a unique glimpse into India's rich biodiversity. These areas provide crucial habitats for endangered species and offer visitors a chance to experience the majesty of nature up close. Whether you're on a safari or simply enjoying the landscapes, a trip to these sanctuaries promises unforgettable adventures and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

As we wrap up our exploration of Assam's stunning national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, remember that your adventures can extend beyond the day's journey with a Club Mahindra membership.