Northeast India comes alive with its network of national parks. Beyond the endless tea gardens and the mighty Brahmaputra lies a world where one-horned rhinos roam freely and golden langurs swing through ancient forests. I’m excited to take you through these remarkable sanctuaries in Assam that showcase the best of India’s biodiversity.
Kaziranga National Park
Standing at the heart of the Brahmaputra Valley. Kaziranga National Park was established in 1974. Spread across an impressive 1,090 km² in the Golaghat, Nagaon, and Karbi Anglong districts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site holds a special place in India’s conservation story.
Visitor’s Guide to Kaziranga
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Must-See Attractions:
- Dawn elephant safari in Bagori Range
- Jeep safari through Kohora Range for rhino sightings
- Bird watching at Sohola Bheel
- Sunset tower viewing at Agaratoli Range
- Accommodation: Options from luxury lodges to budget guesthouses are available in Kohora village.
- Safari Bookings: Available at Central Range Office, advance booking is recommended.
- Getting There: 217 km from Guwahati airport; regular taxi services in Guwahati like Taxi Nation are available for car rental service to Kaziranga all throughout the year.
Manas National Park
Where the plains meet the Eastern Himalayas, Manas National Park was established in 1990. This 500 km² park, sharing its border with Bhutan, isn’t just a protected area – it’s a living laboratory of biodiversity.
Exploring Manas
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Essential Experiences:
- River rafting while spotting Gangetic dolphins
- Golden langur tracking in the forest periphery
- Elephant safaris through grasslands
- Cultural visits to Bodo villages
- Accommodation: Forest lodges and eco-camps
- Safari Timing: Morning (6:30-9:30 AM) and Evening (2:30-5:30 PM)
- Getting There: 176 km from Guwahati; private transfers recommended
Nameri National Park (Est. 1998)
In Sonitpur district, Nameri offers a different flavor of wilderness. This 200 sq km sanctuary has earned its reputation as a birdwatcher’s paradise, but there’s more to this park than meets the eye.
Visitor Information
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Activities:
- Guided bird watching tours
- River rafting on Jia-Bhoreli
- Angling (with permits)
- Nature walks with forest guides
- Accommodation: Eco Camp and Forest Rest House
- Permits: Available at Forest Office, Potasali
- Getting There: 35 km from Tezpur airport
Orang National Park
With a size of 78.81 sq km, Orang National Park (Est. 1999) packs a powerful punch in wildlife conservation. Nicknamed “Mini Kaziranga,” this park along the Brahmaputra’s northern bank proves that size isn’t everything in conservation.
Visiting Orang
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Key Attractions:
- Rhino tracking
- Riverine bird watching
- Photography from machans
- Accommodation: Limited to forest rest houses
- Safari Options: Jeep safaris only
- Getting There: 140 km from Guwahati, private vehicles or car rental service in Guwahati is recommended.
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Est. 1999)
In Upper Assam’s Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, Dibru-Saikhowa offers something unique – feral horses galloping through the largest salix swamp forest in Northeast India.
Planning Your Visit to Dibru-Saikhowa
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Highlights:
- Boat safaris on Dibru river
- Feral horse watching
- Migratory bird photography
- Hoolock gibbon spotting
- Accommodation: Guesthouses in Tinsukia and Guijan
- Special Requirements: Boat safari permits needed
- Getting There: 12 km from Tinsukia town
Dehing Patkai National Park
Welcome to India’s largest lowland rainforest which was established in 2021. This 234.26 sq km park offers unique rainforest experiences.
Visitor Guidelines
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Activities:
- Canopy walks
- Butterfly watching
- Heritage trails (WWII cemeteries nearby)
- Bird photography
- Accommodation: Hotels in Digboi and Margherita
- Entry: Permits required from Forest Office
- Getting There: 45 km from Dibrugarh airport
Raimona National Park
Raimona is Assam’s newest national park, on 5 June 2021 by the announcement of the Chief Minister of Assam on the occasion of World Environment Day it was declared to be a national park. Raimona National Park represents the future of conservation. Spanning 422 sq km in Kokrajhar district, it serves as a buffer to Manas National Park.
Visiting Information
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Experiences:
- Golden langur tracking
- Bird watching
- Nature photography
- Border area visits (permits required)
- Accommodation: Limited to forest rest houses and homestays
- Getting There: 160 km from Guwahati
Travel Tips and Conservation Notes
- Book accommodations and safaris in advance during peak season
- Hire local guides for better wildlife spotting
- Follow park rules strictly to support conservation
- Consider multi-park packages through Taxination for seamless travel
- Carry appropriate gear (details provided upon booking)
As climate change and habitat loss pose increasing challenges, Assam’s national parks stand as beacons of hope. The potential addition of Shikna Jwhwlao National Park signals the state’s ongoing commitment to conservation.
Getting Around Assam’s National Parks
While public transport reaches most parks, the real adventure begins where the roads end. For the best journey experience, consider booking with a car rental in Guwahati like Taxi Nation, the best taxi service in Assam, that’s been operating in Northeast India for two decades. Their drivers know these routes intimately and can share valuable local insights about wildlife spotting.
Remember, these parks aren’t just protected areas – they’re living proof that with dedicated conservation efforts and community involvement, wildlife can thrive alongside human development. As you plan your visit to these sanctuaries, you’re not just witnessing nature – you’re participating in one of India’s greatest conservation success stories.
Note: All park timings and activities are subject to seasonal changes and weather conditions. Always check official websites or contact park authorities for current information.
