Kaziranga National Park – Assam
Kaziranga, the first National Park of Assam was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The park is spread over 430 sq. kms. of lush, dense forest area on the southern banks of Brahmaputra and is the famous home of the great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, which is today found only in few sanctuaries in India. Other animals found here are – elephant, bison, tiger, leopard, hog deer, and barasingha, etc. The lakes inside the park are home to about 5, 00 birds, which includes, cranes, flamingos, hornbills, ibis, cormorants, egrets, heron fishing eagles, etc. Fine forest lodges are available for stay. Best season to visit from November to April.
To reach here, the main Airport in Jorhat, 96 kms. far and if you want to take the Railway, the nearest railway station is Furkating, 75 kms away from Kaziranga. The easiest plan is to take the road Bokakhat that is 23 kms. away and the main gate lies at Kohora on NH 37, buses available from Guwahati, Tezpur, and Jorhat. Precise Address: Kanchanjuri, Assam, 784177.
Manas National Park – Near Guwahati
The scenic park on the banks of Manas River teems with a rich variety of wildlife and is only project Tiger Reserve in Assam. It also features on the Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites. Key fauna – tiger, one-horned rhino, hispid hare, gaurs, pygmy hogs and rare golden langurs. A large number of migratory birds flock to Manas during the winters. Best season to visit from November to April. Accurate Address: Manas Road, Barangabari Gyati Village, Dist Baksa, Gobardhana, Assam, 781315.
Cole Park – Tezpur
The park first established by MrCole, a British Dy. Commissioner has two huge ornamental stone pillars and the sculptural remains of the Bamuni Hills. Nearby, at Da Parbatia are the ruins of 5th-6th century stone temples. Other architectural remains are, Agnigarh and Bamunihills, the Bhairavi and Mahabhairab temples, etc. Specific Address: Mahabhairab, Tezpur, Assam, 784001.
Nameri National Park – Near Tezpur
It covers an area of about 200 sq. kms. and extends into Arunachal Pradesh. Key fauna- clouded leopard, tiger, capped langur, etc. The park is also rich in birdlife and Jia Bhoroli river here is known for the golden mahseer fish. Correct Address: Sonitpur, Guwahati, Assam, 784001.
Orang National Park – Near Tezpur
The park is popularly known as mini Kaziranga and is a good place to view one-horned rhino, leopard, elephant, sambar, barking deer, tiger, etc. There is also a rich variety of bird species. Exact Address: Singari Bangali Gaon, Assam, 784110.
Namdapha National Park – Arunachal Pradesh
This unique border extends snow-clad peaks to the valley floors on the sea level. The vast biodiversity sustains a large variety of endangered flora and fauna and is the only natural habitat where tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and the snow leopard can be seen. Other Key fauna includes- endangered takin, hoolock gibbon, red panda, and capped langur, etc. The birdlife includes the great Indian Hornbill, the state bird of Arunachal. It has over 150 species of trees and has a rich wealth of medicinal and ornamental plants. The nearest airport is Dibrugarh (112 kms.), via Miao, its entry point. Best season to visit from October to April. Precise Address: Director, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, MV Road, Arunachal Pradesh, 792122.
Mouling National Park – Arunachal Pradesh
It sprawls over an area of 483sq. kms. in the Upper Siang District. The park is home to a rich variety of animal and birdlife. Key fauna- clouded bear and deer. It also has white-feathered wild duck breeding by Jeep from Yingkiong / Pasighat. Yinkiong and Jengging are the nearest bus stands. The nearest railhead is Murkongselek. Best season to visit from October to April. Exact Address: Jengging, East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, 791102.
Mini Zoological Garden – Aizawl
The zoo at the Durtlang Hills is home to animals and birds found only in the hills of Mizoram. The Durtlang Hills affords a panoramic view of Aizawl and is a must-visit the site for the breathtaking view of the hills. Other attractive sites are- the Assam Rifles Centre, Raj Bhawan, the Assembly, and Secretariat. Specific Address: NH 44A, Lungverh, Mizoram, 796009.
Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary – Tripura
It is 25 kms. from Agartala and a delight for bird watchers. Large colonies of local and migratory birds sprawl over an area of 18.53 sq. km. Extraordinary animals seen here are, unique spectacled, monkey, crab-eating mongoose and Sharmila billi. There are also an orchid and botanical garden zoo and lake. Abasarika, the forest dark bungalow offers accommodation within the sanctuary. Correct Address: Uttar Charilam, Tripura, 799102.
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary – Tripura
It is about 100 kms. from Agartala. The bison and golden langur are the main attractions. Local and migratory birds can also be seen here. Accurate Address: Rajnagar, Belonia – Bhabanipur Rd, Joychandrapur, Tripura, 799150.
