Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, with more than two-thirds of the world's population residing here. The park spans across the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, offering a diverse ecosystem that includes grasslands, wetlands, and forests. It is also home to tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, and various species of birds, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers safaris by jeep and elephant, providing an excellent opportunity to witness its wildlife up close.
Best Time: October to June
A UNESCO World Heritage site and a Project Tiger Reserve, Manas National Park is located in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, straddling the border between India and Bhutan. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, Indian rhinoceroses, and the elusive golden langur. Manas features a diverse range of ecosystems, from grasslands to semi-evergreen forests, and offers activities like jeep safaris, river rafting, and bird watching. Its stunning landscape and wide array of wildlife make it one of the most pristine and diverse national parks in India.
Best Time: October to Apr
Nameri National Park lies on the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, known for its dense forests, rich birdlife, and scenic beauty. The park is home to species like tigers, elephants, leopards, and the rare white-winged wood duck. The Jia Bhoroli River flows through the park, offering opportunities for eco-tourism activities like rafting and fishing. Nameri also attracts birdwatchers, with over 300 species recorded in the park, making it a perfect blend of adventure and nature.
Best Time: November to April
Located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park is often referred to as the “Mini Kaziranga” due to its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park also hosts other wildlife species like tigers, elephants, wild boar, and numerous birds. The park’s grasslands and wetlands attract many migratory birds during the winter months, making it a popular spot for bird watching. Its relatively undisturbed habitat provides a peaceful setting for those looking to explore Assam’s wildlife.
Best Time: November to April
Located in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from wetlands to forests and grasslands. It is home to unique species such as the white-winged wood duck and the Gangetic river dolphin, along with elephants, tigers, and several bird species. The park also features the largest river island in the world, Majuli, on its western boundary, adding to its ecological importance. Visitors can enjoy river cruises and explore the park’s unique flora and fauna while immersing in its serene atmosphere.
Best Time: November to April
Situated on the southern banks of the Brahmaputra River, Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is a riverine ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of species, including the one-horned rhinoceros and several species of migratory birds. The sanctuary is characterized by grasslands, wetlands, and forested areas, offering an ideal habitat for wildlife. It also provides a serene and peaceful environment for nature lovers and photographers. Though technically a sanctuary, its proximity to other national parks makes it an essential part of Assam’s conservation efforts.
Best Time: November to April
Dihing Patkai National Park is a tropical rainforest located along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, known for its lush green landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of birds and reptiles, as well as unique plant species. It is often referred to as the "Amazon of the East" due to its dense forests and tropical climate. Dihing Patkai also has the Dihing River flowing through it, providing a picturesque setting for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Best Time: November to April
Raimona National Park, situated in the western part of Assam, was established in 2021 and is known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity. It is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and several species of birds, including the endangered hoolock gibbon. The park offers a pristine environment for wildlife safaris and trekking in its rugged terrain. Raimona is part of the larger Buxa Tiger Reserve, enhancing its ecological importance in the region’s conservation landscape.
Best Time: November to April
The national parks of Assam are an absolutely spectacular display of wildlife, nature and landscape unlike any other place in India.