Assam Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks

Assam wildlife or a hub of birding itinerary is a very talked about topic with tourists and nature lovers alike from all over the world. It has rich varied culture. Nature has ungrudgingly blessed Assam with an ample quantity of scenic grandeur. A wealth of rarest and near-extinct species of wildlife are found in Assam, which includes Golden Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, White-Winged Woodduck, Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphins etc. Moreover, During season flock of resident and migratory birds make Assam their natural habitats.

The gateway to the mystic northeastern frontiers abounds in dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Quite naturally, these wildlife tours are a rage with tourists.

Assam wildlife's claims to fame lie in the two legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kaziranga National Park and the Manas National Park.

National Parks Name Area in Sq. km Main attraction Nearest Town Contact Person Telephone Kaziranga National Park 858.98 Rhino, Tiger, Bears, Wild Buffalo,Swamp Deer, Gaur, Gibbon, Bengal Florican, Dolphin, Otter Bokakhat Director Kaziranga National Park 03776-268095 (O) 03776-268086 (R) Manas National Park 500.00 Tiger, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Dhole Pigmy hog, Hispid hare, Golden langur, Bengal florican Barpeta Road Director, Manas National Park 03666-261413 (O) 03666-260288 Dibru-Saikhowa NP 340.00 Ferel horses, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, White winged wood duck and Salix swamp Tinsukia DFO, Tinsukia Wildlife Division 0374-2331472 (O) 2333082 (R) Nameri National Park 200.00 Tiger, 4 species of Hornbill, White Winged Wood duck, Golden Mahaseer Tezpur DFO, Western Assam Wildlife Division 03712-268054 (O) 268003 (R) Orang National Park 78.91 Rhino, Tiger, Maljurias Bengal Florican, Otter Mangaldoi DPO, Mangaldoi Wildlife Division 03713 -230022 Wildlife Sanctuaries Garampani 6.05 Elephant, Hot Water Springs Diphu DFO, Karbi- Anglong East Division 03371-272237 (O) 273303 (R) Laokhowa 70.13 Elephant, Tiger, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Bengal Florican Nagaon DFO,  Nagaon Wildlife Division 03672-225632 (O) 223122 (R) Bornadi 26.22 Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, Dhole, Elephants, Tiger, Great Pied Hornbill, Peafowl Mangaldoi DFO Mangaldoi Wildlife Division 03713-230022 (O) Chakrasila 45.50 Golden Langur, Gaur, Sambar, Barking deer Kokrajhar DFO,  Kokrajhar Wildlife Division 03661-270635 (O) 270241 (R) Burachapori 44.06 Elephants, Tiger, Wild buffalo, Aquatic Birds, Bengal Florican Tezpur DFO,  Nagaon Wildlife Division 03672-225632 (O) 223122 Pani-Dihing 33.93 Stray Elephants; Birds Paradise Sibsagar DFO,  Sibsagar Division 03772-220989 (O) 223465 Hollongapar Gibbon 20.98 7 Primates (Hoolock Gibbon, Stump-tailed Macaque, Capped Langur, Pig –tailed Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Slow Loris and Rhesus Macaque ), Elephant, Leopard Mariani DFO,  Jorhat Division 0376-232008 (O) 230456 (R) Pobitora 38.80 Rhino, Leopards, Barking Deer, Migratory Birds Guwahati DFO,  Guwahati Wildlife Division 0361-2656771 (O) 98350-31789 Sonai -Rupai 220.00 Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Dhole, Sambar, White Winged Wood duck Tezpur DFO,  Western Assam Wildlife Division 03712-268054 (O) 268003 (R) Bherjan, Borajan- Padumoni 7.22 Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Pig-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris and Rhesus Macaque, Leopard Tinsukia DFO,  Tinsukia Wildlife Division 0374-2331472 (O) 2333082 (R) East Karbi Anglong 222 Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Hoolock, Gibbon, Capped Langur, Wreathed Hornbill, Diphu DFO,  Karbi Anglong  East Division 03671-272237 (O) 273303 (R) Nambor 37.00 Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Wreathed Hornbill Diphu DFO,  Karbi Anglong  East Division 03671-272237 (O) 273303 (R) Marat Longri 451.00 Tigers, Leopards, Gaur, Elephants, Hoolock Gibbon Diphu DFO,  Karbi Anglong  West Division 0371-272247(O) 272221 (R) Nambor- Doigurung 97.15 Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Wreathed Hornbill Golaghat DFO,  Golaghat Division 03774-284798 2284997(R) Amchang 78.64 Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Lesser Cats, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur Guwahati DFO,  Guwahati Wildlife Division 0361-2656771 (O) 94350-31789 Dehing Patkai 111.19 Elephants, Tiger, Hoolock Gibbon, White winged Wood Duck, Hornbills, Rain forests Digboi DFO,  Digboi Division 0375-264433(O) 284839 (R) Borail 326.25 Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Hoolock Gibbon, Langur, Spectacled Monkey Silchar DFO,  Cachar Division, DFO, Karimganj Division 03842245648 (O) 03843273455 (O)

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Manas National Park in Assam

Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Himalayan foothill in the western part of Assam and it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National park in Bhutan. This Sanctuary is well known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam Roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog.

History of Manas National Park:
The Manas National Park was declared a sanctuary on October 1, 1928 with an area of 360 km². Manas Tiger reserve was created in 1973. Prior to the declaration of the sanctuary it was a Reserved Forest called Manas R.F. and North Kamrup R.F. It was used by the Cooch Behar royal family and Raja of Gauripur as a hunting reserve. In 1951 and 1955 the area was increased to 391 km². It was declared a World Heritage site in December 1985 by UNESCO. Kahitama R.F. the Kokilabari R.F. and the Panbari R.F. were added in the year 1990 to form the Manas National Park. In 1992, UNESCO declared it as a world heritage site in danger due to heavy poaching and terrorist activities. In 25 February 2008 the area was increased to 950 km².

How to reach: Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Borjhar, Guwahati is 145 kms. and Barpeta Road Railway Station is 20 Kms. away.
Nearest Highway: NH 31 (22 km away)
Nearest town: The town of Barpeta Road.
Nearest city: The city of Guwahati is 176 km away from the park.
Climate: Heavy rainfall occurs between May and September and the annual average rainfall is around 333 cm.
Best season for visit : November to April.

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Adventure Sports In The Land of Assam

If you are motivated by the zest of thrill, then commit yourself for a tour to Assam, the Northeastern state of India. You have ample time to the state. The topography of the land and varied terrains attracts fans of the adventure.

Rafting: The majestic Brahmaputra engulfs many opportunities for rafting. You can enjoy river rafting in this titanic river and its various tributaries.

Angling: Home to many species of fish like game fish, the Golden Mahseer, or tiger of the Himalayan rivers, rivers like Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas give the fun of angling.

River Cruise: Thinking of challenging the stalwart Brahmaputra, even if it is hazardous ! Hmm! That's the spirit. The torrential river, the wild environs, the mighty hills all come in your way of river cruise. Enjoy the thrill down your nerves.

Boat Racing: Cities like Hajo, Saulkuchi, Barpeta, Guwahati hold boat racing events during festive occasions.

Golf: Many tea gardens of Assam India have golf courses tucked with them. A visit to the tea gardens, playing golf will be an unmatched experience of paramount happiness.

Mountaineering and Trekking: The North Cachar Hills and Karbi Hills are on hit list of the trekkers and mountaineers. These provide extreme friskiness to the tourists. The 'Elephant Rocks' in Morigaon District attract many trekkers.

Mountain Biking and Cycling: Hey! bikers over there... enthused by the frolic biking spirit. Welcome to Assam India and curb those savage and unexplored terrains. You can even take part in bicycle and motorbike rallies.

Para Sailing: Indian and Foreign tourists are attracted to this novel sport in Assam introduced by The Assam Tourism Development Corporation. The best place for para sailing in Assam is the spot is North Guwahati.

Hang Gliding: Who does not like to fly high? So if you wish to enjoy hang gliding come to the Kamakhya Hills and hills around Kaziranga and soar up high.

Bird Watching: The north east India is a shelter for many rare flora and fauna. In the Himalayan foothills you will encounter some of the prettiest birds in their natural habitat.

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Elephant Twins were born in Orang National Park

Alka, an elephant in the Orang National Park, which attract thousands of tourists inside the sanctuary wildlife for several years has created a kind of history when she gave birth to twins in the sanctuary last night, 15-12-2010 and both the newborn calves are female.

Orang National Park

The Orang National Park, located on the north bank of the river Brahmaputra in Sonitpur and Darrang district of Assam, India, has an area of 78.81 square kilometers (30.43 square miles). It was established as a sanctuary in 1985 and declared a national park April 13, 1999. Also known as mini Kaziranga National Park (IUCN website) in the two parks have similar landscape consists of marshes, streams and meadows and are inhabited by the Great Indian rhinoceros horns.

The park is rich in flora and fauna, including a large horned Indian rhinos, miniature pigs, elephants, wild buffaloes and tigers. It is the power of rhinos in the north bank of the river Brahmaputra.

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Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is one amongst the holiest shrines throughout India. Perched on Nilanchal Hill in Kamrup district of Assam, Kamakhya Mandir is easily accessible at a stretch of 8 kms from Guwahati. The temple commemorates Hindu Goddess Sati in her aspect of Kamakhya Devi. Goddess Kamakhya is also known as Sodashi in the local region.

Kamakhya Temple is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. As per the legends, during the time of self-sacrifice, the genital organ (yoni) of Sati fell at this spot. Kamakhya Mandir is a natural cave with a spring. In order to reach the temple, one has to take a flight of steps that goes down into a dark and strange shrine. There is no concrete form of goddess inside the temple.

In the shrine, Kamakhya Devi, in the form of genital organ (yoni), presides as a big crevice in the bedrock. The Goddess is covered naturally by a rivulet of water gushing upward from an underground spring. The crevice is usually covered with sari, flowers and vermilion powder (Sindoor). The temple had been an ancient sacrificial site and till date, sacrifices are offered here. Every morning, group of devotees come to sacrifice goats.

The temple is very much ancient in its origin, yet it was restructured in 1665, when it was attacked by the Muslim invaders. The effort of this reconstruction was made by King Nar Narayan of Cooch, Bihar. The spire of this temple is shaped like a beehive. Besides Kamakhya Devi, there are images of Ganesha, Chamundeswari and various dancing sculptures. In the temple, an image of the King and related inscriptions are visible.

Essentially, the Goddess 'Kamakhya' is believed to be the granter of desires. In traditional terms, Assam is known as 'Kamarupa Desa', a place that is associated with Tantric practices and worship of Shakti. In Kalika Purana (an ancient scripture), Kamakhya is referred as the goddess who fulfills all desires, the bride of Lord Shiva and the benefactor of salvation.

During the occasion of Navratri (Sep-Oct), a three day festival attracts thousands of pilgrims. This festival is known as Ambuvaci (Ameti), which is unique with its own significance. For the duration of this fertility festival, the Goddess is said to undergo her menstrual period. At this point of time, the temple is closed for three days and before closing, white sheets are draped inside the temple.

When the temple is opened after three days, the sheets are found red in color. On the fourth day, great festivity is observed. Devotees from far and near, come to visit this temple at this juncture of the festival. The red sheets are torn into pieces and distributed amongst the devotees. Kamakhya Temple is a prominent pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year.

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Deepor Beel

Dipor bil, also spelled Deepor Beel (bil or Beel means "lake" in the local Assamese language), is located southwest of the city of Guwahati Kamrup district of Assam in India. This is a permanent freshwater lake, into a river Brahmaputra old channel, south of the main River. It is also known as a wetland under the Ramsar Convention, which entered the lake in November 2002 as a Ramsar site for conservation measures on the basis of society's biological and ecological significance.

Its natural resources for subsistence of fourteen indigenous villages (1,200 families) located in its premises. Freshwater fish are a vital protein and income for these communities, the health of these individuals reported being directly dependent on the health of this wetland ecosystem. It lies 13 km south-west of Guwahati on National Highway (NH 31) on the ring-Jalukbari Khanapara in addition to its northwest border. PWD road at the northern edge of Garbhanga Rani and forest reserves in the south. The Interstate 37 near Beel east and north-east and Engineering College Road to the north. Small roads and writings found in the vicinity of Beel. The Beel is about 5 km from Guwahati Airport (GNB International Airport, Borjar). Broad gauge railway line runs along the lake.

Ava fauna

The Beel is a natural habitat for many varieties of birds. 219 species of birds, including more than 70 migratory species have been reported in the region of Beel. The largest congregations of waterfowl can be seen, especially in winter, with a reported number of 19,000 registered waterfowl in one day. Some endangered species such as Spot Image Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), Baer Pochard (Aythya baeri), Pallas Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius). Spot-billed pelican in Beel and lakes in India

Among the large number of migratory water fowl, the Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) regularly migrates to this habitat during its annual journey. This is in addition to the large congregation of residential water birds seen in the lake.

Considering the richness of the bird varieties found in the beel, the Birdlife International has declared Deepor Beel as an Important Bird Area (IBA) with high priority for conservation

Aqua Fauna

Surveys have revealed 20 amphibian, 12 lizards, 18 snakes and 6 turtle and tortoise species in the beel. Over 50 commercially viable species of fish, belonging to 19 families have been identified, which supplies stock to other nearby wetlands and rivers.

Fauna

Wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), Leopard, Jungle Cat and the protected Barking Deer, Chinese Porcupine and Sambar are found in the beel. Herds of elephants are reported in the beel.

Other world heritage site kaziranga National Park, Assam

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