Namdapha National Park

A tiger reserve and a national park, the Namdapha National Park comprises lush green vegetation and pristine-virgin forests. It is the largest national park of India (in terms of area covered about 1985 sq km). Namdapha national park is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It was declared a tiger reserve in the year 1983 by the Government of India. The park exhibits great bio-diversity of flora and fauna. The tribes of this forest have been practicing an interesting form of cultivation called the shifting cultivation.

The unique feature of the Namdapha National park is that it has a wide altitudinal variation. The lowlands of this forest are covered by tall and dark evergreen rainforests while temperate and subtropical forests cover the mild elevations. As you go further up, the forest is covered by stunted rhododendron and subalpine meadows. Canebrakes and bamboo forests are quite common in the impenetrable thickets of the valley.

Flora and fauna at Namdapha

A botanists dream, the flora of this forest includes over 150 species of timber. The Pinus Merkusi and Abies Delavavi are not found elsewhere in India. A rare medicinal plant called the Mishimi Teeta is used by the local tribe to treat various diseases. Blue Vanda, one of the rarest and endangered orchids is found in this park. The inaccessibility to a greater area of the park has helped the forest retain its pristine and virgin state.

The fauna include tiger, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard. This is the only park in world where the four large species of the cat family can be found in the same place. Hoolock Gibbons, a highly endangered species of ape found only in India can also be seen in this park. Assamese macaque, stump tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque, black bear, elephants, Indian bison, deer, etc are also seen here.

The white winged wood ducks are worth a watch as are the endangered great Indian hornbills. Jungle fowls, pheasants and many colorful birds endear this park to bird lovers. 500 species of birds can be found in the Namdapha national park.

Visiting Namdapha

Bulbulia: An enchanting campsite, Bulbulia derives its name from the several natural springs present here. An overnight stay in this camp is a great opportunity for animal lovers to watch their favorite animals visit the water holes in the stillness of the dark.

Motijheel: Green pastures where numerous herbivores of the forest feed.

Deban: A forest camp located on the bank of river Noa-Dihing. It is an ideal spot for trekking, hiking and angling on the river.

Gandhigram: A small village bordering China and Myanmar, Gandhigram is home to the Lisu tribes. Trekking through the jungles for about a week to reach this village, it is nature-walking experience.

Firmbase: Another popular camping site on the banks of the Noa-Dihing River. This is a perfect spot for bird lovers and animal enthusiasts as they can get to see their favorites up close.

Reaching Namdapha National Park

You can drive to the park from Dibrugarh or Guwahati. The entry point is at Miao. The nearest railway station is Tinsukia Railway Station and the nearest airport is at Dibrugarh. Take the services of a good guide to take you through the few trails as movement within the park is restricted. You can find some accommodation in Haldibari. The best season to visit the park is from October to April.