The Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is India’s largest national park. Its area is about 1985.23 square kilometers, and three significant rivers add vitality to the land. Various species of flora and fauna are found in the park, including tropical rainforests and alpine meadows. However, some famous wildlife attractions are elephants, Wild Goat, Gibbon, Assamese Macaque, Mongoose, Musk Deer, Takin, and Goral. The cold weather and the temperature stability give the animals a comfortable condition. However, being a hilly area, the park is a haven for a variety of colorful birds, such as the Indian Roller, the Great Hornbill, and the Scarlet Minivet.
To learn more about this biodiversity hotspot, check out this Namdapha Travel Guide. It provides essential information for planning your trip, including top attractions, activities, best times to visit, and travel tips. You can also plan your wildlife tour to make the most of your visit to Namdapha, as we offer well-curated tour packages for Namdapha.
History of Namdapha National Park
The national park gained popularity during the Second World War due to its rich biodiversity. Finally, in 1972, Namdapha was founded as a wildlife sanctuary. Furthermore, in 1983, it was declared a National Park and Tiger Reserve. Several refugee immigrants call this park their home. Today, the park is one of the main attractions of Arunachal Pradesh.
Wildlife in Namdapha National Park
Different vegetation makes the park an ideal location for several rare animal species, such as clouded leopards, snow leopards, tigers, Himalayan bears, and common leopards. Some of the large predators of this jungle are Asiatic black bears, wolves, and dholes. Red pandas, marbled cats, some mongooses, common palm civets, masked palm civets, red foxes, small Indian civets, and Oriental small-clawed otters are all small carnivores. The park also houses several herbivores, such as common goral, bharal, forest musk deer, hog deer, sambar, wild elephant boar, etc. Among the non-human primates seen here are Assamese Macaques, Stump-tailed Macaques, Capped Langurs, and Hoolock Gibbons. These animals make wildlife safari in Namdapha a memorable experience. Furthermore, Namdapha is home to as many as 425 bird species, while many more are still being discovered in the higher areas of the park. The park has five species of Hornbills: a Snowy-throated Babbler, a Green Cochoa, a Rufous-throated Hillpartridge, a Rufous-necked Hornbill, a White-cheeked Hillpartridge, a White-winged Wood Duck, and many others.
Flora in Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary
There are many endemic, endangered, and rare plants found here. Among them are Vanda caerulea, Abies delavayi, Pinus merkusii, Amentotaxus, Cephalotaxus, Larix, Cyathea sp, and Paphiopedilum fairrieanum.
Safari in Namdapha National Park
Jeep safaris in Namdapha are not available as the area is mainly known as a paradise for bird watching. This park is home to over 400 species, including some rare ones. The sound of motor vehicles can disturb the avifauna species; therefore, the reserve management does not allow jeep safaris.
Permits: Two permits are required for visiting Namdapha National Park: an inner line permit for entry into Arunachal Pradesh state and a tourist permit, which is given at the Field Director’s Office, Namdapha National Park.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Namdapha
Miao Mini Zoo – Located opposite the Miao museum, close to the office of the Field Director, the Miao Mini Zoo houses several Namdapha primates. You can spot animals like slow loris, Assamese macaques, pig-tailed macaques, and hoolock gibbons. Leopard cats and porcupines are the other small mammals, and the Himalayan palm civet is the small carnivore. The other attractions are barking deer, sambar, gharial, and black bears.
Miao Museum – The Miao Museum is located near the Field Director’s Office and is maintained by Namdapha Park authorities. It is one of the best places to visit in Napdapha. The prime highlight is the rooms where animal specimens from Namdapha and the adjoining arrears have been collected for decades. There are specimens of frogs and snakes, mammal pelts, skulls, and bird skins. Another attraction here is the skeleton of an enormous python. There is another room where the local people’s tools, daily utility items, and clothes are on display. The museum is open on all working days.
Raja Jheel – Raja Jheel is a swamp forest with overgrown vegetation, but you can see various colorful birds here. The walk further from the jheel towards the mountains is difficult. There is a small stream 20 minutes’ walk away from Rani Jheel. This spot is famous for camping in Namdapha.
Moti Jheel – 10 miles from the forest department campsite is Moti Jheel, a small natural pool on the top of Gibbon’s Land plateau. The walkway to the jheel is steep but has a lush forest. This path is also perfect for bird watching. Visitors can plan this leisure walk.
Short Trips in Namdapha
- Gandhigram: Locally known as Shidi, Gandhigram is the largest settlement near Namdapha. This well-planned hamlet has traditional Chang houses erected in rows along parallel streets.
- Vijaynagar: Located at around 18 km from Gandhigram, Vijaynagar is the base where the Assam Rifles are stationed. The Indian Air Force also maintains an advanced landing ground (ALG)
Other Activities in Namdapha National Park:
- River crossing
- Elephant ride
- Boat Ride
- Trekking
Best time to Visit Namdapha National Park
The best time to visit Namdapha is from October to April. The climate is pleasant during this time period, making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures and wildlife watching. The rainy season (June to September) makes trekking more difficult, but the forest is revitalized and vibrant, perfect for those who enjoy lush greenery.
How to reach Namdapha National Park
By Air: The nearest airport is Mohanbari Airport in Dibrugarh, which is around 218 km away from the national park. To reach Namdapha, take a taxi or rent a car from Dibrugarh Airport. For better and more regular connectivity, you can also take a flight to Guwahati airport.
By Rail: Tinsukia Railway Station and Margherita Railway Station in Assam are the nearest railway stations to Namdapha National Park, located 178km and 182km away, respectively.
By Road: The road journey between Dibrugarh and Miao takes around six hours. You pass places like Tinsukia, Digboi, Margherita, Ledo, Jagun, Namchik, and Kharsang. Several private bus companies also offer overnight buses from Guwahati. These buses start their journey in the afternoon and arrive in Jagun early the next morning. From here, Miao is a two-hour drive away. Hiring taxis is another option.
Accommodation in Namdapha
Namdapha offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from basic forest lodges to comfortable guesthouses. Some popular options include:
- Deban Forest Lodge: The lodge offers basic amenities and stunning forest views.
- Circuit House, Miao: Providing essential amenities and a comfortable stay.
- Private Homestays and Guesthouses: Homestays and guest houses offer visitors the chance to experience local culture and hospitality. These can be found in Miao and nearby villages.
Travel Tips to Visit Namdapha National Park
- Entry Permits: Indian visitors require the Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign tourists require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). These permits are available online or at authorized offices.
- Packing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and warm layers for the evening. Pack a refillable water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, and trekking shoes.
- Safety: When trekking, always travel with a local guide. Keep a safe distance from wildlife at all times and show respect.
- Sustainability: Use reusable items to reduce plastic waste, and make sure to clean up after yourself by taking all your trash with you.
- Health: Make sure you have the necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit on hand. Be mindful of your food choices and stay hydrated.
Why Choose an Indian Holiday for Your Namdapha Tour?
You can plan your wildlife tour in Namdapha National Park to soak in the beauty of nature and the thrill of thrill. A Namdapha tour package from Indian Holiday ensures a hassle-free and well-organized vacation. Our package includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and guided tours so you can enjoy your Namdapha adventure to the fullest. Plan your holiday in Namdapha with our well-designed tour packages that you can modify to suit your needs.
List Of Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries In East India
- Nandan Kanan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ambapani Sanctuary
- Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Badarama Wildlife Sanctuary
- Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary
- Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bura-Chapuri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary
- Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lakhari Valley Sanctuary
- Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pabha or Milroy Sanctuary
- Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Padmatala Wildlife Sanctuary
- Satkosia Basipalli Sanctuary
- Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ushakothi Sanctuary