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Assam, a beautiful place in India, is a paradise for those who love to see wild animals and birds. It's like a big, natural zoo without any cages, where animals roam free. This is because Assam has lots of different types of land, like the foothills of the Himalayas and the big Brahmaputra River, making it a perfect home for many animals and birds.
Imagine seeing animals and birds that you usually only see in books or on TV, right in front of your eyes! In Assam, you can find some really special animals that live only in the wildlife sanctuaries of Assam. One such unique animal is the Pygmy hog, which is quite rare. You can also see big, strong wild water buffalos, playful hoolock gibbons, hog deer that are fast and nimble, great one-horned rhinoceroses that look like they're wearing armor, and even Ganges dolphins swimming in the river.
But that's not all. Assam is also home to majestic Indian tigers, sleek Indian leopards, mysterious clouded leopards, and rare black panthers. Imagine walking through the forests of Assam and spotting one of these magnificent cats! And for bird lovers, Assam is like a dream come true. With more than 450 different kinds of birds, the skies and trees are full of color and song.
There are many wildlife sanctuaries in Assam where you can go to see these amazing animals and birds. These are special areas set aside to protect wildlife, and they are like big, open parks where animals are safe and can live happily.
There are 17 wildlife sanctuaries in Assam.
The Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary is a little gem in the heart of nature. It's not too big, just 37 square kilometers, but it's packed with beauty. Imagine being surrounded by green trees and plants, with water areas that sparkle under the sun. It's like being in a magical world of green and blue.
This sanctuary is a home for many wild animals, but the most famous is the Royal Bengal Tiger. These tigers are not just beautiful and powerful, they are also a symbol of India. Seeing one of these tigers in the sanctuary is a thrilling experience! Apart from the amazing animals, there are also special places in the sanctuary like the Nambor hot springs and Goram Pani.
Getting to Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary is easy. If you are flying, the Dimapur Airport is just 55 km away, and the Jorhat Airport is 85 km away. These airports are well-connected, so you can easily take a taxi or a bus to reach the sanctuary.
Located in Assam's Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers. With the breathtaking Chakrashila Hills as its backdrop, the sanctuary offers a home to the rare golden langur, an endangered species. The sanctuary is a vibrant ecosystem, hosting species like the Indian flying fox, Chinese pangolin, rhesus macaque, Bengal fox, Asiatic jackal, and various hornbills. The nearby Beel and Diplai Beel Lakes add to its natural charm, making it a hotspot for diverse wildlife.
Just 6 km from Kokrajhar town and 68 km from Dhubri, the sanctuary is 219 km from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Buses are available from the airport for a convenient journey.
Nestled in Deepor Beel, this Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven of greenery and serene water bodies. Recognized as a top bird refuge, it is home to over 120 bird species. Visitors can enjoy sightings of vibrant kingfishers, majestic eagles, and playful ducks.
Just 20 km from Guwahati's airport, reaching the sanctuary is a breeze. Upon landing, you can easily find a taxi or bus that will take you straight to the bird-watching haven.
The sanctuary comes alive in the winter months, from November to March. This is when migratory birds arrive in large numbers, offering a spectacular display for bird enthusiasts.
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, created in 1997, is not just beautiful but also a bit mysterious. This sanctuary is a special place for wildlife lovers. It's surrounded by lovely tea gardens and wide, green grasslands. This sanctuary is famous for its unique animals. It's the only place in India where you can see nocturnal monkeys and the Bengal slow loris. These animals are very rare and special to India.
To reach Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, you can travel to Mariani by train or Jorhat by plane. From Jorhat, you can easily get an auto or a taxi to Mariani.
Winter is the perfect time to visit this sanctuary. This season is great because you have a good chance of seeing the hooded gibbons and slow loris. They are amazing to watch and make the trip memorable.
Visit Pabitora in Assam's Morigaon district, a special place where you can see the amazing one-horned rhinoceros. This sanctuary is not just about rhinos; it's a home for different birds, reptiles, and big animals like elephants and leopards. You can have fun riding elephants or going on jeep tours to see the animals up close. Pabitora is on the south side of the Brahmaputra River. It became a protected area in 1987 and is spread over about 39 square kilometers. This place is really important because it has one of the biggest groups of Indian rhinos in Assam.
Located in Assam's Sonitpur district, Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is a thrilling spot for wildlife enthusiasts. It's famous for its Bengal tigers, adding a dash of excitement to your visit. But that's not all – this sanctuary is also home to majestic Asian elephants, mighty Indian bison, and graceful hog deer. For those who love exploring nature, there are jungle treks and bird-watching tours. This protected area, spreading over 175 square kilometers, lies at the foothills of the Great Himalayan Range. Since 1998, it has been a sanctuary, providing a safe haven for diverse wildlife. It's 52 kilometers from Tezpur town and 193 kilometers from Guwahati, making it accessible for a memorable trip. The sanctuary is blessed with four rivers – Gabharu, Gelgeli, Sonai, and Rupai, adding to its serene beauty and rich biodiversity. Come, be part of this wild wonder and experience the thrill of nature at Sonai Rupai Sanctuary.
In the Nagaon district of Assam, the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary offers a peek into the wild side of nature. This sanctuary, covering over 70 square kilometers, is a safe haven for the famous one-horned rhinoceros. But the excitement doesn't stop there – you can also see elephants, tigers, leopards, and wild boars. It's not just about the animals; the sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 200 bird species, including migratory birds.
Whether you're up for an elephant ride, bird watching, or a peaceful nature walk, Laokhowa has something special for everyone. Part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system, it provides a perfect habitat for its diverse residents, including Asiatic water buffaloes, leopard cats, and hog deer. So, pack your bags and set off for an adventure at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, where nature's wonders await you!
Located in the Darrang district of Assam, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a vibrant tapestry of nature, spread over 26 square kilometers. It's a special place where you can meet some unusual animals like the slow loris and the Assamese macaque. The sanctuary is not just a haven for primates, but also a bustling hub for birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Located near the Himalayan foothills and bordering Bhutan, Bornadi is named after the river flowing along its edge. It's easily reachable, just 30 km from Tangla town and a scenic drive of about 130 km from Guwahati. Established in 1980 to protect rare species like the hispid hare and pigmy hog, the sanctuary is a treasure trove of wildlife. You might even catch a glimpse of the elegant white-capped redstart, the vibrant blue magpie, deer, or even a leopard. So, if you're a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is your perfect escape into the wild!
Located on the serene banks of the Brahmaputra River in Sonitpur district, Assam, the Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is a majestic spread of nature covering over 44 square kilometers. It's a place where the whispering trees and the vibrant wildlife come together to create a magical experience. This sanctuary, which transformed from a reserved forest in 1974 to a wildlife sanctuary in 1995, is just a short drive of 40 km from Tezpur town and 181 km from the bustling city of Guwahati.
As a crucial part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system and a buffer for the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Bura Chapori is a haven for biodiversity. Here, you can witness a rich variety of mammals like majestic tigers, gentle elephants, and elusive leopards. But that's not all; the sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise, offering glimpses of numerous bird species and an array of reptiles.
In the peaceful Sivasagar district of Assam, you'll find the Pani-Dihing Bird Sanctuary, a charming haven for bird lovers that stretches over 33.93 square kilometers. It's just a short 22 km journey from Sivasagar town. This bird paradise was officially established in August 1996 by the Assam Government, though it was recognized as a potential bird sanctuary in the late 1980s.
The sanctuary is a beautiful blend of grasslands and wetlands, featuring several water bodies like Tokia, Jarjaria, and Boloma, making it a picturesque spot for bird watching. Renowned conservationist Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury was the first to conduct a thorough bird study here in 1987-88.
Pani-Dihing is not just about birds; it's also home to other wildlife, including the rare Gangetic Dolphins, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, and even tigers. It's a place where the harmony of nature is evident in every corner, inviting you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. The sanctuary is a part of the global Important Bird & Biodiversity Area, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in birds and nature's wonders.
In the lush greenery of Assam, India, lies a beautiful sanctuary, the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 7.22 square kilometers in the Tinsukia district, this sanctuary is a unique place where three separate forests - Bherjan, Borajan, and Padumoni - come together, creating a haven for wildlife.
This sanctuary stands out for its rich variety of animals and plants. It's a home where playful hoolock gibbons swing from the trees, and the capped langur watches curiously from the branches. You might spot the pig-tailed macaque hopping around or the slow loris taking a leisurely stroll. The sanctuary is also a safe place for the rhesus macaque and the majestic leopard.
Bird lovers, get ready to be amazed! This sanctuary is a paradise for birds. You can see many different kinds, each with their own unique songs and colors. And there's a special resident here - the endangered Chinese pangolin, a rare sight indeed!
Located in the heart of Assam, India, the East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasure trove of nature's wonders. Just 35 kilometers from the city of Diphu, in the Karbi Anglong district, this sanctuary spreads across a vast area of 221.81 square kilometers. The land rises and falls between 80 and 500 meters above sea level, creating a landscape that's as varied as it is beautiful.
Declared a wildlife sanctuary on 27 July 2000 by the Assam State Government, East Karbi Anglong is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here, you can witness the majestic elephants roaming freely, the elusive tigers prowling in the shadows, and the graceful leopards lounging in the sun.
But that's not all! The sanctuary is a bustling hub for bird watchers, boasting several species of birds, each adding a splash of color and melody to the lush green backdrop. Reptile fans won't be disappointed either, as the sanctuary is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles.
One of the best ways to experience the sanctuary is through a jungle safari. Imagine driving through the dense forest, every turn bringing a new surprise, from a herd of elephants to a solitary tiger. And for those who love birds, the bird-watching tours are a must. You'll get to see and hear the diverse birdlife, making every moment in the sanctuary an unforgettable experience.
Located in the picturesque Dima Hasao district of Assam, the Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Known for its remarkable population of the Hoolock Gibbon, this sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Hoolock Gibbon, with its distinctive call and agile movements, is a sight to behold, making Marat Longri a special place for primate lovers. But the sanctuary's wonders don't end there. It's also home to the elusive clouded leopard, an incredible creature known for its beautiful cloud-patterned coat. Imagine walking through the sanctuary and catching a glimpse of this rare cat in its natural habitat!
Located in the heart of Assam, the Nambor-Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover's paradise, showcasing the rich and diverse wildlife of the region. This sanctuary, spread over an area of 97.15 km², offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Assam's forests and its inhabitants.
The sanctuary, just 25 km from Golaghat town and around 318 km from Guwahati LGBI Airport, is easily accessible for both local and international visitors. Its landscape is a beautiful mosaic of tropical semi-evergreen forests, with patches of pure evergreen beauty and small, serene forest marshes. This diverse habitat is home to a wide array of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
What makes Nambor-Doigrung truly special is its inclusion in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve, a significant conservation effort established in 2003. Covering a vast area of 3,270 km², this reserve is a critical sanctuary for elephants and other wildlife. The sanctuary, along with neighboring areas like Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, forms a vital part of this reserve, playing a crucial role in wildlife conservation.
Located on the eastern edge of Guwahati, the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is a breathtaking natural retreat, spread over 78.64 square kilometers. This sanctuary is not just a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but a vital conservation area for rare and endangered species.
Amchang's diverse landscape is marked by tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, creating a perfect habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The sanctuary is particularly famous for its elephants, which form an isolated group, unique to this region. First noticed in 1985, these elephants have become a symbol of Amchang's significance in wildlife conservation.
Besides elephants, Amchang is home to an array of fascinating animals like the Chinese pangolin, slow loris, Assamese macaque, rhesus monkey, hoolock gibbon, leopards, and various deer species. Bird watchers are in for a treat with species like the White-backed vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Grey peacock pheasant, and the majestic Great pied hornbill, among others.
The sanctuary also stands out for hosting an isolated population of the Indian Gaur or "bison," adding to its ecological importance. This rich biodiversity makes Amchang an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area, attracting nature lovers and researchers alike.
Located in the picturesque Cachar district of southern Assam, Barail Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover's paradise, spreading across 326.24 km². It's not just any sanctuary; it's a vibrant mosaic of moist tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, offering a unique glimpse into the region's diverse flora and fauna.
Barail is a home to an impressive array of wildlife. If you love animals, this sanctuary is a must-visit. You'll find species like the slow loris, hoolock gibbon, various types of macaques and monkeys, Himalayan black bear, Malayan sun bear, and several kinds of cats like the leopard cat and clouded leopard. It's also a safe haven for deer like the barking deer and red serow, along with the wild pig.
For bird enthusiasts, Barail is nothing short of a treasure trove. With over 300 bird species, it's a birdwatcher's dream come true. Some of the remarkable birds you can spot here include the White-backed vulture, Rufous-throated hill partridge, Grey peacock pheasant, and several types of hornbills like the Great pied hornbill and Wreathed hornbill.
Located in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is a small but enchanting area of just over 6 square kilometers. It's one of Assam's oldest sanctuaries, known for its unique hot water spring and picturesque waterfalls.
Located conveniently, it's just 25 km from Golaghat and within comfortable driving distances from nearby towns and airports. The sanctuary is 35 km from Golaghat, 92 km from Diphu, 330 km from Guwahati, and a short 45 km hop from the famous Kaziranga. The nearest airports are in Dimapur (55 km away) and Jorhat (85 km away).
Garampani is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It's surrounded by the Nambor Sanctuary, which boasts 51 rare orchid species. Bird lovers will be delighted here, as many rare birds make their home in this sanctuary. It's also a haven for the hoolock gibbons and the striking golden langurs.
The best time to visit Garampani is from November to April, when the weather is most pleasant. Whether you're an avid wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary offers a memorable experience amidst the beauty and serenity of nature.