Exploring the Wild: A Complete Guide to National Parks of Assam

Introduction: The Green Heart of Northeast India

Nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, Assam is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Its rich tapestry of dense forests, winding rivers, and sprawling grasslands makes it one of India’s most biodiverse states. For wildlife lovers, Assam is synonymous with the majestic one-horned rhinoceros, but its national parks offer so much more—from elusive big cats to rare birds and vibrant ecosystems. In this guide, we journey through all the national parks of Assam, each a sanctuary for nature and adventure.

Why Visit National Parks of Assam?

Assam’s national parks are not just wildlife reserves—they are vibrant museums of nature that offer a glimpse into the richness of the Brahmaputra valley. Here’s why you should consider visiting:

• Endangered Species: Home to the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, golden langur, and white-winged wood duck.
• Birdwatcher’s Paradise: More than 800 species of birds have been recorded throughout the state.
• Cultural Immersion: Most parks are surrounded by tribal and ethnic communities offering unique experiences.
• Eco-Tourism Opportunities: Jungle safaris, boat rides, trekking, and nature camps.

National Parks of Assam

1. Kaziranga National Park – The Land of the One-Horned Rhino

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is Assam’s crown jewel. It houses 70% of the world’s one-horned Rhinoceros population and 60% of India’s wild buffalo. Sprawling across Golaghat, Nagaon, and Sonitpur districts, this park also shelters wild elephants, swamp deer, barking deer, Hog deer, Gaur, Hog Badger, Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth Bear, Gangetic Dolphin, Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger and approximately 480 species of Birds.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April. The park remains closed during monsoon, i.e., May to September.
• Activities: Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, Bird Watching, Trekking, Tea garden and ethnic tribal village visits.
• Main Entrance: Kohora (well-connected via Jorhat and Guwahati). Other entry points are Bagori, Agoratoli and Burhapahar.
• Stay: Kaziranga has sufficient numbers of Hotels, Resorts, and Homestays, from budget accommodation to luxury villas.

Read my complete guide: Kaziranga National Park – The Land of One-Horned Rhinos

2. Manas National Park – The Jewel of the Himalayan Foothills

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas is a biosphere reserve and a tiger and elephant reserve located along the Bhutanese border. It is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park is home to more than 22 endangered species, which are designated as Schedule 1 species in the Wildlife Protection Act and enjoy the highest level of protection.

• Unique Species: Golden langur, pygmy hog, wild water buffalo, Golden langur, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Leopard, Golden Cat, Clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, Sloth bear, Gaur, Sambar, Hog deer, Barking deer, Swamp deer, Wild pigs etc., along with nearly 475 species of birds and more than 200 species of butterflies.
• Activities: Jeep Safari, River Rafting, Camping, Elephant Safari.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March.
• Stay: Several Resorts, Campsites, Hotels and homestays are available.

3. Nameri National Park – Paradise for Birdwatchers

Situated in the Sonitpur district, Nameri is a birder’s delight and a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. The park shares its boundary with Arunachal Pradesh and is contiguous with the Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh. Nameri National Park is also a Tiger Reserve and an Elephant Reserve.

• Key Species: White-winged wood duck, hornbills, kingfishers, Lesser adjutant stork, Greater spotted Eagle, Vulture, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hispid hare, Slow Loris, Capped Langur, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Burmese ferret Badger, Binturong, Turtle, different types of Snakes, etc.
• Activities: River Rafting on Jia Bhoroli, Nature Trails, Bird Watching, Jungle trekking, Picnic, etc.
• Best Time to Visit: November to April.
• Stays: A wide range of Hotels and resorts are available at Tezpur, Bhalukpong and the surrounding areas. Several budget homestays are also available at Potasali Village, the main entrance to the national park.

4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – A Riverine Wonderland

Located in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers, Dibru-Saikhowa is one of the few parks where boat safaris are the main attraction. It is a National Park as well as a Biosphere Reserve covering an area of 340 sq. km. Its marshy grasslands support unique species.

• Famous For: Feral horses, Gangetic dolphins, more than 380 species of native and migratory birds, Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Bears, Small Indian Civet, Squirrels, Gangetic Dolphin, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Water Buffalo, Feral Horses etc.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March.
• Access Point: Tinsukia town.
• Stays: A large number of luxury and budget hotels and resorts are available in Tinsukia town and nearby areas. A few campsites are also there, which offer great camping experiences and also boat safari.

5. Orang National Park – Mini Kaziranga

Often dubbed the ‘Mini Kaziranga’, Orang is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra. Though smaller, it is equally rich in biodiversity. It is the oldest game reserve in Assam, with an area of just 78.80 sq km and an important breeding ground for various fish.

• Wildlife: One-horned rhinos, wild boar, porcupines, Bengal tigers, more than 222 species of Birds, Reptiles, turtles and tortoises.
• Activities: Jeep Safari, Bird Watching, Nature walk, picnic.
• Nearest Town: Tezpur.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March.
• Stay: Limited accommodations near the park area are available for guests. A tourist lodge with a few cottages run by the tourism department of the Government of Assam, and a dormitory managed by the forest department, provides basic shelter for the visitors.

6. Raimona National Park – The Youngest National Park

Notified in 2021, Raimona is located in the western part of Assam in Kokrajhar district. It is part of the greater Manas landscape and an ecological corridor to Bhutan.

• Key Wildlife: Golden langur, Asian elephants, hornbills.
• Special Feature: Connects to the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal
• Best Time to Visit: November to March.

7. Dehing Patkai National Park – India’s Only Rainforest Park

Another new addition, Dehing Patkai, was declared a national park in 2021. Known as the “Amazon of the East,” it is Assam’s only rainforest national park.

• Special Attractions: Clouded leopards, rare orchids, butterflies, the Hoolock gibbon, elephants, Birds, etc.
• Activities: Trekking, Bird Watching, jungle safari in private vehicles, nature walk.
• Location: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, near Digboi, Bhadoi-Pachali and Joypore.
• Best Time to Visit: October to April.
• Stay: Forest Inspection bungalow at Digboi and Joypore, a few hotels at Digboi and Duliajan, and a few homestays at Charaipung village- the main entrance of the national park.

Best Time to Visit the National Parks of Assam

Park	Best Months
Kaziranga	Nov – Apr
Manas	Nov – Mar
Nameri	Nov – Apr
Dibru-Saikhowa	Nov – Mar
Orang	Nov – Mar
Raimona	Nov – Mar
Dehing Patkai	Oct – Apr

Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) as most parks remain closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

Travel Tips for Visiting Assam’s National Parks

• Book Early: Safari slots and eco-lodges get booked quickly during peak seasons.
• Dress Appropriately: Earth-toned clothes, comfortable shoes, rain protection gear.
• Stay Silent: Noise can disturb wildlife and reduce sighting chances.
• Hire Local Guides: They offer better insight and help the local economy.

How to Reach: Transportation and Accommodation

Most parks are accessible from Guwahati, the gateway city of Assam.

• Airports: Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur
• Rail: Major stations include Guwahati, Tinsukia, Tezpur, Barpeta
• Stay Options: Forest lodges, homestays, eco-resorts, hotels (book well in advance).

Sample Itinerary

• 7-Day Wildlife Trail: Guwahati > Manas > Nameri > Orang > Kaziranga
• 10-Day Deep Dive: Guwahati > Manas > Raimona > Nameri > Orang > Kaziranga > Dibru-Saikhowa > Dehing Patkai.

Plan your trip with our complete Assam Travel Guide

Conclusion: Assam – India’s Underrated Wildlife Heaven

Assam’s national parks are more than just safari destinations. They are gateways to a wilder, purer world—a testament to India’s ecological richness. Whether it’s watching rhinos graze in Kaziranga or spotting a hornbill in Dehing Patkai, every moment here is unforgettable. Plan your wildlife adventure to Assam and explore the green soul of Northeast India.

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