About
Namdapha
National
Park:
Namdapha
National
Park
has perhaps
the richest
diversity
of flora
and fauna
in the
Indian
Subcontinent.
This is
because
of its
biogeographical
location
within
the Indo-Chinese
subregion
and its
great
altitudinal
variation,
from 4,500
meters
at Daphabum,
highest
point,
to 200
meters
in the
lowest
valleys.
The park
is largely
mountainous
and is
drained
by the
noa-Dehing,
Deban
and Namdapha
rivers.
In the
lower
levels
grow a
tangled
profusion
of tropical
rainforests,
with huge
Hollock,
Hollong
and Mekai
trees
intermixed
with giant
creepers,
tall cane
and dense
bamboo
stands.
Higher
up are
the deciduous
forests,
with temperate
and alpine
forests
higher
still,
where
Oak, Magnolia,
Pine,
Betula
and Rhododendrons
grow in
profusion.
Namdapha
is a botanical
haven,
with over
150 tree
species
and many
flowers
and orchids,
including
the Blue
Vanda,
one of
the rarest
orchids.
It will
be many
years
before
Namdapha's
flora
is fully
surveyed.
Namdapha's
birdlife
includes
the Satyr
Tragopan,
Kalij
and Monal
Pheasants,
Giant
Hornbill,
Forest
Eagle
Owl and
the rare
White-winged
Wood Duck.
principal
reptiles
include
the Indian
Python,
Reticulated
Python
and King
Cobra.
For mammal
watchers,
the park
boasts
no fewer
than four
large
cats-
Tiger,
Leopard,
Clouded
Leopard
and Snow
Leopard.
It also
has a
good population
of the
Hoolock
Gibbon.
Season
(Namdapha
National
Park):
October to April.
Access
(Namdapha
National
Park) :
Drive to
the park
from Dibrugarh
(140 km
, 5 hours)
or Gauhati
(full day)
airports,
with flights
from Calcutta
and Delhi
respectively.
The nearest
railway
station
is at Ledo,
near Margherita
(56 km).
Accommodation
and facilities
(Namdapha
National
Park)
Government
Tourist
Lodge, Miao,
Rest House
at Namchik.
There are
a few basic
rest houses
in
Namdapha,
at Haldibari.
Until the
infrastructure
is established,
this park
is suited
only to
the most
diehard
mammal watchers.
Movement
within the
park is
restricted,
as there
are very
few trails.
The vegetation
is dense
thus limiting
movement
and visibility.
Safaris
are by 4-wheel
drive vehicles,
riding elephants
and on foot.
Note
(Namdapha
National
Park)
An inner-line
permit is
required
to visit
Arunachal
Pradesh,
which can
be obtained
from the
Home Ministry
in New Delhi
8-12 weeks
in advance.
Apply as
early as
possible.
Flora and Fauna
in Namdapha National Park: The beautiful forests possess great biodiversity of Flora and Fauna. A details study of its species and genetic variation has not yet been thoroughly done. Namdapha is Botanist's dream and it may take as long as 50 years to complete a conprehensive survey of its botanical resources. There are more than 150 timber species. The Pinus merkusi and Abies delavavi are not found elsewhere in India. One of the rarest and endangered orchids, the Blue Vanda found here. The most famous local madicinal plant Mishimi Teeta (Copti teeta), which is used by the local tribal for all kinds of diseases is available here but its export has been banned.
The diverse vegetations and habitats of Namdapha grooms diverse species of animals and birds. It is only park in the World to have the four Feline species of big cat namely the Tiger (Panthera Tigris), Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Nebulosa) and numbers of Lesser cats. A number of primate species are seen in the park, such as Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque and number of the distictive Hoolock Gibbons (Hylobates Hoolock), highly endangered and only 'ape' species found in India dwells in this impenetrable virgin forest. Of the many other important animals are the elephants, black bear, Indian Bison, several species of deers, reptiles and a variety of arboreal animals.
Tourist Interested Places in Namdapha National Park:
Firmbase: Located on the Noa-Dehing River bank 25 Km from the Deban Forest lodge. This is a popular camping site full of nature's splendours. The track leading to the idyilic spot is enveloped by luxuriant forest and it is not un common to come across birds and wild animals on the way. For camping at Firmbase, equipments and guide provided by the forest department is an unique experience.
Deban: A beautiful forest camp on the bank of the river Noa-Dihing. It is located within the boundary of Namdapha National Park. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of overlooking Noa-Dihing river. The Forest Inspection Bungalow located at Deban itself surrounded by evergreen forest over looking the river Noa-Dihing is worth-staying. It is also ideal for trekking, hiking and angling on the river Noa-Dihing.
Hornbill: Just 9 Km from Deban, this is as the name suggests is a homing ground for hornbills. Here flocks of these birds can be frequently spotted flying from one grove to another.
Gandhigram: It is situated in the southeast periphery of Namdapha. This is the remotest and the last village in India wedged China and Myanmar and is the home land of Lisu (Yobin) tribe. The village is at a distance of about 120 Km from Deban. A weeklong trek through lush jungles is more enjoyable for those having a craving for adventure.
Camera Point: This camping site, as the name suggests offers a vantage point for a breath-taking view of Namdapha and its lush green landscape.
How to Reach There:
By Air: Nearest Airport: at Mohanbari, Dibrugarh, Assam 182 km from Forest Rest House, Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area
By Rail: Nearest long distance Railway station is Tinsukia Railway Station, Assam, 141 km from Forest Rest House, Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area.
Nearest Passenger Railway station is Margherita Railway Station, Assam, 91 km from Forest Rest House, Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area.
By Road:
Good motorable road is connected up to Miao which is entry point of Namdapha. The Forest Rest House , Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area is 186 km from Dibrugarh, 141 km from Tinsukia, 91 km from Margherita and 136 km from district headquarter Changlang. |