Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

Area of the park: 1985.23 square kilometers
Year of Establishment: 1972 as a national park, 1983 as a tiger reserve
Longitude: 96°15' E to 96°58' E
Latitude: 27°23' N to 27°39' N
Altitude: 200 metres to 4571 metres
Temperature (deg C): Varies from 37°C to 8°C.
Rainfall: Varies from 1485 mm to 2508 mm.
Best Season to visit: October to April

About Namdapha National Park

Namdapha National Park is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Indian Subcontinent. Its unique biodiversity is thanks to its strategic location and to some extent altitudinal disparities, which can range from 4,500 meters at Daphabum, the highest point, to 200 meters in some regions. The park is mostly covered with large mountains and there are also a number of water bodies that sustain the wildlife of the park; important among them are Noa-Dehing, Deban and Namdapha rivers. In the lower altitudes you will find many types of tropical trees, with a large number of them exclusive to the region. Hollock, Hallong, and Mekai trees are quite common in these regions, while you will also come across giant creepers, tall cane and thick growth of bamboo. Higher up, the landscape is dominated by deciduous forests, and plant species like Oak, Magnolia, Pine, Betula and Rhododendrons are in great numbers. Namdapha is no less a botanical haven, as over more than 150 species of trees are residents of the park. Countless species of flowers and orchids -the Blue Vanda being a notable mention- add a tinge of color and romance to the landscape. The location and climate of Namdapha suits a wide variety of birds like Satyr Tragopan, Kalij and Monal Pheasants, Giant Hornbill, Forest Eagle Owl and the rare White-winged Wood Duck. So, if you are looking for a birding trip, Namdapha should definitely be on your list of probables. When it comes to reptiles, the prominent ones include the Indian Python, Reticulated Python and King Cobra. It is, however the big four- Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and Snow Leopard, which steal the show in the park, which also has a good population of the Hoolock Gibbon.

Access

You can travel by road to the park from Dibrugarh (140 km, 5 hours) or Gauhati airports (24 hours). Flight services are available from Gauhati and Dibrugarh to Calcutta and Delhi, apart from other major cities in the country. The nearest railway station is at Ledo, near Margherita (56 km).

Accommodation and facilities

There are many decent rest houses in Namdapha, with most of them located in Haldibari. The infrastructure is not the best you may have experienced, but that doesn't mean that you can't manage here. All you need to do, to have a great time in the park and spot some of the most exotic animals on the plant in addition to many endangered ones, is to make some small sacrifices. There are not many well-laid pathways for you to maneuver inside the park, which may slow down your movement. Further, the dense vegetation means that your visibility will be limited as well. If you want to go on a safari, the choice is between a 4-wheeler or an elephant ride. Whichever mode you choose, you are guaranteed of incredible fun.

Note

Before you are allowed to visit Arunachal Pradesh, you need to get an inner-line permit. To avoid inconvenience apply early.

Flora and Fauna in Namdapha National Park

The park has a rich Flora and Fauna. Even though a detailed study of the different species found in the park and their genetic variation is not yet available, yet from a Botanist's perspective, the many interesting and academically important species make Namdapha special. As many as 150 timber species are found here, with species like Pinus Merkusi and Abies Delavavi being exclusive to the park. Blue Vanda, a rare and endangered orchard, is also found here. Then there are medicinal plants like Mishimi Teeta (Copti teeta), which is used by the local tribes to treat different types of diseases.

The great biodiversity of the park nurtures many species of animals and birds. It is probably the only place in the World where you will find the four big members of the Feline family -the Tiger (Panthera Tigris), Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Nebulosa) living together. Another reason why the park is attractive is that it is home to a number of primate species, including the Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque as well as many varieties of the distinctive Hoolock Gibbons (Hylobates Hoolock). Also found in the park is the highly endangered and only notable 'ape' species found on the Indian Subcontinent. Other popular animals of the park include elephants, black bear, Indian Bison, deer, reptiles in addition to half a dozen species of arboreal animals.

Places of tourist interest in Namdapha National Park

Firmbase: Located on the banks of River Noa-Dehing, Firmbase is 25 Km away from the Deban Forest lodge. This popular camping site is surrounded by picturesque scenery and is equipped with all basic amenities. The road that links the campsite is enveloped by thick forest and on the way to the camp you can spot a number of wild animals. The forest department provides visitors the necessary equipments and with guides when they are camping at Firmbase.

Deban: A well-appointed and smart looking forest camp, Deban is located on the bank of river Noa-Dihing. It is located within the periphery of the park, so you are free to take in the scenic beauty of the place which overlooks Noa-Dihing river. There is the Forest Inspection Bungalow which is only a few yards from Deban, and is covered with evergreen forest. Being close to Noa-Dihing river, it is the best place to stay if you are thinking of participating in activities like trekking, hiking, and angling.

Hornbill: Another important campsite, Hornbill is about 9 Km from Deban. It got its name for being the homing ground of the Hornbill. Here flocks of Hornbills can be seen at any time of the day flying and going about their day-to-day life.

Gandhigram: It is situated along the southeast borders of Namdapha. Gandhigram happens to be the remotest village in India and is also, incidentally, the land where the Lisu (Yobin) tribe lives. The village is located some 120 Km away from Deban.

Camera Point: As the name suggests, Camera Point offers the visitor a vantage point and breathtaking views of the region which is covered with lush greenery.

Wildlife in Namdapha National Park

As many as 96 species of mammals, 453 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles, and 25 species of amphibians have been recorded in the park. Some of the important fauna found in the park are Asian Elephants, Asian Water Buffaloes, Barasingha, Indian Rhinoceros, Asian golden cat, Assamese Macaques, Clouded Leopards, Capped Langurs, Golden Langurs, Gaurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Tigers, Leopards, Barking Deer, Slow Loris, Smooth-coated Otters, Sloth Bears, Hog Deer, Sambar Deer and Chital. The major bird species include Bee-Eaters, Bulbuls, Brahminy Ducks, Egrets, Fishing Eagles, Falcons, Giant Hornbills, Gray Hornbills, Harriers, Herons Jungle Fowls, Kalij Pheasants, Mergansers, Magpie Robins, Ospreys, Pelicans, Pied Hornbills, Serpent Eagles and Scarlet Minivets, etc.

Namdapha National Park Travel Information

Best Time to Visit: October - April.

General Information:

Longitude: 96°15'E ~ 96°58'E;
Latitude: 27°23'N ~ 27°39'N
Altitude: 200 meters to 4571 meters
Climate: Rain can't be predicated; come with a few extra days in hand so that you can make up for lost time.

How to Reach Namdapha:

By Air: Mohanbari in Dibrugarh, Assam, at a distance of 182 km is the nearest airport. By comparison, Guwahati airport is located some 600 km away, but boasts better connectivity.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Tinsukia, about 141 km from the park.

By Road: Good motorable roads connect Miao which is the entry point of Namdapha. Meanwhile Deban, which is a forest rest house and located within the Namdapha National Park, is located at a distance of 186 km from Dibrugarh, 141 km from Tinsukia, 91 km from Margherita and 136 km from the district headquarter, Changlang.