Area : 180,782 hectares.

Established : 1972 as a national park, 1983 as a tiger reserve.

Location : 62 Kms. from Margherita

On the Bank of : Brahmaputra River

Description

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

November-May, the best period being December-March.

Access

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

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 : 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.

Mammals