The Northeastern region of India is a conglomeration of eight small states, incorporating Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Bedded with a rich ecosystem the terrain is home to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries apart from being dotted with several tribal settlements. The region’s rich ecosystem is equipped with such geographical features that the land becomes a safe haven for wildlife. For this, North East India is one of the best regions for wildlife tours in India.
Here we are enumerating some of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of North East India which may aid you to plan your North East tour in wildlife seasons.
Kanchendzonga National Park, Sikkim :
Sprawling over 850 square kilometers the Kanchendzonga National Park mostly comprises a mixed forest of oak, fir, birch, maple and willow. It houses several species of mammals and birds. Of the mammals’ Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan blue sheep, sloth bear, civet, Tibetan wild ass, serow, goral and takin are some of the major attractions.
It was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in July 2016, becoming the first “Mixed Heritage” site of India.It is also selected as one of the top 100 Green destinations in the world by a team promoting tourism sustainability.
Also over 500 species of birds like the Himalayan griffon, blood pheasant, osprey, tragopan pheasant, green pigeon, Tibetan snowcock, snow pigeon, impeyan pheasant, sunbird and eagle are commonly sighted at different altitude levels of the park.
It is one of the popular national parks in the Indian Himalayan region with many high altitude lakes and glaciers that often attract many tourists, including trekkers, from all over the world.
Trekking is the only way to access Kanchendzonga National Park and it requires necessary permit from the State Home Department and State Chief Wildlife Warden. Overseas tourists require a restricted area permit from the Ministry of Affairs, Government of India, Delhi.
The months of April and May is the best time to visit the Kanchendzonga National Park.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam :
Famed for housing the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park is a major attraction for several wildlife enthusiasts. Other than the rhinoceros animals like wild elephants, gaur, sambar, wild boar, Asiatic water buffalo, Eastern swamp deer, hog deer, leopard, fishing cat, and many more along with a wide verity of reptiles are found here. The park includes fifteen species of turtles as well.
Again the park is home to some endangered bird species such as Indian vulture, slender-billed vulture and Indian white ramped vulture etc.
Tourists can take a tour inside the park, either on an elephant or with a jeep. Tourists can even opt for several observation towers which are available in the park.
Period from Mid of October to March is the perfect time to visit this Park.
Balphakram National Park, Meghalaya :
Covering an area of 220 square kilometers in the district of Balphakram… the Balphakram National Park, also comprising the Garo Hills, and is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Water buffalo, red panda, elephant and eight species of cats are mostly inhabitate the park. The most suitable time to visit the Balphakram National Park is between April and June when tourists can enjoy various species of colourful butterflies too.
Sheltering a favourite bird called Magpie-Robin, the park is often termed as bird’s kingdom. Off this, so many other regular birds including Scarlet Minivet, Hoopoe, Long tailed Broadbill, Blue-throated Barbet, Red-vented Bulbul, Himalayan Whistling Thrush, Himalayan Black Bulbul, Spotted Forktail, Black-breasted Kalij, Red Jungle Fowl, and Mynas are also found over here.
Besides its wildlife, during your tour to the Balphakram National Park you can also experience activities like spelunking and tribal tour in Meglalaya.
This is not all, but Northeast India has treasured many more attractions which are yet to be explored and the land is worth visiting for sure.
