Ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life Jungle Book?
Welcome to Assam, where untamed wilderness meets breathtaking beauty. Beyond the rolling hills of tea plantations and colourful festivals, Assam isn’t only a treat for your eyes and taste buds; it’s a biodiversity hotspot teeming with wildlife, a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Picture this: majestic one-horned rhinos roaming freely in Kaziranga National Park, playful golden langurs leaping through the trees in Manas, and countless other creatures thriving in protected sanctuaries. Assam’s diverse ecosystems are a testament to nature’s resilience and beauty.
Ready to discover Assam’s hidden treasures? Join us as we journey through its breathtaking national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Get ready to witness the magic of Assam’s wildlife – it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Assam’s national parks are a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, majestic tigers, elephants, and rare species like the golden langur. These protected areas not only safeguard rich biodiversity but also offer breathtaking landscapes and thrilling experiences—from jeep safaris to serene river cruises. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, each park promises a unique and unforgettable journey. Ready to explore? Here’s a list of all the national parks in Assam.
Kaziranga National Park is primarily located in Assam’s Golaghat district, with parts extending into Nagaon. Famous as the home of the one-horned rhinoceros, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the highest tiger densities in the world. The park boasts the largest undivided expanse of Brahmaputra Valley floodplain grasslands, showcasing a complex ecosystem where various stages of biotic succession are clearly visible.
Wildlife to Look Out For in Kaziranga National Park:
Please note – Kaziranga is closed from May to October for tourists, due to risk of monsoons
Manas National Park, located in the Himalayan foothill Bhabar region of western Assam, stretches across the Baksa and Chirang districts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a designated Project Tiger reserve, it harbors 109 animal species and over 500 bird species, including 26 globally threatened ones. Recognized as an Important Bird Area, Manas is a biodiversity hotspot, offering a thriving ecosystem for wildlife enthusiasts.
Please note – Manas National Park is closed from May to October for tourists, due to heavy monsoon rains.
Nameri National Park, located in the Sonitpur district near the Arunachal Pradesh border, serves as the core area of the Nameri Tiger Reserve. Home to diverse flora and fauna, the park offers unique experiences beyond wildlife spotting. Visitors can enjoy river rafting on the Jia Bhoroli River along its southwestern boundary or stay in eco-camps for an immersive taste of rural life.
Please Note – Nameri National Park remains closed from May to October due to heavy monsoon rains.
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. Renowned for its vibrant wetland ecosystem and rare avian species, it is the largest Salix swamp forest in northeastern India and is also home to a diverse variety of fish species. Primarily established for the conservation of the endangered White-Winged Wood Duck, the park is equally famous for its strikingly bright-colored feral horses, which are a major attraction for visitors.
Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam. It is one of the oldest national parks in the state and is often referred to as the Mini Kaziranga, owing to its similar landscape of marshes, streams, and grasslands, as well as its population of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, Dehing Patkai National Park is often referred to as the Amazon of the East due to its stretch of lowland rainforest—the longest in India. The park derives its name from the Dehing River, which flows through it, and the Patkai Hills, at the base of which the sanctuary is situated.
Thanks to its dense rainforest cover, the area around the national park is home to many indigenous Assamese communities such as the Tai Phake, Khamyang, Singpho, Nocte, Ahom, Nepali, and Burmese. Numerous eco-camps around the park offer visitors a glimpse into the unique cultures and traditions of these communities.
Animals: Asian Elephant, Hoolock Gibbon, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaque
Birds: Hornbills, Barbets, Broadbills
Other Species: The park has recorded 47 species of mammals, 47 species of reptiles, 301 species of butterflies, and 293 species of birds.
Raimona National Park is one of the newest national parks in Assam, located in the Kokrajhar district of the Bodoland Territorial Region. The park is renowned for its large herds of Asian elephants and plays a critical role—along with Manas National Park—in facilitating the transboundary movement of elephants and other wildlife across northern West Bengal, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh.
In popular Assamese literature, Raimona is frequently mentioned in folklores and legends that celebrate its deep connection with elephant herds and forest life.
Apart from its iconic national parks, Assam is also home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries that play a vital role in conserving the region’s rich biodiversity. These sanctuaries offer a more intimate experience of the wild—perfect for naturalists hoping to spot specific species, or for travelers seeking a gentle introduction to Assam’s incredible wildlife. Whether you’re tracking elusive birds, watching primates in their natural habitat, or simply soaking in the serenity of the forest, Assam’s wildlife sanctuaries are sure to leave you in awe.
Here is a list of the major wildlife sanctuaries in Assam.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, tucked away in Assam’s Morigaon district, was set up in 1987 and covers around 38 sq. km. It’s famous for having one of the highest densities of one-horned rhinos. Just a short trip from Guwahati, it’s a great spot to enjoy wildlife and peaceful wetland views.
Nestled in Assam’s Jorhat district and established in 1997, this compact 20.98 sq. km sanctuary is surrounded by lush tea gardens. It’s best known for being the only sanctuary in India dedicated to preserving hoolock gibbons. The peaceful forest trails and dense canopy make it a unique spot for primate lovers and birdwatchers.
Set in the Udalguri and Baksa districts, Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1980 and covers about 26.22 sq. km. Named after the Bornadi River, it plays a vital role in protecting the critically endangered pygmy hog. This peaceful, lesser-known sanctuary is a hidden gem for wildlife lovers.
Located in Assam’s Golaghat district, Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2000 and spans about 37 sq. km. It’s part of the larger Karbi Anglong landscape and is known for its lush forests and natural mineral springs. The peaceful setting makes it a lovely retreat for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Tucked away in Karbi Anglong district, Garampani is one of Assam’s oldest sanctuaries, established in 1952 and covering just over 6 sq. km. Despite its size, it’s known for its dense forests and a natural hot water spring that adds to its charm. It’s a quiet little spot that offers a surprisingly rich wildlife experience.
Located in Assam’s Nagaon district, Laokhowa was established in 1972 and spans about 70 sq. km. It forms part of the larger Laokhowa–Burachapori eco-region, playing a vital role in conserving Assam’s floodplain ecosystems. The sanctuary’s scenic wetlands and grasslands make it a peaceful haven for wildlife.
Tucked away in Assam’s Sonitpur district, this sanctuary was set up in 1998 and covers around 175 sq. km. With its location along the Bhutan border, it offers stunning landscapes of rolling hills and open plains, making it a scenic and peaceful retreat for wildlife lovers.
Spread across Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts, Chakrashila was established in 1994 and spans about 45.56 sq. km. It’s especially known as the first sanctuary in India dedicated to protecting the rare and graceful golden langur, and offers beautiful views of forests and hills.
Set along the north bank of the Brahmaputra in Sonitpur district, Bura Chapori was declared a sanctuary in 1995 and covers about 44.06 sq. km. It’s a quiet, scenic grassland haven that supports some impressive species and makes for a peaceful wildlife getaway.
Nestled in the Karbi Anglong district, this sanctuary was established in 2000 and spans around 221.81 sq. km. With its hilly terrain, dense forests, and rich biodiversity, it’s a lesser-known gem for nature lovers and wildlife explorers.
Tucked away in the Karbi Anglong district, this expansive sanctuary was established in 2003 and covers about 451 sq. km. It’s part of the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve and is perfect for those hoping to explore Assam’s less-trodden wild trails.
Located just outside Guwahati in the Kamrup Metropolitan district, Amchang was declared a sanctuary in 2004 and covers around 78.64 sq. km. It plays a vital role in conserving urban wildlife habitats while offering scenic forest trails not far from the city buzz.
Straddling the Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, this bird sanctuary was established in 1999 and spans about 11.25 sq. km. It’s a peaceful haven for migratory and wetland birds, especially loved for its role in protecting stork and pelican populations.
Located in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Deepor Beel was notified in 1989 and covers around 4.14 sq. km. Recognised as a Ramsar site, it’s a freshwater lake ecosystem that supports rich biodiversity, especially during the migratory bird season.
The ideal time to explore Assam’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is between October and May, right after the monsoon. During these months, the weather is pleasant, wildlife sightings are more frequent, and the trails are more accessible. Most parks remain closed during the monsoon season, typically starting from early or mid-May, so plan your trip accordingly.
You can check this blog- What safari range in Kaziranga should i visit ? for detailed information on Kaziranga National Park
You can check this blog- Kaziranga’s Feathered Treasures : Birdwatching in India’s Avian Paradise for detailed information on birdwatching in Kaziranga National Park.
Most of Assam’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are well connected to major towns and cities like Guwahati, Tezpur, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. From these points, reaching the parks by road is quite straightforward. There are plenty of local transport services and tour operators that offer reliable pick-up and drop-off options. And when you plan your trip with ChaloHoppo, we make sure your transportation is sorted—so you can travel comfortably and focus on enjoying the wild side of Assam.
Tourism-friendly parks like Kaziranga, Manas, and Nameri offer a wide range of accommodation options across different budgets, from eco-resorts and lodges to homestays and campsites.
In addition, most national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Assam have government-run forest lodges or guest houses that are specifically set up to host visitors. These can be a great way to stay close to nature while supporting conservation-friendly tourism.
Most of Assam’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are easily accessible with entry tickets that can be purchased on the spot. There are separate ticket rates for Indian and foreign nationals, and the latest prices and details are usually available at the park gates.
Some of the more developed parks offer the convenience of online safari bookings, which is ideal for planning in advance. However, for lesser-explored parks like Orang National Park and certain tiger reserves, you may need to get special permissions, often issued once you arrive.
In these cases, you’ll also need a private vehicle, as jeep services are limited, and a forest ranger must accompany you during the safari.
Planning a wildlife trip in Assam can be truly rewarding—but also logistically complex, especially for first-time visitors. Working with a local travel partner can make all the difference. From navigating park permits and arranging safaris to recommending the best eco-stays and offbeat wildlife spots, a local expert ensures a smooth, informed, and immersive experience.
They also help bridge language barriers and offer insights into the cultural and natural heritage that guidebooks often miss. Whether you’re chasing a glimpse of the elusive golden langur or planning a relaxed birdwatching holiday, partnering with someone who knows the terrain is the smartest way to truly explore Assam’s wild side.
At Chalohoppo, we specialise in crafting nature-driven experiences that connect travellers with Assam’s rich biodiversity. From guidance on permits and safari bookings to organising transport and immersive local experiences, our team takes care of all the details—so you can simply focus on soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest. With a strong local presence and a deep commitment to responsible tourism, Chalohoppo ensures your wildlife holiday is smooth, authentic, and truly memorable.
To plan your trip to Assam, write to us at experiences@chalohoppo.com.
Before planning a trip to the wildlife parks of Assam, it’s important to understand the region’s climate so you can pack accordingly.
Now that you’re familiar with Assam’s climate, here’s a handy packing list to help you prepare for your wildlife adventure:
Conserving Assam’s rich biodiversity is a collective effort involving the government, conservation organizations, and responsible tourists. Measures such as anti-poaching units, habitat restoration projects, and ecotourism initiatives play a crucial role in safeguarding the region’s wildlife. Moreover, if you are travelling, here is how tourists can also contribute by following best practices:
By embracing responsible tourism and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure that Assam’s incredible wildlife thrives for generations to come.
Assam is a land brimming with rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit for naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts, or even first-time travellers eager to experience nature up close. With a variety of species spread across its many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, the state offers something for every kind of explorer—from rhino spotting in Kaziranga to birdwatching in Dibru-Saikhowa.
What makes the experience even more special is the chance to go beyond safaris—staying in eco-lodges, taking village walks, and immersing yourself in the culture of the communities that live in harmony with these forests.
Planning a wildlife trip can feel overwhelming, but working with trusted local partners ensures a smoother experience while supporting conservation and uplifting local communities.
Plan your Assam wildlife adventure with Chalohoppo today!
Samiksha Jain is a writer who loves exploring the intersections of history, culture, and media, and how they shape the way we see the world. She has worked across creative content and audience insights in the media industry. These days, she’s soaking in the quiet joys of slow living in North-East India while working as a content executive with Chalohoppo.
The ideal time to visit is between October and May, after the monsoon. Most parks are closed during the rainy season, typically from May to October, due to flooding and safety concerns.
Yes. Most parks and sanctuaries require an entry permit or ticket, which can usually be purchased at the park gate. Separate rates apply for Indian and foreign nationals. Some parks, like Orang, may require special permissions and advance planning.
Yes. In developed parks like Kaziranga, Manas, and Nameri, safaris can be booked online or through local tour operators. For smaller or remote parks, bookings are typically made on-site or through forest department offices.
Assam is home to one-horned rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, golden langurs, hoolock gibbons, clouded leopards, pygmy hogs, and a wide range of migratory and resident birds.
Kaziranga, Manas, and Nameri are great choices for first-timers. They offer excellent wildlife sightings, good infrastructure, and additional activities like river rafting and eco-camping.
Yes. Most major parks offer a range of options—from budget homestays and forest lodges to eco-resorts. Government-run accommodations are also available in or near many sanctuaries.
The parks are well connected by road from major cities like Guwahati, Tezpur, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. Local transport operators and travel partners offer convenient pickup and drop services.
Yes, it’s generally safe, especially when accompanied by authorized guides or forest rangers. Stick to marked trails, follow safety instructions, and respect wildlife.
A local travel partner helps with permits, bookings, cultural immersion, and logistical ease. Chalohoppo offers curated wildlife experiences while supporting responsible tourism and local communities.
