Namdhapa National Park is the 15th Tiger Reserve in the country spread over 1985 sqkm. It is the only National Park in the country where four of the felines (tiger, the leopard, the snow leopard and clouded leopard) are found. Bison, Samber and barking deer and a variety of snakes inhabit the park. Another unique feature of this park is that the park covers a wide range of altitude from 200m to 4500m.
About Namdhapa 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.
Attractions Of Namdhapa National Park In Arunachal Pradesh :
Blessed with magnificent snow wrapped mountains, exotic peaks and lush green valleys and forests, Arunachal Pradesh is in one word, the paradise on earth. One of the richest variety of flora and fauna of Arunachal Pradesh could be seen at the Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Namdapha National Park is the largest national park in the north eastern region and the best national park of the Indian subcontinent. Due to its biographical location, this park boasts of an enormous collection of flora and fauna. Many rare and exotic family of floras and faunas have been preserved in this national park.
Arunachal Pradesh is the home to a variety of flora and fauna and the treasure trove of innocent natural wonders. The deep green vegetation of the park has made this a peaceful home for many rare wild species.
Floras of Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh are:
- Mekai
- Bamboo
- Hollong
- Magnolia
- Betula
- Hollock
- Tall Cane
- Pine
- Oak
- Rhododendrons
Animals found in Namdapha National Park at Arunachal Pradesh are:
- Leopard
- Snow Leopard
- Tiger
- Clouded Leopard
- Hoolock Gibbon
Birds seen in the Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh are:
- Kalij
- Giant Hornbill
- Forest Eagle
- Monal Pheasants
- Satyr Tragopan
- Hoolock Gibbon
Other than these communities, Python, King Cobra and Reticulated Pythons are also found in this national park. To visit this national park, an inner permit from the Home Ministry of New Delhi is necessary which can be obtained eight to twelve weeks before the visit.
The best time to visit the Namdapha National Park are the months between December to March.
HISTORY Namdhapa National Park :
Namdapha was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1972. It was declared a tiger reserve and national park in 1983.
Namdapha first came to international prominence during the Second World War. After the Japanese invasion of China’s Pacific coast and Burma, allied planes regularly flew supply missions from Chabua in Assam to Kunming to support Generalissimo Chian Kai Shek’s Kuo Min Tang army.
Pilots had to fly over Namdapha and surrounding areas notorious for the severe air turbulence. Several Allied pilots lost their lives and the route was dubbed the hump.
WHERE TO STAY :
Government-run circuit houses and inspection bungalows (IB) are the best places to stay in Namdapha. Camping in tents at the designated campsites is also a good idea. Forest rest house, tourist lodge, tourist huts and dormitory are available for stay in Deban (26 km from Miao). Gibbon’s Land (10th mile), Haldibari, Hornbill, Rani Jheel and Firmbase are the main tourist campsites designated by Forest Department. Prior permission from the forest department is reuired. Camping is usually organised and supervised by tour operators. Public Works Department (PWD) maintains inspection bungalow (IB) at Gandhigram and Vijaynagar.
Advance reservations can be made on the phone at the Field Director’s Office, Namdapha National Park at: The Field Director, Project Tiger Namdapha National Park, Miao.
WHERE TO EAT :
Several small eateries in Miao serve variety of foods, including Tibetan momos and noodles. Several inspection bungalow caretakers arrange for food on request. However, it would be advisable to carry provisions. Carry food items like Maggi, etc. which can be cooked easily.
BEST TIME TO VISIT :
November to February months are cold, relatively drier season. March and April period witnesses sporadic showers. May is hot and largely rainless. The wet season is from June to October.
Namdapha receives rains twice in a year. During southwest monsoon (June to October), rivers and perennial streams are in spate and become impassable. Rains also cause landslides which increases the risk.
October to March is the best time for visiting the park.
Location :
Namdapha National Park is located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This is a biodiversity hotspot and this place attracts tourists from all over the country, given its natural wealth and scenic splendor. Namdapha National Park is well known as the largest national park in the entire country. The park is spread out over 1985 square kilometers in area, and houses a huge span of evergreen forests.
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.