Nameri National Park

The Nameri National Park was a heavy logging and hunting site before conservation works were started in the area. Initially, it was confined as a reserve forest in the year 1978, before officially becoming a national park in 1998. It was further declared a Tiger Reserve in the year 2000. The handloom weaving Assamese and Mising tribes are its nearest human residents. The park, despite of the protection measures that are prevalent in the state, experiences threats from the official logging allowed in certain of its areas, that is causing severe damage to the flora, as well as the fauna of the wildlife. In addition, there is also a regular conflict between the human population and elephants of the park, with the latter often being killed in the process. In fact, as many as 18 elephants were found dead in the year 2001. The rare birds residing in the park too are targeted on a large scale by poachers for their wings. The tiger reserve is most famous for its high density of elephants that roam its jungle. It also resides the critically endangered white winged duck. There are over 30 species of mammals present. Other occupants of the park include tigers, leopard, clouded leopard, gaur, wild pigs, sambar, barking deer, hispid hare, slow Loris, capped langur, dhole, sloth bear, ferret badger, binturong etc. There are also species of turtles, hornbills, pythons, cobras, eagles, etc. among others. The sanctuary is a prominent bird-watching area with about 370 recorded species birds found. The river Jia Bhoroli breeds economically important fishes like golden mahseer, Indian trout and saal mural.

The Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve is located in the Sonitpur District in the Indian state of Assam. The park shares its boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary in the neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, and extends to an area of 200 square kilometers. The park is basically situated at the foothills of the eastern Himalayan ranges, and has two rivers: Bor Dikorai and Jia Bhoroli, along with their tributaries, that form the basic water system of the reserve. The nearest village to it is Chariduar, located 09 kilometers away. Rangapara is 25 kilometers away, Tezpur is 35 kilometers away, 125 kilometers from Kaziranga National Park, 220 kilometers away from state capital Guwahati and 615 kilometers from Imphal (capital of Manipur). Nameri does not have a direct route to reach via road, railways or airways. It is situated on the Bomdila Highway that connects it from Guwahati and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Regular state bus services are available from Guwahati and Dibrugarh (340 kilometers away) to reach the park. There are also options for hiring private taxis and cabs. The nearest railway station is the Rangpara Railway Station located 25 kilometers away. The nearest Air route is the Tezpur Airport that has direct flights from Silchar, Kolkata and Guwahati. From there, tourist buses ply to reach the National Park. The next nearest airport is the Guwahati Airport, that has international flights and is located 91 kilometers away.

The Nameri National Park remains partially closed from May to October. The entire state of Assam experiences heavy downpour throughout the year, with the weather becoming moist without notice. Especially the monsoon months are characterized by heavy downpour, thus making the months from July to September not suitable for most outdoor activities. The summer season, from April to June, are in turn quite hot and humid. Although there are frequent showers, the temperature is generally high, often unbearable, and thus not a good time to visit the park. The remaining months, from October to March, therefore are the most preferred time to visit the Nameri National Park. The winter is chilly, and there is a substantial temperature fall in December and January, therefore, visitors must carry appropriate woolens with them. Despite of this, the winter season is the most suitable duration to visit the park.

The Nameri National Park remains open from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm throughout the year. The safari options available at the reserve include elephant safari, water rafting, angling, swimming and sunbath. For all these activities, a prior permission from the Forest Officials of the park is mandatory. In addition, an experienced forest guard will accompany the visitors in their trekking expeditions. There is a camping facility of the Department of Forest and Angling Conservation Association of the Assam Government setup near the Jia Bhoroli river, that arranges for all of the safari and other related activities. The Elephant Safari is a fun and the easiest way to navigate the park. Another great way is to use the boat rides available at the Jia Bhoroli River. For those who want to watch the wildlife in their undisturbed habitat, and are especially enthusiastic for bird watching, prefer these two options to enjoy in the park. However, it generally takes two days for bird watchers to explore the rich species of the park. For the ones who are more adventurous and thrill loving, there are options of River Rafting in the 20 kilometer stretch of the Bhoroli River available. Trekking through the park is allowed according to the climate and terrain conditions. Angling, or fishing, is also allowed within the park boundaries under certain conditions and not as a commercial practice. In addition, a permission from the Assam Government is required for angling. One could also enjoy sunbath in the peace of the nature at the reserve.

Often referred to as “The Land of Magic”, Assam lacks no aspect of breathtaking natural marvels and flourishing flora and fauna. The entire state is panoramic in its view. In addition, it boasts of some of the most beautiful national parks and tiger reserves in the country. The Nameri National Park, in this instance, is an absolute delight for all those who are seeking a break from the daily chaos of their lives and want to spend some quiet time in the midst of nature. The park has several exquisite spots and provides for some very relaxing and enjoyable activities within its premises. Although surrounded by the giants and infamous names like Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri has its own share of memories and experiences to add. The park, therefore, is an excellent choice for a visit.