“ ‘Tis the ‘right hand’ of India so to say; was discovered during the World War day”
Adorning the north-eastern tip of India, Namdapha National Park lies in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is spread across a huge area of 1985 sq. Km. making it the third largest national park in the country. It is also the largest protected area in the eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and a haven for some of the rare and endangered species. Namdapha is said to be the perfect place for wildlife or nature enthusiasts. The unexplored biodiversity and the undulating terrain makes way for a mind blowing adventure trip filled with awe and amazement.
[Also Checkout: Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of India]
Climatic Conditions
Being surrounded by the eastern Himalayan ranges of Mishmi hills, Namdapha experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. While some peaks are blanketed in snow all through the year, the temperature during the winter months of November to February stays around 15˚C to 20˚C. The temperature during the summer season is around 27˚C to 32˚C from March to October.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Namdapha National Park is from November to April.
Wildlife & Vegetation
One of the largest biodiversity hotspots, Namdapha hosts an enormous variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies.
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Animals
Namdapha is the only national park in the world to be home to four feline species of the big cat family: Leopards, Tigers, Snow Leopards and Clouded Leopards. Other inhabitants of these magnificent forests include Stump-tailed macaque, Capped Langurs, Dholes, Asiatic Black Bears, Red Panda, Yellow-Throated Marten, Assamese Macaque, Slow Loris, Marbled Cat, Golden Cat, Spotted Linsang, Mongoose, Otter, Hoolock Gibbons, Binturong, Sambar, Gaur etc. The rare Namdapha Giant Flying Squirrel is found only at this park.
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Birds
A heaven for birds and bird-watchers, Namdapha is where you can find a stupendous variety of 425 species of birds. And, that number is just the species reported till date. Hornbills, Wren-Babblers, Thrushes, Parrotbills, Fulvettas, Shrike Babblers, Rudy Kingfisher, Purple Cochoa, Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, White-Tailed Fish Eagle, Blue-Eared Kingfisher, Pied Falconet, Himalayan Wood-Owl and many, many more others. The critically endangered White Bellied Heron has also been found here.
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Reptiles
Monitor lizard, Indian and Malayan pythons and the king cobra can be found here.
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Vegetation
The major portions of this thick tropical rainforest are relatively unexplored and not open to the tourists. The explored area is known to be covered by some exquisite and unique varieties of plants. 150 species of timber are found here. This is the only place in the country to harbour the unique plant species of Pinus Merkusi and Abies Delavavi. Even the rare orchid variety, Blue Vanda seems to find shelter here. Mishimi Teeta, one of the most significant medicinal plants, is also grown here.
Distance from nearby and major cities:
The entry point of Namdapha is at Miao. Miao is close to the towns of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Magherita. Distance from these and other major cities can found as other. All distances are with respect to Miao.
- Deban: 26 km
- Magherita: 65 km
- Tinsukia: 115 km
- Mohanbari: 158 km
- Dibrugarh: 160 km
- Shillong: 507 km
- Guwahati: 599 km
- Kolkata: 985 km
- Lucknow: 1542 km
- New Delhi: 1900 km
How to reach
- By Air: Nearest airport is at Mohanbari, Dibrugarh which is 160 km from Miao (entry point) and 182 km from the Forest Rest House at Deban.
- By Rail: Nearest railheads include Magherita station and Tinsukia Railway station.
- By Road: Namdapha can be easily reached via road. Buses run by the Assamese State Transport Corporation ply daily from Dibrugarh to Miao via Tinsukia, Magherita etc. Private taxis can also be hired from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Magherita towards Miao. Average cost of taxi is around Rs. 3500.
Accommodation
Accomodation for tourists is available at Namdapha National Park as well as at Miao.
At Deban: Namdapha National Park: Accommodations are available at the Forest Rest House for Rs. 190 (double occupancy) and Rs. 145 (single occupancy). You can avail cheaper accommodation at the tourist hut for Rs. 90 (double occupancy) and Rs. 50 (single occupancy) or at the dormitory for Rs. 30/bed. For bookings contact,
The Field Director
Project Tiger
Namdapha Tiger Reserve
Miao – 792 122, Changlang District
Arunachal Pradesh, India
Phone/Fax: +91-3807-222249
At Miao: A number of options are available at Miao including Circuit house, Namdapha jungle camp, Eco-Tourist forest guest house and Inspection Bungalow. For Bookings contact:
The Additional Deputy Commissioner
Miao – 792 122, Changlang District
Arunachal Pradesh, India
Phone: +91-3807-222245
Local Attractions
The little township of Miao has many tourist attractions to offer. These include Miao Mini Zoo and the Miao Museum maintained by the Namdapha Park Authorities is located near the Field Director’s Office. The museum showcases the research work done at Namdapha. Sample specimens are kept for display.
Moti Jheel and Raja Jheel within the national park are popular tourist attractions.
Elephant ride, trekking, boat ride, bird watching, jungle safari and river crossing are popular activities at namdapha.
Other Useful Information
- Two permits are required to visit Namdapha: The Inner Line Permit is required to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Tourist Permit issued by the Field Director is required to enter Namdapha.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per head (for Indians) ; Rs. 50 per head (for Foreign Nationals)
- Entry Fee for Vehicles: Rs. 100. Entry is free for one driver per vehicle.
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Camera Charges
Rs. 75 (Ordinary Still Camera)
Rs. 400 (Still Camera with Tele Lens)
Rs. 750 (Video Camera)
- For more information regarding permits, entry fee etc, log on to http://changlang.nic.in/howto.html.
