Arunachal Pradesh has the largest variety of cats which includes tigers, leopards, clouded leopards and snow leopards. The state has over seven different types of primates that include the slow loris, rhesus macaque and the capped langur. These beautiful animals are found across a range of national parks and wild sanctuaries in the State. Let us look at the top 5 national parks in Arunachal Pradesh.
1. Namdapha National Park
Namdapha National Park is one of the largest areas that have been declared as ‘protected zones’ in the region of the Eastern Himalayas. This park is known for its rich biodiversity and geographical size. Different types of flora and fauna can be seen here in the range of animals and plants that call this park home. These include the endangered snow leopards, clouded leopards as well as red pandas and the red fox. Located within the range of Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range, the park has the added advantage of being the home to a variety of butterflies and moths. The rare species of butterflies that are found here have been documented under the National Camp held here in 2014. The park is situated near the border with Myanmar in the district of Changlang. Known to be an amalgamation of rainforests and evergreen forests, the park is a must-visit for nature lovers!
2. Mouling National Park
Mouling National Park was the second national park to be established in the State after Namdapha National Park. The park is named after a nearby peak with the same name which translates into ‘red blood’. This name comes from the red latex made by a tree species found here. Covering an area of 483 square kilometres, the Siyom river flows through it along with a few other rivulets, the different bio-spheres present here is known to be home to a variety of animals like the Bengal tiger, barking deer and leopards. The only issue is of connectivity because the park is inaccessible via road but the untouched natural reserve is worth the trip.
3. Kane Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kane wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, known for the initiative aimed at preserving the wildlife of the State. The best time to visit the sanctuary is around the period of October to April. This is the best time to visit because the sanctuary is filled with birds that visit the area around the time. The nearest railway station is Silapathar Railway station which is around 20 kilometres away from the park. Visit the park to witness unique animals like wild felines and elephants in their natural habitats along with beautiful flora all around.
4. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its greenery and is covered with dense forests. The tropical evergreen forests provide a thick bio-diverse sphere for animals and plants to flourish in. The animals from the Park include tigers, leopards, cats, jackals and other wild animals. The best time to visit the park is around November to March. The forests provide a glimpse into the local vegetation of bamboos and pine trees.
5. Daying Erring Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary
Initially established as Lali wildlife sanctuary, the Daying Erring Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is known to be the home to a variety of carnivores and herbivores like deer, langur, and water buffaloes. Spanning over an area of 190 square kilometres, the park is located in the East Sian district criss-crossed with the tributaries of rivers Siang and Sibiya. The best place to stay here is the Circuit House near Pasighat which can be booked by getting in touch with the park authorities.
Arunachal Pradesh is a rich and diverse sanctuary of a variety of flora and fauna that can be observed from close quarters though these National Parks. The State is a beautiful picturesque hilly place to visit for a nice getaway from the hustle-bustle of everyday life!
