The Pakhui Tiger Reserve stretches across 862 square kilometers and lies at a height of 150 meters to 2000 meters. This Reserve is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh. This area was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1977. It was later declared a tiger reserve in 2002 as the 26th tiger reserve under Project Tiger of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. This Reserve promises an adventurous holiday and an opportunity to experience the serenity of watching animals in their natural habitats.
Climatic Conditions
Pakhui Tiger Reserve is a subtropical climate zone with cold winters starting from the month of November and ending in the month of March. The temperature in this area ranges between 12 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius. The annual rainfall experienced in this region is around 2,500 millimeters. Monsoon occurs between the months of May to September and again from November to April. October and November are relatively dry and less rainy months. May and June are the hottest months here, this area experiences extreme humidity in the summer months.
Best Time to Visit Pakhui Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit the Reserve is between the months of November to April. At this time the Reserve is experiencing winter and the weather is cool and pleasant.
Wildlife at Pakhui Tiger Reserve
The Wildlife at the Pakhui Tiger Reserve is profuse. The wide varieties of flora and fauna found here is a rare exhibit of ecology in a time and age of environmental degradation. This Reserve is home to over 36 species of reptiles, 500 species of butterflies, and 30 species of amphibians.
Flora
The vegetation in the Reserve is of the tropical semi-evergreen forest type like the vegetation found typically in the Assam Valley. The plant species found in the Reserve include Paroli Stereospermum chelonioides, Ailanthus grandis, Hatipehala Pterospermum acerifolium, Kari Polyalthia simiarum, Karibadam Sterculia alata and Khokun Duabanga grandiflora.
Animals
The fauna found in the Reserve include yellow throated martins, Tigers, jungle cats, jackals, binturongs, gaurs, barking deer, Malayan giant squirrels, clouded leopards, bisons, elephants, sambers, deer, flying squirrels, squirrels, capped langurs, wildboars, wild dogs, rhesus macaques, civets, Assamese macaques, leopards, Himalayan black bears, hogs, etc.
Birds
The Avians found in the Reserve include Jerdon’s baza, wreathed hornbill, silver-eared leiothrix, pied falconet, lesser necklaced laughing-thrush, collared broadbill, white-browed shortwing, grey peacock-pheasant, sultan tit, yellow-bellied flycatcher warbler, blue-naped pitta, ruby-cheeked sunbird, green pigeon spp., ibisbill, white-cheeked hill-partridge, Asian emerald cuckoo, red-headed trogon, forest eagle owl, great hornbill, maroon oriole, Daurian redstart, long-tailed broadbill, elwe’s crake, lesser shortwing, Leschenault’s forktail, white-bellied yuhina, and crow-billed drongo, etc.
Reptiles
Reptiles found in the park include the rare Pied warty frog, Assam roof turtle an endangered species, the king cobra, etc.
Activities in and around the Sanctuary
The activities that the Pakhui Tiger Reserve offers include walks through the forest with hornbill nest protectors, jeep rides and walks to Khari, Walks around the village, cultural programs with the local people, bird watching programs and educational tours.
Distance from Nearby and Major Cities
The nearest major town is Tezpur, which is approximately 65 kilometers away.
Nearest Airports – The nearest airports to the Reserve are Tezpur and Guwahati, which are 50 kilometers and 280 kilometers away from Seijosa and Bhalukpong respectively.
Nearest Railway Station – Nearest railway stations are Soibari (36 kilometers away), Biswanath Chariali (47 kilometers away) and Rangapara (60 kilometers away) from Seijosa or Bhalukpong.
Road Accessibility
Pakhui Tiger Reserve is open from the North, East and west headings. It is reachable from:
Seijosa in the east: Seijosa is associated with Guwahati and Tezpur through the Soibari–Pakke Kessang street.
Bhalukpong in the west: Bhalukpong entryway is joined through the Tezpur-Bomdila visitor course.
Pakke Kessang in the north: Pakke Kessang is open through Itanagar or the Seppa course.
Arunachal Pradesh State Transport or private transport administrations are accessible every day from Tezpur to Seijosa, (transports don’t utilize on Thursdays). Bhalukpong is very much joined with Tezpur, Guwahati, Rangapara, Bomdila and Balipara through State transport administrations.
Other transport alternatives include
Taxi services: that can be availed from Chariali, Biswanath, Tezpur, Balipara, Soibari, Rangapara, Itanagar to Seijosa, Pakke Kessang or Bhalukpong.
Shared taxi services: can be availed from, Seppa, Itanagar to Pakke Kessang. and from Soibari to Seijosa.
Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation is available at Seijosa, Khari and Langka forest rest houses on the eastern side of the park, however food needs to be arranged by the travellers themselves, this is effectively accessible at nearby stores conveniently situated around. Hotels and Inns are available in Bhalukpong. Alternate accommodation is available around 4 kilometers away from Bhalukpong at the Tipi Forest Rest House.
Entry Fee
An Inner Line Permit is required for Indian nationals and a Restricted Area Permit is required for outside nationals for section into Arunachal Pradesh. This Permit can be acquired from the office of the Deputy Resident Commissioner. Furthermore, the authorities of Pakhui Tiger Reserve can be contacted for details regarding entry fee etc.
