Extending along the Great Himalayan foothills, lays the pride of Assam, the Sonai Rupai wildlife sanctuary. Out of the eighteen wildlife sanctuaries and six national parks in Assam, it has achieved crucial importance in the wildlife hub of this region. Not only rich in terms of flora and fauna but equally worth visiting to relish and rejuvenate in the lap of beautiful surroundings of Mother Nature. Considered as a jewel in the state of Assam, one can easily be spellbound by fragrance and blankets of greenery around, adding to the charm, fun, thrill and excitement of this once in a lifetime voyage.
Spread in the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh of India, it extends over an area of 220 square kilometres. The government of Assam at first declared it as protected area. The year 1998 holds special significance when it was upgraded as a sanctuary in order to protect the vegetation, animals and birds. It is protected by Department of Environment and Forests, Assam. Tezpur town, on the bank of Brahmaputra River, offers a number of tourist places to explore like Cole Park, Bamuni hills, Ketakeshwar Dewal, Padum Pakhuri and Agnigarh.
Climatic Conditions
The climate is of sub tropical type. The average temperature during hot and humid summer is 29 degree Celsius. Heavy summer rain causes rivers to overflow and bring flood. The average temperature during cold and dry is about 16 degree Celsius.
Best Time to Visit
The best time considered to visit this sanctuary is from November to March due to the pleasant weather devoid of rains and monsoon related problems.
Wildlife at Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
Flora
The captivating landscapes rich in natural vegetation is covered with exotic species of plants and trees some of which have high medicinal value. The floristic combination is rare and unique to this place, hard to find in other places. Many herbs, rosewood, teak, sandal are commonly found here.
Fauna
Apart from Indian Bison and Elephant, it is abode to tiger, barking deer, hog deer, leopard, wild boar, squirrel, wild pig, Gaur, fox. One cannot give a miss to the sight of spectacular one horned rhinoceros and some rare species of cats. Some of the residential birds like Pelican, white slender-billed vulture, white-winged wood duck and rufous-necked hornbill thrive along with the migratory birds from Siberia and Mongolia. You will be moved and enthralled by the activities of two winged bird species.
Reptiles
Russell’s viper, python, Indian karait etc. are some of the reptiles found in this place.
Distance from Nearby and Major Cities
- Tezpur – 52 kilometres
- Guwahati – 159 kilometres
- Dispur – 167 kilometres
- Jorhat – 235 kilometres
- Shillong – 252 kilometres
- Silchar – 419 kilometres
- Kolkata – 1075 kilometres
- Lucknow – 1427 kilometres
- Delhi – 1985 kilometres
- Hyderabad – 2461 kilometres
- Chennai – 2656 kilometres
- Mumbai – 2752 kilometres
- Bangalore – 3050 kilometres
Nearest Airport – The nearest airport is Salonibari airport, 45 km away from this sanctuary. Regular bus and taxi services ply from here.
Nearest Railway Station – Nearest railway station is Rangapara (60 km). Another option is Bhakulpong Railway Station, 130 km away from this sanctuary.
Road Accessibility – It is well connected via road from Guwahati, Sonitpur and other major cities of Assam. Frequent state government buses and private tour operators on affordable rates are available. The distance between Tezpur bus stand and this place is 90 km.
Accommodation Facilities
Tourist lodges and privately managed hotels at Tezpur like Hotel Luit, Hotel Grand City etc. offer comfortable accommodation. Inspection Bungalow at Bura-Chapori region and several other rest houses in the hands of Assam Forest Department could be another option for your stay.
Entry Fee
For details on entry fee and other information, contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Western Assam wildlife division, Sonitpur, Assam- 784001. Phone: +91 3712 268054
