Assam is rich in biodiversity and is home to several important national parks that protect a wide variety of flora and fauna, especially in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River. Here’s a list of the national parks in Assam:

Table of Contents

1. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries, located in the state of Assam in northeastern India. It’s renowned for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which is one of the park’s biggest attractions.

Key Wildlife:

Kaziranga National Park is world-renowned for its remarkable wildlife and is especially famous for being home to the largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, with over 2,400 individuals—accounting for about two-thirds of the global population of this endangered species. The park also provides a safe haven for herds of Asian elephants and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, which thrives in its dense forests and tall grasslands. Swamp deer and wild water buffalo are commonly seen grazing in the wetlands and meadows, contributing to the park’s ecological richness. In addition to its large mammals, Kaziranga is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 species of birds recorded, including a wide variety of migratory birds, waterfowl, and birds of prey such as raptors, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in India.

Images of Kaziranga National Park:

Landscape & Ecosystem:

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1985).
It covers over 800 sq. km, with vast stretches of tall elephant grass, marshland, and tropical moist broadleaf forests.
The Brahmaputra River flows nearby, contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit:

November to April is the best time for wildlife spotting.
The park is closed during the monsoon season (usually mid-May to October) due to flooding.

Activities:

Jeep safaris and elephant safaris for wildlife viewing.
Birdwatching is also popular, especially in winter.
Photography, nature walks (in buffer zones), and local cultural experiences.

Conservation Importance:

Kaziranga is a great success story in conservation, especially for the rhino population, which was once near extinction.
It also plays a key role in Project Tiger and Project Elephant.

2. Manas National Park

Manas National Park is one of the most stunning and ecologically rich national parks in India, located in Assam, along the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, sharing its northern boundary with Bhutan.

Quick Facts about Manas National Park

Location: Baksa, Chirang, and Kokrajhar districts, Assam
Established: Originally a sanctuary in 1928, declared a national park in 1990
Area: ~950 sq km (core), part of a larger biosphere reserve
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1985
Tiger Reserve: Yes (Project Tiger since 1973)

Wildlife at Manas

Manas National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, renowned for its population of rare and endangered species. It is home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and the large and gentle Asian Elephant, both of which roam freely across its dense forests and grasslands. The park also shelters the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, a species that has made a remarkable comeback in Assam. One of the most iconic and rare residents of Manas is the Golden Langur, an endemic primate found only in a small region of Assam and neighboring Bhutan. Other elusive animals such as the Clouded Leopard and the Himalayan Black Bear add to the park’s rich diversity. Manas is also the last natural refuge for the critically endangered Pygmy Hog, the smallest wild pig species in the world, and the Assam Roofed Turtle, another rare species unique to this region. Large herbivores like the Gaur, or Indian Bison, can be spotted grazing in the open grasslands. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise as well, with over 450 species of birds including colorful hornbills, the endangered Bengal Florican, and fish-eating raptors like the fishing eagle. This extraordinary diversity makes Manas one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Images of Manas National Park:

Landscape & Habitat

A mix of grasslands, tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and riverine ecosystems
The Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the park

Things to Do

Jeep Safaris (core area access only with permit)
River Rafting (on the Manas River – peaceful, scenic, and great for birding)
Birdwatching
Village visits (especially to interact with Bodo communities)
Trekking (in buffer zones)

Best Time to Visit

November to April (dry and pleasant weather)
The park is usually closed during monsoon (June to October)

3. Nameri National Park

Nameri National Park is a beautiful and tranquil wildlife sanctuary located in the Sonitpur district of Assam, along the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh. It is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and is known for its rich birdlife, scenic beauty, and peaceful river landscapes.

Quick Facts about Nameri National Park

Established: 1978 (declared a national park in 1998)
Area: Around 200 sq km
Location: Near Tezpur, in Sonitpur district, Assam
Connected Protected Areas: Borders Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh

Wildlife at Nameri National Park

Nameri National Park is a serene haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering a more intimate experience with the wilderness. It is particularly famous for the critically endangered and rarely seen White-winged Wood Duck, which is one of its most prized inhabitants. The park also supports a healthy population of Asian Elephants, along with elusive predators like leopards and tigers, although tiger sightings are quite rare. Other notable mammals include the Sambar Deer, Gaur (Indian Bison), and Wild Boar, all of which roam freely through its dense forests and riverine landscapes. What truly sets Nameri apart, however, is its incredible bird diversity, with over 300 recorded species. Birdwatchers can spot unique and vibrant species such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Ibisbill, Pied Falconet, Hill Myna, and Black Stork, making Nameri one of the best destinations in India for avian enthusiasts.

Images of Nameri National Park:

Activities & Attractions

River Rafting on the Jia Bhoroli River – calm and scenic, great for spotting birds and wildlife
Nature Walks and Forest Trekking with armed forest guides (no jeep safaris)
Birdwatching tours
Camping near the eco-tourism center

Best Time to Visit

November to April is the ideal time for visits.
Monsoon season (May to October) sees heavy rain, and the park is typically closed.

General Travel Tips for Assam’s National Parks

1. Best Time to Visit

November to April is ideal – dry, cool, and perfect for wildlife sightings.
Avoid monsoon season (May to October) – most parks are closed due to flooding or muddy terrain.

2. Book Permits and Safaris in Advance

Jeep and elephant safaris, especially in Kaziranga and Manas, get booked fast.
Get your entry permits and safari bookings online or through forest department offices or resorts.
Carry valid ID proofs (passport for foreigners).

3. What to Pack

Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)
Light jackets (mornings and evenings are chilly)
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent
Binoculars and camera (with zoom lens if possible)
Sturdy shoes for walking/trekking, especially in Nameri or Dibru-Saikhowa

4. Travel and Transport Tips

Hire a car with a local driver – many parks are remote or have limited public transport.
Roads are scenic but sometimes rough – keep buffer time for delays.
Download offline maps as network coverage can be patchy in remote areas.

5. Where to Stay

Stay in eco-resorts, jungle lodges, or forest guest houses near park entrances.
Popular ones get booked early in peak season, so reserve in advance.
In places like Nameri, try eco camps for a rustic experience close to nature.

6. Wildlife Etiquette & Safety

Follow the park guide’s instructions at all times
Don’t make noise or feed animals
Stay inside the vehicle during safaris
Avoid using flash photography
Keep a safe distance from all animals (especially elephants and rhinos)

How to reach the major National parks in Assam, including Kaziranga, Manas and Nameri,