The northeast is a treasure trove of rare and exquisite flora and fauna. Home to seven of India’s major national parks, the cluster of eight states offers some of the best wildlife safaris in India. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist looking to spot some rare birds, or a photographer hoping to get a few good shots or even just a nature enthusiast interested in exploring wildlife in India, the northeast is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the country. Kaziranga and Manas alone are enough to attract droves of tourists every year for a sighting of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, found exclusively in these parts. So, if you’re looking for some great wildlife tours in northeast India, here’s everything you need to know!
Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, both in Assam are UNESCO conferred World Heritage Sites. It is encouraging to see how much these parks are doing for the upkeep of endangered animals, letting them thrive in their natural habitat. Kaziranga is also a recognised tiger reserve and is said to have the highest population density of tigers among the world’s protected areas. Manas National Park is home to over 20 species of endangered animals that you can spot on a Manas wildlife safari. Arunachal Pradesh is home to four different species of big cats including tigers, snow leopards and clouded leopards in addition to varied other animals. Take your pick of Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Namdapha National Park and Kane Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal. Regardless of where you go however, the common feature that will stand out is the care that goes into the preservation of these animals.
Wildlife tours in the northeast are interesting because they are not restricted to safaris alone. Instead, they provide a holistic experience of the region by letting you discover different facets of its geography, culture and people. A trip to Manas National Park for example, lets you enjoy rafting on the river Manas from which the park gets its name. Some trips to Manas also include a cruise on the Brahmaputra and a visit to the adjoining villages of the Bodo people. Likewise, at Kaziranga you can visit the Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-Diversity Park, which is the largest orchid park in India. You can also choose a combo Kaziranga tour that takes you to the neighbouring Addabarie Tea Estate for an insight into the intricate process of tea making.
The northeast with its diverse topography of rolling tea plantations, cascading rivers and dense forests is a photographer’s paradise. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the cluster of eight is home to some of the most exquisite flora and fauna in the country. The hidden trails and dense foliage of these parts provide the perfect setting for nature photography tours. Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating park in the world. It constitutes a swamp of biomass known as phumdis, that floats on the surface of Lake Loktak and is also where the endangered bow-antlered deer is exclusively found. The park is a favourite haunt for photographers for its natural assets as well as the remoteness of its location which helps preserve its purity.
The northeast attracts hundreds of migratory birds every year. The number of rare birds that can be spotted in these parts is so high that ornithologists from across the country can be seen here every year with their binoculars and long lens cameras. Bird watching is such a popular part of northeast wildlife tours that tour operators now offer exclusive birding trips Namdhapa National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, Saikhowa National Park in Assam and Khonoma Tragopan Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland are popular destinations on these tours. The Black-breasted Parrot bill, Himalayan Griffon, Snowy-throated Babbler are among the rare birds that you can spot on these tours.
Experience the thrill of spending a night in the forest surrounded by the cries of wild animals. Most national parks including Kaziranga and Manas have accommodation inside the reserve. For a truly authentic experience of wildlife in India, you have to get as close to the animals as you can. Nothing compares to the adventure of being in the natural habitat of animals, cut off from the real world as you know it, at close range of real and palpable danger. It is also captivating to see the changing face of the forest with the passing of day. With the fading light, the colours of the forest give way to shadows and the trees come alive with the chorus of birds returning to their nests and the stirrings of nocturnal creatures waking up for their nightly prowl.
One of the thumb rules of a northeast wildlife tour is to follow the guidelines of the sanctuary. The proper maintenance of the reserves is due to a strict policy of adherence to rules set out by forest authorities. The parks promote a non-intrusive approach to the animals that respects their space. Any kind of littering is strictly prohibited with clear guidelines about the disposal of non- biodegradable waste material. Most parks in India require visitors to provide valid id proof before entering the park. This is for security reasons and non-negotiable. So make sure to carry id before you leave for your trip.
The northeast offers many attractions for the discerning traveller. Home to some of the best wildlife in India, the northeast is a Mecca for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. With improved connectivity most north eastern states are now easily accessible with flights from all major cities. So come and explore the northeast for yourself and be amazed by the many treasures it has to offer.