Namdapha National Park
Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve at the eastern tip of India is the last true wilderness you will find anywhere in the old world. Thick, impenetrable tropical rainforest growth covering an area of 1985.23 square kilometers forms the core of this natural paradise. Namdapha lies along the turbulent Noa-Dihing River at the international border between India and Myanmar within Changlang District in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983.
The area’s vegetation may be broadly classified into tropical, temperate, and alpine vegetation stretching from monsoon forests right up to the snows. The valley is covered with a mix of Assam valley Tropical Rainforest and North Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous forest. The avifauna is a unique mix of Himalayan, Sino- Tibetan, and Indo-Burmese forms. The mountainous terrain, crisscrossed by innumerable streams supports a subtropical humid climate sustaining some of the best mammalian fauna in the sub-continent. More than 60% of the land mammals genera found in India is represented in Namdapha and it is the only place in the world where you can find 4 big cats in one area.
Namdapha is justly a birding paradise with more than 400 species represented with some only found in this area in India. From Ibisbills and White-bellied Herons on the Noa-Dihing to Blyth’s Tragopans, Blue-naped Pittas, Snowy-throated babblers, Cochoas, Ward’s Trogons, Beautiful Nuthatches, Rufous-necked Hornbills ~ Namdapha is the last word in exotics and the rare.
How to reach Namdapha National Park
Dibrugarh airport and Tinsukia rail station are the nearest points. Assam State Transport Corporation and Arunachal Pradesh State Transport buses ply daily from Dibrugarh to Miao. Miao is the entry point for Namdapha. The distance between Dibrugarh and Miao is 160 km and is best covered by hired cars. A further drive of 26 km is required to reach Deban, a tiny hamlet at the foot of the Patkai range of hills on the banks of the Noa-Dihing. The Deban Forest Guest House is the acknowledged base for birding Namdapha.
Where to stay
Forest Rest House, Deban. For bookings contact:
The Field Director
Project Tiger
Namdapha Tiger Reserve
Miao – 792 122, Changlang District
Arunachal Pradesh, India
Phone/Fax: +91-3807-222249.
Entry Permits
Entry into Arunachal Pradesh requires a permit which is issued by the Secretary (Political) Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The Resident Commissioner of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh stationed in New Delhi is also authorized to issue an Entry Permit. Entry into Arunachal Pradesh occurs at the Namchik Checkpoint.
Best Time
October to March
Tips:
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Leeches are everywhere in Namdapha and in large numbers. Carry protective gear.
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To really get the most out of a Namdapha visit, camping inside the Park at Hornbill, Bulbulia, Haldibari is a must. A reliable travel agent’s services may be required unless you are going on a guided tour.
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Rain is never predictable, give yourself some extra days to make sure that a trip is not wasted.
