Nameri National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife sanctuaries in India. Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, it covers an area of 200 sq km along the banks of the Jia Bhoroli river. It is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a wildlife enthusiast, Nameri National Park has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, from what to see and do, to where to stay and how to get there.
Why Visit Nameri National Park?
Nameri National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. It is one of the few places in India where you can spot the majestic tiger, the elusive clouded leopard, the endangered white-winged wood duck, and the graceful great hornbill. The park also boasts of more than 300 species of birds, 55 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, and 30 species of amphibians. You can also find many rare plants and orchids in the park, such as the blue vanda, the foxtail orchid, and the ladies slipper orchid.
Nameri National Park is also a haven for adventure sports. You can enjoy thrilling activities such as water rafting, fishing, swimming, and jungle walk in the park. The Jia Bhoroli river offers a perfect opportunity for water rafting, where you can experience the rapids and the scenic views along the way. You can also try your luck at fishing, as the river is famous for its golden mahseer fish. Swimming is another option for cooling off in the clear waters of the river. If you want to explore the park on foot, you can opt for a jungle walk, where you can get close to nature and wildlife with the help of a forest guide.
Nameri National Park is also a place of scenic beauty. The park offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, the lush green forests, the sparkling river, and the colorful flowers. You can also witness some spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the park, as well as some starry nights. The park is a photographer’s dream, as you can capture some amazing shots of nature and wildlife.
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What to See in Nameri National Park?
Nameri National Park is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife species in India. Here are some of the animals and birds that you can see in the park:
Tiger: Nameri National Park is a part of the Nameri Tiger Reserve, which was established in 1999 to protect the endangered tigers. The park has a healthy population of tigers, which are mostly nocturnal and elusive. However, if you are lucky, you might spot one during your safari or jungle walk.
Clouded Leopard: Nameri National Park is one of the few places in India where you can see the clouded leopard, which is a medium-sized wild cat with distinctive cloud-like markings on its fur. The clouded leopard is very rare and shy, and prefers to stay in the dense forests and high altitudes.
White-Winged Wood Duck: Nameri National Park is also one of the few places in India where you can see the white-winged wood duck, which is a large and colorful duck that lives in swampy forests and wetlands. The white-winged wood duck is critically endangered, and has a population of less than 1000 individuals in India.
Great Hornbill: Nameri National Park is also known for its great hornbills, which are large and impressive birds with a huge yellow bill and a prominent casque on their head. The great hornbill is one of the largest members of the hornbill family, and has a wingspan of up to 1.8 meters. The great hornbill is also very vocal, and makes loud calls that can be heard from far away.
What to Do in Nameri National Park?
Nameri National Park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of them:
Water Rafting: Water rafting is one of the most popular activities in Nameri National Park, as it gives you an adrenaline rush and a chance to admire the beauty of nature. You can book a water rafting trip at the park office or at your hotel, which will provide you with all the necessary equipment and safety instructions. The water rafting trip usually lasts for about two hours, covering a distance of 13 km along the Jia Bhoroli river. You will encounter some mild to moderate rapids along the way, as well as some calm stretches where you can relax and enjoy the views. You might also spot some wildlife on the banks of the river, such as elephants, deer, and birds.
Fishing: Fishing is another popular activity in Nameri National Park, as the Jia Bhoroli river is famous for its golden mahseer fish, which can weigh up to 40 kg. You can book a fishing permit at the park office or at your hotel, which will allow you to fish in designated areas of the river. You will also need to bring your own fishing equipment and bait, as they are not provided by the park authorities. Fishing is a relaxing and rewarding activity, as you can enjoy the tranquility of nature and the thrill of catching a big fish.
Swimming: Swimming is another option for cooling off in Nameri National Park, as the Jia Bhoroli river has some clear and shallow pools where you can swim safely. Swimming is a fun and refreshing activity, as you can feel the cool water on your skin and the gentle current on your body. Swimming is also good for your health, as it improves your blood circulation and muscle strength. However, you should always be careful while swimming in the river, as there might be some strong currents or hidden rocks that can cause injuries. You should also avoid swimming during the monsoon season, as the water level and flow might be too high and dangerous.
Jungle Walk: Jungle walk is another way to explore Nameri National Park, as it gives you an opportunity to get close to nature and wildlife. You can book a jungle walk at the park office or at your hotel, which will provide you with a forest guide who will accompany you throughout the walk. The jungle walk usually lasts for about three hours, covering a distance of 8 km inside the park. You will walk through different types of forests, such as evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and bamboo. You will also see various plants and flowers, such as orchids, ferns, and rhododendrons. You might also spot some wildlife along the way, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, and birds. However, you should always follow the instructions of your guide and maintain a safe distance from the animals. You should also wear comfortable clothes and shoes, carry enough water and snacks, and apply insect repellent.
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Where to Stay Near Nameri National Park?
Nameri National Park has some options for accommodation near the park entrance, ranging from eco camps to luxury resorts. Here are some of them:
Nameri Eco Camp: Nameri Eco Camp is one of the most popular places to stay near Nameri National Park, as it offers a rustic and eco-friendly experience. The camp has 18 cottages made of bamboo and thatch, which are equipped with basic amenities such as beds, fans, lights, and attached bathrooms. The camp also has a restaurant that serves local and continental cuisine, a library that has books on wildlife and nature, and a souvenir shop that sells handicrafts and souvenirs. The camp also organizes various activities for guests, such as water rafting, fishing, jungle walk, bird watching, and cultural programs. The camp charges Rs 2500 per night for a double cottage, including breakfast.
Jia Bhoroli Wild Resort: Jia Bhoroli Wild Resort is another option for staying near Nameri National Park, as it offers a comfortable and luxurious experience. The resort has 12 cottages made of wood and concrete, which are equipped with modern amenities such as beds, air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, and attached bathrooms. The resort also has a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine, a bar that serves drinks and snacks, and a swimming pool that offers a refreshing dip. The resort also organizes various activities for guests, such as water rafting, fishing, jungle walk, bird watching, and cultural programs. The resort charges Rs 4000 per night for a double cottage, including breakfast.
Prashanti Tourist Lodge: Prashanti Tourist Lodge is another option for staying near Nameri National Park, as it offers a budget-friendly and convenient experience. The lodge has 10 rooms made of brick and cement, which are equipped with basic amenities such as beds, fans, lights, and attached bathrooms. The lodge also has a restaurant that serves local and Indian cuisine, and a parking lot that offers space for vehicles. The lodge also arranges transport for guests to reach the park entrance or other nearby destinations. The lodge charges Rs 1000 per night for a double room.
How to Reach Nameri National Park?
Nameri National Park is located in Sonitpur district of Assam, about 35 km from Tezpur town. You can reach Nameri National Park by road or by air.
By Road: Nameri National Park is well connected by road to Tezpur town, which is about 35 km away. You can take a bus, taxi, or private car from Tezpur to reach the park entrance. The road is smooth and scenic, passing through green fields and forests. The journey takes about an hour. Tezpur is also well connected by road to other major cities in Assam, such as Guwahati, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh. You can also drive from these cities to Nameri National Park, which will take about 4 to 6 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.
By Air: Nameri National Park is also accessible by air, as the nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, which is about 45 km away. You can take a flight from Guwahati or Kolkata to Tezpur Airport, which will take about 30 to 45 minutes. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a private car to reach the park entrance, which will take about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can also take a flight from Guwahati or Kolkata to Guwahati Airport, which is about 220 km away. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to reach Nameri National Park, which will take about 4 to 5 hours.
When to Visit Nameri National Park?
Nameri National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and dry, and the wildlife is more active and visible. The park remains closed during the monsoon season from May to October, when the rain is heavy and the river is swollen. The temperature in Nameri National Park ranges from 10°C to 35°C, depending on the season. The winter months from November to February are cool and comfortable, with clear skies and sunny days. The summer months from March to May are hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. The monsoon months from June to October are wet and cloudy, with frequent rain and floods.
The ideal duration for visiting Nameri National Park is two to three days, as it gives you enough time to explore the park and enjoy its attractions. You can also combine your visit with other nearby destinations in Assam or Arunachal Pradesh, such as Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Tawang Monastery, Bomdila Monastery, and Sela Pass.
Tips for Visiting Nameri National Park
Nameri National Park is a wonderful place to experience nature and wildlife, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips for visiting Nameri National Park:
- Book your accommodation and activities in advance, as they might get full during the peak season or holidays. You can book online or through your hotel or travel agent.
- Carry enough cash with you, as there are no ATMs or card machines near the park. You will need cash for paying the entry fee, booking the safari or rafting, buying food and souvenirs, and tipping the guides and drivers.
- Carry your identity proof with you, such as your passport or Aadhaar card, as you might need it for entering the park or booking the activities.
- Carry your own water bottle and refill it at your hotel or campsite, as there are no shops or stalls selling bottled water near the park. You should also avoid drinking tap water or river water in the park, as they might be contaminated or unsafe.
- Carry some snacks and energy bars with you, as there are no restaurants or cafes inside the park. You can buy some food items at your hotel or campsite, or at some small shops near the park entrance.
- Carry some insect repellent and sunscreen with you, as there might be some mosquitoes and flies in the park, and the sun might be harsh during the day. You should also wear long-sleeved clothes and hats to protect yourself from insect bites and sunburns.
- Carry some binoculars and a camera with you, as they will help you spot and capture some amazing wildlife in the park. You should also bring some extra batteries and memory cards for your camera, as there might be no electricity or charging points near the park.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the park, such as not littering, not feeding or disturbing the animals, not making loud noises, not smoking or drinking alcohol, and not venturing out of the designated areas. You should also respect the local culture and customs of the people living near the park, and not offend them by your dress or behavior.
Nameri National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It offers a unique opportunity to see some of the most rare and beautiful animals and birds in India, and to enjoy some exciting activities in a stunning setting.
If you follow these tips, you will have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Nameri National Park.
