NAMERI NATIONAL PARK

Nameri National Park, located in the Sonitpur district of Assam, India, is a pristine biodiversity hotspot nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Spanning an area of approximately 200 square kilometers, it is renowned for its rich wildlife, diverse flora, and scenic landscapes. The park shares its northern boundary with the Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, together forming a larger contiguous wilderness exceeding 1,000 square kilometers. Nameri is also designated as a Tiger Reserve, making it a critical conservation area in Northeast India. Below is the overview of Nameri National Park:

Location and Geography

Location: Situated about 45 kilometers from Tezpur town in Sonitpur district, Assam, and approximately 9 kilometers from the village of Chariduar. It lies on the interstate border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Geographical Features: The park is characterized by a gently sloping plain typical of the Bhabar and Terai regions, with small hills of the Arunachal Himalayas visible to the north. The Jia Bhoroli River (also known as Kameng River in its upper reaches) flows through the park from northwest to southeast, bifurcating it and serving as its lifeline. The Bor Dikorai River, a tributary of Jia Bhoroli, flows along the southern boundary from northeast to southwest.
Climate: The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September) and a cooler, drier period from November to April, which is the best time to visit.

History

Establishment: Nameri was originally part of the Naduar Reserve Forest and was heavily logged until the mid-20th century. It was declared a sanctuary on September 18, 1985, covering 137 square kilometers. On November 15, 1998, it was officially upgraded to a National Park with an area of 200 square kilometers. In 1999-2000, it was designated a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, becoming the second such reserve in Assam after Manas.
Conservation Significance: The park’s inclusion in Project Tiger and Project Elephant highlights its ecological importance for the long-term protection of tigers, elephants, and other species.

Flora

Nameri National Park boasts a rich and diverse floral ecosystem, influenced by its location in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. The vegetation includes:

Forest Types: Semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests, cane and bamboo brakes, and narrow strips of open grassland along rivers.
Notable Species: Over 600 plant species have been recorded. Common trees include Gmelina arborea (Gamari), Michelia champaca (Tita Champa), Amoora wallichi, Chukrasia tabularis, Dalbergia sissoo, Sterculia villosa, Trewia nudiflora, Bombax ceiba (Simul), and Ziziphus jujuba. Other notable plants include Ajar, Bhelu, Bonjolokia, Nahor, Hallock, Agaru, and Rudraksha. The park is also rich in orchids and non-aquatic grassland species like Phragmites karka, Arundo donax, and Saccharum.
Ecological Role: The diverse plant life supports a complex food web and provides habitat for numerous animal species.

Fauna

Nameri National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, many of which are endangered or rare.

Mammals

Key Species:
Bengal Tiger: As a Tiger Reserve, Nameri supports a population of tigers, though sightings are less frequent compared to larger parks like Kaziranga/Manas.
Indian Elephant: The park has a high density of elephants, occasionally leading to human-elephant conflicts with nearby villages due to habitat shrinkage.
Leopard and Clouded Leopard: Both species thrive in the dense forests.
Other Mammals: Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Capped Langur, Slow Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Hispid Hare, Burmese Ferret Badger, and Binturong (Bearcat).
Conservation Focus: The park is crucial for protecting endangered species like the elephant and tiger, supported by initiatives like Project Tiger and Project Elephant.

Birds (Avifauna)

Diversity: Nameri is a birder’s paradise, with over 370 bird species recorded as of 2005.
Notable Species:
White-Winged Wood Duck: An endangered species and a key conservation focus.
Hornbills: Includes Rufous-Necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and Great Pied Hornbill.
Other Birds: Palla’s Fish-Eagle, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Spotted Eagle, White-Rumped Vulture, Long-Billed Vulture, Black-Bellied Tern, Ibisbill, Blue-Bearded Bee-Eater, Babblers, Plovers, Black Stork, and Lesser Racket-Tailed Drongo.
Significance: The park’s marshy landscapes and riverine ecosystems attract migratory birds, enhancing its status as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Reptiles

Key Species:
Turtles: Assam Roofed Turtle (endemic), Indian Soft Shell Turtle, Indian Flap Shell Turtle, Keeled Box Turtle, and Southeast Asian Leaf Turtle.
Snakes: Common Blind Snake, Myanmarese Python, Indian Cobra, King Cobra, and Pit Viper.
Others: Monitor Lizard.
Aquatic Life: Good numbers of otters are found in streams and rivers where fishing is prohibited, and the park was once famous for golden mahseer angling (banned since 2011).

Activities and Attractions

River Rafting: The Jia Bhoroli River offers an exciting rafting experience, typically lasting 1.5 to 3 hours, through rapids and calm stretches. It’s safe for non-swimmers and provides a unique way to explore the park’s biodiversity.
Wildlife Trekking: Unlike many national parks, Nameri discourages vehicle safaris. Visitors explore on foot with armed guards and guides, walking 5-7 kilometers to spot wildlife and birds.
Bird Watching: With over 300 bird species, Nameri is ideal for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.
Fishing: Though angling for golden mahseer is now banned, the park’s rivers remain a scenic highlight.
Scenic Beauty: Snow-capped Himalayan peaks are visible on clear winter days, adding to the park’s allure.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur (34-35 km away). Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI) in Guwahati is 181-220 km away.
By Train: The closest railway station is Rangapara, approximately 25 km from the park.
By Road: Regular buses and taxis connect Tezpur (well-linked to major Assam cities) to Nameri. The park is about 181 km from Guwahati.

Best Time to Visit

November to April: This is the ideal season due to pleasant weather, lower humidity, and better wildlife visibility. The park often closes during the monsoon (June to September) due to flooding and difficult access.

Threats and Conservation Challenges

Logging: Continued official logging in the Sonitpur district threatens the park’s ecosystem.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Around 3,000 cattle graze in the forest, and elephant herds occasionally raid crops and damage homes in nearby villages due to habitat loss.
Poaching: Though controlled, illegal hunting remains a concern for some species.

Why Visit Nameri?

Nameri National Park stands out for its untouched natural beauty, adventurous activities like rafting, and exceptional biodiversity. It offers a quieter, less commercialized alternative to larger parks like Kaziranga, blending adventure with serene wildlife experiences. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, Nameri provides a unique glimpse into Assam’s wild heart.

This detailed profile encapsulates the essence of Nameri National Park, highlighting its ecological significance and visitor appeal as of February 28, 2025.