National Parks in Assam: A Journey Through the Wild Heart of Northeast India

If you have ever wondered what true wilderness feels like — where rivers reshape the land every year, where tall elephant grass hides a grazing rhinoceros, and where ancient forests whisper stories of survival — then you are thinking about the National Parks in Assam.

Assam is not just another Indian state. It is a biodiversity treasure house located in the Eastern Himalayan foothills and the fertile Brahmaputra valley. The landscape here is dramatic and dynamic — flooded grasslands, dense tropical forests, riverine islands, wetlands, and marshlands — all blending to create one of the richest ecological regions in Asia.

Why Are the National Parks of Assam Important for Competitive Exams?

The national parks of Assam are not just protected forests; they are biodiversity hotspots, conservation success stories, and habitats of endangered species like those found in Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. For aspirants of APSC, UPSC, Assam TET, and ADRE, this topic is extremely important because questions frequently come from Assam’s geography, environment, wildlife conservation, UNESCO sites, and state-specific general knowledge. A strong understanding of these national parks helps you score in static GK, environment sections, and even current affairs linked to biodiversity and conservation policie

Why National Parks in Assam Matter

Before we explore each park, pause for a moment and think about this:

• Assam hosts the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros in the world.
• It shelters endangered species found nowhere else.
• It supports migratory birds traveling thousands of kilometres.
• It maintains critical elephant corridors.
• It balances ecological systems through natural flood cycles.

The forests, wetlands, and grasslands here regulate climate, recharge groundwater, support livelihoods, and sustain biodiversity. Without these national parks, the ecological balance of the entire Brahmaputra valley would be at risk.

List of National Parks in Assam (Chronological Order)

Here is a clear overview of all eight national parks in Assam, arranged by the year they were declared:

Now, let us explore what makes each one extraordinary.

1. Kaziranga National Park – The Largest National Park in Assam

When you think of wildlife in Assam, you are most likely picturing Kaziranga.

Kaziranga National Park is India’s largest protected area in Assam’s Brahmaputra floodplains, renowned for hosting over two-thirds of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceros population. It spans Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Biswanath districts and has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1985 for its unique grasslands and biodiversity.

Location and Size

Kaziranga lies between 26°30′ N to 26°45′ N latitude and 93°08′ E to 93°36′ E longitude, roughly 40 km long and 13 km wide along the Brahmaputra River. The core area covers 430 sq km, but with six notified additions, the total protected landscape exceeds 1,000 sq km, making it Assam’s largest national park. Floodplains and riverine features shape its dynamic ecosystem, with erosion claiming parts over time.

History

Established as a Reserve Forest in 1905 by Lord Curzon, inspired by Mary Curzon to protect rhinos, it became a Game Sanctuary in 1916, Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950, and National Park in 1974. Named after “Karbi-a-rang” (village of Kajir), it gained Tiger Reserve status in 2006. UNESCO recognition in 1985 highlighted its undisturbed Brahmaputra Valley grasslands.

Flora

Dominant alluvial inundated grasslands feature tall elephant grass (Saccharum spp.), reeds (Phragmites), and short grasses, covering 60% of the area. Tropical semi-evergreen forests include Bombax ceiba, Ficus spp., and Trewia nudiflora; wetlands host aquatic plants. Annual floods maintain this mosaic, vital for herbivores.

Fauna

Kaziranga National Park information board detailing its World Heritage status, conservation values, significant wildlife populations (including rhinos, tigers, elephants), and bird diversity. 

Hosts ~2,613 one-horned rhinos (2018 census: 1,641 adults, 385 calves). Tiger population reached 148 adults in 2024 (83 tigresses, high density of 18.65/100 sq km). Other key species: wild water buffalo (~57% global population), Asian elephants (~1,100), swamp deer, gaur, sambar, hog deer; 478 bird species, including 25 threatened ones.

Conservation Efforts

Features 122 anti-poaching camps, floating patrols on Brahmaputra, intelligence networks, and armed forest guards. Project Rhino, Tiger Reserve initiatives reduced poaching; additions and corridors to Karbi Anglong/Arunachal link habitats. Flood management aids animal migration to highlands.

Threats

Poaching (rhino horns), annual Brahmaputra floods causing drownings, encroachment on additions/corridors, highway traffic fragmenting habitats, invasive species, human-wildlife conflict. Erosion and livestock grazing persist; genetic isolation risks if corridors fail.

Tourism

Best visited November-April for jeep/elephant safaris in zones (Central, Eastern, Western); closed during monsoons. Spot Big Five (rhino, elephant, tiger, buffalo, swamp deer); birdwatching peaks in winter. Regulated to minimize pressure.

How Did Kaziranga National Park Evolve from a Reserve Forest to a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Here is the chronological journey of Kaziranga National Park from its establishment to global recognition:

This timeline is highly important for APSC and UPSC, especially in environment and UNESCO-related questions.

2. Manas National Park – Where Wilderness Meets the Himalayas

This park is:

• A National Park
• A Tiger Reserve
• A Biosphere Reserve
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam’s western foothills, bordering Bhutan, famed for its tiger population and rare species like the pygmy hog. Spanning 500 sq km core area within a larger 2,837 sq km biosphere reserve, it lies along the Manas River in Chirang, Baksa, and nearby districts.

Location and Size

Manas National Park is situated at 61-110m elevation in the Eastern Himalayas’ foothills.  It covers parts of Chirang, Kokrajhar, Darrang, Udalguri, and Baksa districts along the Manas and Beki rivers. Core park is 500 sq km (expanded in 2008), with three ranges: Bansbari (central), Panbari (western), Bhuiyapara (eastern). It connects to Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park, forming a transboundary reserve.

History

Declared a sanctuary in 1928 (as North Kamrup), it became a Project Tiger reserve in 1973, and a national park in 1990. UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, later listed “in danger” due to insurgencies (1992-2011), then removed after recovery. Also, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve.

Flora

While talking about flora. Semi-evergreen and tropical monsoon forests dominate, with riverine grasslands, savannah woodlands, and Sub-Himalayan broadleaf species like Mallotus, Duabanga, and Bombax. Bhabar-Terai formations support diverse vegetation from alluvial grasslands to moist deciduous forests.

Fauna

Key species include Bengal tiger (recovering post-2011), Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhino (reintroduced), clouded leopard, golden langur (endangered), pygmy hog, hispid hare, and over 450 birds like Bengal florican and ward’s trogon. Hosts ~200 tigers (recent estimates), significant wild buffalo and gaur populations.

How Did Manas National Park Transform from a Sanctuary to a Global Heritage Site?

Here is the chronological journey of Manas National Park from its early protection phase to international recognition:

This timeline is very important for APSC and UPSC, especially for topics such as Tiger Reserves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and conservation case studies.

3. Nameri National Park – The Riverine Wilderness

It is located in Sonitpur district. Nameri lies along the Jia Bhoroli River and forms part of a tiger reserve.

What Makes Nameri Special

• River rafting within protected boundaries (regulated eco-tourism)
• Habitat for white-winged wood duck
• Home to the tiger, elephant, gaur, and dhole
• Rich bird diversity

Nameri feels raw and less commercialized — ideal for bird watchers and serious wildlife enthusiasts.

4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park – The River Island Ecosystem

Dibru-Saikhowa represents a completely different ecosystem — a riverine biosphere shaped by the 1950 Assam earthquake.

Key Highlights

• River islands and marshes
• Habitat for feral horses
• Gangetic river dolphin presence
• Major wintering ground for migratory birds

It is a dynamic park where landforms constantly evolve with river currents.

5. Orang National Park – The Smallest National Park in Assam

Though small in size, Orang is mighty in biodiversity. Orang National Park, often called Assam’s “mini-Kaziranga,” is the state’s smallest national park, located on the Brahmaputra’s north bank. Renamed Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, it spans Darrang and Sonitpur districts, hosting significant rhino and tiger populations in floodplain grasslands.

Location and Size

It is positioned between 26°26’–26°50’N and 92°18’–92°24’E, it covers a core 78.81 sq km along the Brahmaputra, bordered by Pachnoi, Belsiri, and Dhansiri rivers. Expanded in 2022 by 200.32 sq km (second addition), total area now ~299 sq km, though core remains compact; elevation 45-70m with floodplains and wetlands.

History

Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985, declared national park in 1999; Tiger Reserve (49th) in 2016. Known for similar landscape to Kaziranga—marshes, streams, grasslands—it’s vital for rhino conservation and an IUCN site.

Flora

Alluvial grasslands dominate with elephant grass, Saccharum spp., and water hyacinth in 12 wetlands plus 26 artificial ones; patches of semi-evergreen forests and riverine vegetation sustain herbivores.​

Fauna

Harbors ~125 one-horned rhinos (key population), tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, otters, and over 200 bird species including Bengal florican (threatened). Notable for hispid hare, sloth bear; floods create fish breeding grounds.

Conservation Efforts

Anti-poaching patrols, habitat expansion (2022 notification), flood management via highlands; links to Kaziranga via corridors for rhino dispersal. SMART patrolling and community involvement curb threats.

Threats

Annual Brahmaputra floods, poaching, human-elephant conflict from fringe settlements, erosion, and invasive weeds fragment habitats.​

Tourism

Open November-April; jeep/elephant safaris best for rhinos/tigers; birdwatching peaks winter. Minimal infrastructure preserves its pristine feel, ~140 km from Guwahati

Located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, Orang covers 78.80 square kilometres.

Why Orang Matters

• Rhino population
• Tiger presence
• Second-highest Bengal florican concentration
• Important fish breeding habitat

Orang proves that conservation impact is not measured by size alone.

6. Dehing Patkai National Park – The Rainforest of Assam

If you want to see tropical wet evergreen forests, Dehing Patkai is your destination.

Dehing Patkai National Park, dubbed Assam’s “Amazon of the East,” represents India’s longest stretch of lowland tropical rainforests in the state’s eastern districts. Covering 231.65 sq km in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo, it lies along the Dehing River at the Patkai foothills, adjacent to Arunachal Pradesh’s Namdapha Sanctuary.

Location and Size

It is located between the Brahmaputra and Patkai hills (27°15′-27°30’N, 95°30′-95°45’E), the core park spans 231.65 sq km within a 575+ sq km rainforest landscape including Jeypore, Upper Dehing, and Dirak reserves. Divided into Soraipung, Jeypore, and Margherita ranges; elevation 100-500m with dense dipterocarp forests.

History

Notified as Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary (111.19 sq km) on June 13, 2004; upgraded to national park on December 13, 2020 (official gazette June 9, 2021), becoming Assam’s 7th national park and India’s 105th. Part of Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant.

Flora

Tropical wet evergreen forests dominate with dipterocarps (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus, Mesua ferrea), Hollong, Nahar; canopy layers include rattans, orchids, ferns, and medicinal plants amid 80% rainforest cover. Riverine belts and bamboo brakes enhance biodiversity.

Fauna

Hosts hoolock gibbons, clouded leopards, elephants, tigers, Asiatic black bears, and over 300 bird species like blue-eared kingfisher, white-winged wood duck. Butterflies (e.g., Kaiser-i-Hind), reptiles, and rare amphibians thrive; significant for endemic herpetofauna.

Conservation Efforts

Anti-poaching camps, community eco-development, habitat linkage to Namdapha; coal mining halted in 2022 aids protection. Elephant corridors and forest patrols combat threats.​

Threats

Illegal logging, coal mining encroachments, human-elephant conflict, poaching; floods and invasive species challenge the rainforest integrity.​

Tourism

Open October-May; trekking, birdwatching, river safaris via three entry points. Best November-March for wildlife spotting; limited visitors preserve rainforest wildness.

7. Raimona National Park – The Transboundary Corridor

Declared in 2021, Raimona strengthens landscape-level conservation.

Raimona National Park serves as a vital transboundary wildlife corridor in western Assam, linking Manas Tiger Reserve to Bhutan’s Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering 422 sq km in Kokrajhar district’s Gossaigaon subdivision within the Bodoland Territorial Region, it lies in the Eastern Himalayan foothills at 85-1,042m elevation along the Indo-Bhutan border.

Location and Size

Situated at 26°39’N 89°58’E, Raimona spans the northern Ripu Reserve Forest, forming a 2,400+ sq km landscape with adjacent Bhutan and Buxa Tiger Reserve. Divided into four ranges (Athiabari, Sanfan, Kochugaon Central, Raimona), it adjoins Manas as its western buffer under Kachugaon Forest Division.

History

Declared Assam’s 6th (now 7th) national park on June 9, 2021 (gazetted June 8), from Chirang-Ripu forests previously part of 2003 Elephant Reserve. Announcement by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on World Environment Day celebrated its role in BTR peace accord ecology.

Flora

Subtropical broadleaf and semi-evergreen forests feature 380 plant species, orchids, and bamboo; riverine belts along the Sankosh support a diverse understory.​​

Fauna

Prime habitat for Gee’s golden langur (endangered, BTR mascot), Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, gaur, chital; 250+ birds (hornbills), 150+ butterflies. Key for transboundary elephant herds and pygmy hog recovery.​

Conservation Efforts

BTR administration drives anti-poaching, community patrols post-peace accord; elephant corridors, habitat linkage enhance transboundary protection with Bhutan.​

Threats

Poaching, human-elephant conflict, deforestation remnants from past conflicts; river erosion and fringe settlements pressure the corridor.​

Tourism

Open October-April; jeep safaris, trekking for langurs/elephants from Raimona gate (53 km from Kokrajhar). Low-impact to maintain wilderness, ideal for birding/butterflies

Raimona plays a strategic ecological role beyond political boundaries.

Largest National Park in Assam

The largest national park in Assam is Kaziranga National Park.

• Area: 42,996 hectares
• Location: Brahmaputra Valley floodplain
• Global importance of rhinoceros conservation

Its vast grasslands and wetlands make it the state’s most significant wildlife refuge.

National Parks in Assam – Ecological Role

Let us step back and see the bigger picture.

These parks collectively:

• Maintain elephant corridors
• Protect endangered species
• Safeguard wetlands for migratory birds
• Prevent habitat fragmentation
• Regulate regional climate
• Support eco-tourism livelihoods
• Enable scientific research

Without them, Assam’s biodiversity would face irreversible decline.

National Parks in Assam Map – Understanding Their Distribution

Image credit –https://www.mapsofindia.com/

If you observe a map of Assam, you will notice:

• Western Assam: Manas and Raimona
• Central Assam: Kaziranga and Orang
• Northern belt: Nameri
• Eastern Assam: Dibru-Saikhowa and Dehing Patkai
• Bodoland region: Sikhna Jwhwlao

Their strategic placement ensures ecosystem connectivity across districts and international borders.

Recently Declared: Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park – The Eighth National Park of Assam

Now let us come to the newest chapter in Assam’s conservation story. Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, declared in 2025, is located in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts of the Bodoland Territorial Region.

Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is Assam’s newest protected area, notified in March 2025 as the state’s 8th national park and the 3rd in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Spanning 316-322 sq km across Chirang and Kokrajhar districts along the Indo-Bhutan border, it acts as a critical ecological corridor within the Manas Biosphere Reserve, linking Raimona, Manas, and Bhutanese forests.

Location and Size

Positioned in BTR’s foothills amid Chirang-Ripu Reserve Forests (26°30′-26°45’N, ~90°E), it covers Haltugaon Forest Division, Jharbari range (Kokrajhar), and Runikhata range (Chirang), bounded by Saralbhanga, Samukha, Champabati, and other rivers. Area: 316.29 sq km (official), adjacent to Raimona across the Saralbhanga River; elevation supports diverse terrains from grasslands to hills.

History

Announced by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 15, 2024 (Independence Day); approved in Assam Cabinet on February 16, 2025; gazetted March 5, 2025, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Inaugurated June 5, 2025 (World Environment Day), enhancing BTR’s conservation post-peace accord.

Flora

Semi-evergreen forests, bamboo groves, riverine grasslands, and hilly vegetation host diverse orchids and understory plants typical of Eastern Himalayan foothills.​

Fauna

Biodiversity hotspot with over 460 butterfly species, golden langur, greater one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, gaur; birds and reptiles thrive in its corridors. Supports transboundary migrations, the pygmy hog potential.

Conservation Efforts

Anti-poaching via forest divisions, community engagement in BTR; strengthens Manas Biosphere connectivity, habitat restoration post-conflict.​

Threats

Human-wildlife conflict, poaching remnants, river erosion, fringe encroachments near Indo-Bhutan border.​

Tourism

Entry at Bismuri gate (28 km from Kokrajhar, 216 km from Guwahati); jeep safaris, trekking for butterflies/langurs (October-April). Low-impact ecotourism boosts BTR economy.

Cultural Significance

Named after Sikhna Jwhwlao, a revered Bodo warrior who fought in the 1866–68 Bhutan-British battle.

• His capital, Sikhanajhar, lies within the present park area
• Bathou Kherai Puja is performed annually here

This park is not just an ecological addition — it is also a cultural and historical landmark.

How Did Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park Become Assam’s Newest Protected Area?

Here is the establishment timeline of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, one of the newest additions to Assam’s national parks:

Conclusion

National Parks in Assam are more than conservation zones. They are the ecological backbone of Northeast India. They protect rare species, regulate natural systems, connect landscapes, and preserve cultural heritage.

From the vast floodplains of Kaziranga to the rainforests of Dehing Patkai, from the Himalayan foothills of Manas to the newly declared Sikhna Jwhwlao, Assam’s national parks tell a story of resilience, coexistence, and ecological richness.

If you truly want to understand Assam, you must understand its forests. And if you understand its forests, you understand why these national parks are not just protected areas — they are living legacies.

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