Among the Seven (7) National Parks in Assam, the one that allows wildlife trekking into the forest reserves which is also a tiger territory is the Nameri National Park located in the Sonitpur district of Assam. A bird watchers haven, Nameri National Park is a very popular birding destination in Assam and people from across the World come to visit the Nameri National Park in search of the best avifaunal diversity to be found in Assam and North East India. The Nameri National Park is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers for its breathtaking natural beauty and the diverse flora and fauna. Nameri National Park is located on the foothills of the majestic Eastern Himalayas and it straddles the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Nameri National Park covers an area of over 200 sq. km. with the River Jia Bhoreli flowing across the National Park along with its tributaries Diji, Doigurung and Dikorai.
The quiet flowing Jia Bhoreli river to the mosaics of different forest types support diverse life forms at the Nameri National Park from the Golden Mahseers to the Indian Tigers – the Apex predator of Nameri National Park. So far more than 30 mammalian species have been recorded at Nameri and some of the prominent species are Asian Elephants, Gaurs, Sambars, Barking Deer, Leopard, Clouded Leopards and Wild Dogs. The rich and diverse birdlife of Nameri National Park includes over 384 species including the endangered White Winged Wood Duck, Ibisbill, Great Wreathed and Rufous Necked Hornbills, White Cheeked Partridge, Oriental Lobby, Pallas, Grey Headed and Lesser Fish Eagles and many more.
Nameri National Park is also a Tiger Reserve and was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2000 and is the Second Tiger Reserve in Assam after Manas National Park. The Nameri Tiger Reserve is situated on the Northern part of the Sonitpur district in Assam and along the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh sharing a common interstate boundary with the Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh. Nameri Tiger Reserve has been carved out of the Naduar Reserve Forest, Balipara Reserve Forest and the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. The Nameri Tiger Reserve includes Nameri National Park core area of 200 sq km, Sonai Rupai Satellite Core Wildlife Sanctuary of 120 sq km along with the Eastern and Western Buffers of 144 sq km. Nameri Tiger Reserve is a part of the Sonitpur Elephant Reserve and harbors rare assemblage of sympathetic carnivores, avains, amphibians and reptilian life which is supported by vegetation composition ranging from riverine grasslands towards flood plains of Assam Valley to the evergreen forests at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
History of Nameri National Park ~
- Nameri was declared as a Reserve Forest in 1978
- Nameri Forest Reserve was declared as the Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985
- 1995- Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary started gaining importance with the sighting of White Winged Wood Duck species
- Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as the Nameri National Park in 1998
- 1998 – Declaration as a National Park paved way for many surveys at the Nameri National Park leading to the sighting of Tigers and Elephants
- Nameri National Park was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2000
To Plan your visit to Nameri National Park in Assam please tell us ~
Salient Features of Nameri National Park ~
- A total of 36 species including 7 wild cats (Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Golden Cat, Marbled Cat and Leopard Cat), 5 Ungulates (Sambar, Gaur, Barking Deer, Hog Deer and Wild Boar) and other species have been recorded at the Nameri National Park
- Results of 3 year monitoring confirms that Nameri Tiger Reserve is a low density tiger reserve with tiger density varying from 1.3 to 1.5 tigers / 100 sq km (under ML approach)
- A study documented probably the first photographic proof of tiger dispersal between Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and Nameri Tiger Reserve. During the 2nd study (2012-13), a male tiger was captured in Nameri Tiger Reserve and it was confirmed by the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve directorate that the same tiger was captured earlier in Kaziranga in 2011. Such dispersal events emphasize the need of active management of designated corridors
- Given the prey biomass availability and prevalence of low density of tigers, there is a further scope of increasing the tiger density in this landscape and to achieve this, the protection status of both predators and prey base needs to be enhanced by consolidating the strong protection measures and management initiatives
- In the last few years here has been significant improvement of the protection status and habitat quality of the tiger reserve as indicated by the breeding of tigers in Nameri tiger reserve. During a third study, a tigress with two cubs was captured in one of the camera traps and this is probably one of the first photographic evidence about breeding tigers in the Nameri Tiger Reserve
- Among the carnivores, the trapping success was high for Large Indian Civet followed by Tiger. Lower trapping success was recorded in case of golden cat, wild dog, clouded leopard and small civet. Within cervids, barking deer registered higher trap success rate followed by sambar and hog deer
- Tigers displayed mostly nocturnal activity pattern whereas leopard was having cathemeral activity pattern. The prey species at Nameri National Park changed their activity patterns in response to predation pressure exerted by the top carnivores. In the 2nd study (2012-13), barking deer, hog deer displayed mostly diurnal activity pattern while sambar and gaur activity was cathemeral in nature. In the 3rd study, species like gaur, sambar changed their activity from cathemeral to mostly nocturnal category while barking deer and wild boar changed their activity pattern from diurnal to cathemeral category
- As per occupancy analysis, among major prey species, sambar had higher occupancy rates followed by barking deer and hog deer
- Conservation of obligate grassland species like hog deer is very much dependant on riverine grasslands of Nameri Tiger Reserve. An analysis of satellite data for the period 1973-2011 indicates a decline of nearly 50% of grasslands due to factors like wood land encroachment and riverbank erosion. High priority needs to be given for restoration of remaining grasslands of Nameri Tiger Reserve to prevent hog deer from becoming locally extinct
​Flora of Nameri National Park ~
​Nameri National Park is home to a wide variety of trees, shrubs and orchids. The dense forests of Nameri National Park harbors a wide floral diversity. Some of the species of flora found at Nameri National Park are Dysoxylum procerum, Endospermum chinense, Lagerstroemia flos-reginae, Litsea sebifera, Mesua ferrea, Morus roxburghii, Premna bengalensis, Pseudostachyum polymorphisms, Pterospermum acerifolium, Sapium baccatum, Shorea assamica, Sterculia hamiltonii, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia citrina, Terminalia myriocarpa, Trewia nudiflora, Vatica lanceifolia, etc.
Fauna and Avifauna at Nameri National Park ~
Nameri National Park fauna includes numeros species of mammals namely the Indian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Fishing Cat, Marbled Cat, Golden Cat, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Bison, Wild Dogs (Dhole), Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Hispid Hare, Indian Hare, Capped Langur, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Hog Badger, Himalayan Crestless Porcupine, Chinese Pangolin, Otters, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel and Wild Boar among others.
Reptiles include Reticulated Python, Burmese Python, Indian Cobra, King Cobra, Banded Krait, Pit Viper, Common Blind Snake, Flying Snake, Common Monitor Lizard and Water Monitor Lizard among others. Many endangered and endemic turtle species are found in Nameri, the most noticeable among them being the Tricarinate Hill Turtle, Indian Eyed Turtle, Malayan Box Turtle, Peacock Softshell Turtle, Assam Roofed Turtle, Indian Roofed Turtle, etc.
Birds – Nameri National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise with over 300 species of birds. The white winged wood duck, great pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill,rufous necked hornbill, black stork, ibis bill, blue-bearded bee-eaters, babblers, plovers and many other birds make Nameri its home.
​Click here to see the list of Birds at Nameri
Climate of Nameri National Park ~
Climate is the most important environmental element that determines the accessibility and seasonality of ecotourism destinations like Nameri. Nameri National Park being a part of the Brahmaputra valley enjoys a sub-tropical monsoon climate with mild and partly dry winter and a warm humid summer. The climate of this part of Assam is characterised by a wet summer, the warmest temperatures being experienced during the influence of the south west monsoon season along with abundant rains, and a highly humid atmosphere throughout the year. Winter, summer or pre-monsoon, monsoon and retreating monsoon are the distinct seasons experienced here in a year. The Jia-Bhoreli basin shows an increasing trend in mean annual rainfall from south to north with almost uniform trend along east-west stretches of the area. The monthly average temperature during winter season at Nameri National Park usually remains above 10 degrees. Rains with thunderstorms start from March to May indicating the onset of the pre-monsoon season. The period is characterized by a rapid rise of temperature and has a monthly average of 26 degrees. With the onset of monsoon in early June, heavy rainfall occurs and the rising temperature, the monthly average temperature being 30 degrees. The cold season is from December to February. The southwest monsoon season is from June to about the beginning of October. October and November constitute the post-monsoon season.
Broadly the climate of the Nameri National Park can be divided into three seasons. These are summer season from March to May, Rainy season from June to October and winter season from November to February. The summer season is hot. In winter season cold is experienced due to snow fall in higher ridges of Arunachal Pradesh situated on the north of the Nameri National Park.
Location and How to Reach Nameri National Park ~
Nameri National Park is located at a distance of approximately 240 kilometers from the city of Guwahati in Assam (5 hours by road). The coordinates of the park range from  latitudes 26°0′ N and 26°37′ N, and longitudes 93°0′ E to 93°25′ E within the Sonitpur district of Assam. The park is approximately 20 kilometers in length from east to west, and 10 kilometers in breadth from north to south covering a total area of about 200 square kilometers.
The best option to reach Kaziranga National Park is to arrive at Guwahati Airport/Railway Station and drive to the National Park. We arrange your transport from the Airport to the National Park with an experienced local who will guide you with the important facts of the region during the journey.
Activities at Nameri National Park ~
1| Jungle Trekking at Nameri National Park
Nameri National Park provides its visitors an incredible opportunity to go for a wildlife trek into the interiors of the forest reserves of the National Park. This trek at Nameri National Park is a sheer adrenalin rush as you walk directly into a Tiger Reserve which has a sizeable population of Asiatic Elephants, Sambars, Water Buffaloes and Leopards too. Escorted by armed forest guards your safety is assured by these trained department guards of the Assam Forest Department so embarking on this trek at Nameri National Park should be a sure thing to explore on your itinerary of the wildlife tour of Assam. To embark on this trek, visitors at first need to visit the Range Forest Office at Potasil at the Nameri National Park. There are 2 schedule of trekking which are conducted here one early in the morning and the second in the afternoon. Most visitors prefer to take the morning trek as this is the best time to sight the various bird species of Nameri National Park a well the animals remain active across the night extending to the mornings. After you reach the Forest Office you will need to enter the names of the guests wanting to go for this trek into the Nameri National Park and pay the requisite entrance fees. Upon collection of the payment receipt each group of visitors is assigned to an individual forest guard who escorts the guests to the banks of the Jia Bhoreli river and visitors need to cross the river on a country boat. After crossing the river you need to walk a little ahead until you reach another forest office. This is the start point of you trek into the forest reserves of Nameri National Park. This is an easy gradient trek that stretches well over 5 kilometers and takes you deep into the forest reserves along a well defined trek path. Visitors are requested to maintain this defined path an not to go astray. This unique jungle trek takes you inside the home to the Tigers and Elephants. Sighting a Royal Bengal Tiger or a Herd of Wild Elephants from a close proximity is a good opportunity along this trek. Also visitors get to sight various bird species (Over 350 species of Birds) here are the Nameri National Park. Along the entire forest trek one can hear the sounds of various chirping birds and with keen eyes and a pair of binoculars you can spot many of these birds at Nameri. This trek usually takes around 2 hours and you go around the Nameri National Park and come back to the starting point of the trek upon completion. The best time to go for a jungle trek amidst the Nameri National Park is from the months of November thru April.
2| River Rafting at Nameri National Park
River Rafting is another popular activity at the Nameri National Park in Assam. Gifted with a wide variety of bird species, Nameri National Park is one of the finest destinations in India for birdwatching. After you complete your jungle trek inside the forest reserves of Nameri National Park, the River Rafting is a must activity you should undertake here. The river rafting at Nameri National Park is organized on the Jia Bhoreli river which is one of the major tributaries of the river Brahmaputra in Assam. Blessed with a diverse species of fish variety, Jia Bhoreli has thirty patches of rapids along the span of the river making it ideal for river rafting. The river rafting at Nameri National Park is suitable for a group of travellers just like the Jeep Safari at the other National Parks of Assam. Visitors need to book the River Rafting priorly before their visit to the Nameri National Park. Visitors will be taken to the Rafting start point which is around 13 kilometers upstream of the Jia Bhoreli river. And there the rafting begins and brings you 13 kilometer downstream along the Jia Bhoreli river. The total time duration for the river rafting at Nameri National Park is around 3 hours. While coming downstream one can see the border of the Nameri National Park and if you are lucky you can sight a Tiger or a herd of wild Elephants that come to the river banks to drink water. Bird sighting is a good option during the river rafting activity at Nameri National Park. As Nameri is home to over 350 species of birds, these birds like to hang around near water bodies away from any noise of the animals of the jungle in search of food. So while you raft down the Jia Bhoreli, you will get the opportunity of sighting many bird species. The rafting end point is at Potasil near the Forest range office of Nameri National Park.
3| Birdwatching at Nameri National Park
If there is anything that can thrill you at the Nameri National Park, it is the sheer variety of bird species here. Nameri National Park is home to over 350 species of bird varieties both resident and migratory. The migratory birds flock to Nameri National Park during winters and this is when the park springs to life! Nameri National Park was originally created as a protective habitat of the White Winged Duck species and later it became renowned across the World as the finest birding destination in India. Nameri National Park has a thriving population of wood ducks. There are 3 wetlands namely Borghuli Beel near Baitakata Camp, Kurua Beel near Potasil Camp and Magurmari Beel near Oubari camp. These Beels are used by the endangered white winged wood duck. However, the siltation of these wetlands is a significant threat to the habitat of the White Winged Wood Duck at Nameri.
Birding is a unique opportunity that visitors to Nameri National Park get to enjoy. To enjoy birding here you do not even need to step inside the forest area. Various bird species come and rest in the area around the Forest Office and the Eco Camp at Nameri National Park. One can sight green parakeets, kingfishers and Hornbills near the Nameri Eco Camp itself. The premises of the Nameri Eco Camp has a tall tree that has become home to various bird species. Holes created by the Woodpeckers on this tree has now become homes to many birds especially the green parakeets who can be seen peeking out continuously from these holes. A Hornbill nest is also perched atop this tree. But the better way to explore the birdlife of Nameri National Park is to step foot into the forest reserves of Nameri and also by walking along the river banks where one can sight a varied species of birds who come to feed here. Some of the bird species of Nameri National Park are Amur Falcons, White-cheeked Partridge, Black-bellied Tern, Great Hornbills, Wreathed Hornbills, Rufous-necked Hornbills, Ruddy, Blue-eared, Oriental Dwarf, Oriental Hobby, Kingfishers, Jerdon’s and Black Baza, Pallas’s, Grey-headed Eagles, Lesser Fish Eagles, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Slender-billed Oriole, Silver-backed Needletail, Hill Blue Flycatcher, White-crowned Forktail, Blue-naped Pitta, Sultan Tit, Jerdon’s Babbler, Rufous-backed Sibia, Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, Red-throated Pipit, Long-billed Plover and Ibisbill.
Resorts, Hotels and Cottages at Nameri National Park ~
1| Eco Camp Nameri
The Jungle Cottages of the Nameri Eco Camp at the Nameri National Park ~ Nameri ~ Assam ~ India
The Nameri Eco Camp is one of the best stay options at the Nameri National Park. It is located conveniently at the entrance of the Nameri National Park just adjacent to the Forest Range Office here. Nameri doesn’t have many stay options and the Nameri Eco Camp is the most popular among the tourists visiting here. This Eco Camp is run by an association ABACA (Assam Bhoreli Angling and Conservation Association) who were pioneers in introducing recreational activities like angling and river rafting around the Nameri National Park from as early in 1981. The Nameri Eco Camp was set up in 1994 and today has become one of the pioneers in the hospitality service at Nameri. Staying here is the perfect jungle experience for any visitor to Nameri National Park. The Eco Camp is completely surrounded by trees and many plants proving a fresh and refreshing experience for its visitors. Various species of birds like green parakeet and hornbills can be seen in the vicinity of the camp itself along with various species of butterflies. This is a unique and Eco friendly camp that looks after your healthy and comfortable stay. The Nameri Eco Camp offers tented and cottage accommodations for its visitors. There are around 8 huge jungle tents and around 2 cottages. While the cottages are traditional Assamese style cottages built with bamboo, wood and covered with grass thatch, the jungle tents are raised on an elevated platform to make your stay safe, comfortable and warm. There is also a huge dormitory with bunk beds available here at the Nameri Eco Camp that is ideally suited for students who can come to Nameri on an education field tour to explore the varied flora and fauna. Visitors who bring in their own tents get the option of putting up their tents in the camp premises.
The Nameri Eco Camp has well trained staff who are always at the service of their customers and ensure that all your needs are attended to. The staff are extremely polite and courteous and belong to the local villages of Nameri who have found a means of livelihood here. There is an inhouse restaurant here that serves delicious local cuisine, Indian cuisine and Chinese delights. While at the Nameri Eco Camp do try their Assamese Thali both veg and non veg.
2| Camp Lalimou Nameri
Camp Lalimou is another jungle retreat near the Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve. The Camp Lalimou is spread across a huge area with ample space for parking too. Luxury cottages greet you on you arrival at the Camp Lalimou. At this camp there are 6 traditional Chang Ghars with attached bathroom facilities. Each of these cottages have been built on a raised platform that keeps away any bugs from the jungle environment. The bathrooms are neat, clean and well maintained with western toilets. There are additional 2 bug jungle tents in the campus of the camp Laimou with attached toilet and bath facilities. There is a huge dining area in the camp premises that has an attached kitchen. Warm and freshly prepared food can be ordered at the restaurant of camp Lalimou. The kitchen staff are well trained and the energetic manager are always available to attend to the needs of the guests.
4| Nameri Jungle Camp
The Nameri Jungle Camp is the first jungle resort that comes along your way if you take the second entrance to the Nameri National Park. The Nameri Jungle Camp falls on the right side of the road and is a unique ecotourism concept that has been introduced here at the Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve. The Nameri Jungle Camp is a permanent campsite at the Nameri National Park that has a rustic jungle attraction to it. Spread across a big campus, the uniqueness of the Nameri Jungle Camp is the presence of tree huts for the accomodation of its visitors. There are a total of 5 such trees houses and additional cottages at the Nameri Jungle Camp. Each of these treehouses and cottages have two queen sized beds with facilities of an extra bed. Mosquito nets accompany each bed to wade out insects in a jungle environment of Nameri National Park. There are attached toilets in each rooms. A verandah area also accompanies each tree house that has comfortable cane chairs where you can relax and spend time at leisure watching the various species of beautiful birds around the camp. The Nameri Jungle Camp is a perfect retreat in a jungle environment that is a a complete no plastic zone. There is an inhouse kitchen and dining area that serves delicious ethnic assamese cuisine to its guests. Well mannered and trained staff here are always available at your service at the Nameri Jungle Camp. The staff here also take you on nearby tribal villages and tea garden treks. This is a perfect destination to spend your time at leisure after your jungle trek at the Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve.
4| N Palky Camp Nameri
The N Palky Camp is the newest accommodation option at the Nameri national Park. The N Palky Camp is a unique initiative by an adventure enthusiasts who wanted to introduce a unique stay environment that was affordable and yet offered all amenities to visitors at the Nameri National Park. The N Palky Camp is an environment friendly resort that offers you four kinds of accomodation in Traditional Cottages (2 nos), Jungle Tents (2 nos) that are well covered with tin sheets to protect from rain, Alpine Tents as well as tree houses. Attached bathroom facilities are available in the traditional cottages and jungle tents. Along with fooding and lodging facilities, the N Palky Camp also organizes rafting in the water of the Jia Bhoreli river, Jungle Trekking into the forest reserves of Nameri National Park accompanied with armed forest guards, offers birdwatching tours and local village visits . In the evening, they also arrange for bonfire to be followed by traditional ethnic dinner.
Sample Itinerary details for Nameri National Park (Can be Customized) ~
Day 1 ~ Guwahati – Nameri National Park
Arrive at Guwahati Airport and transfer to Nameri National Park. On the way cross the city of Tezpur. At Tezpur we visit the Agnigarh – the Fortress of Fire. Arrive at Nameri National Park.
Night Halt ~ Camp Lailmou at Nameri National Park
Meals Included ~ Dinner
Day 2 ~ Nameri National Park
Early morning embark on your Jungle Trek inside the forest reserves of Nameri National Park. Sight varied Flora and Fauna species here at Nameri National Park and return back. Later in the day we go for River Rafting on the Jia Bhoreli river at Nameri National Park.
Night Halt ~ Camp Lailmou at Nameri National Park
Meals Included ~ Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 – Nameri National Park – Kaziranga National Park
After Breakfast we proceed to the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its population of the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros. Arrive at Kaziranga National Park. Evening we will visit the Kaziranga Orchid Park – the Largest Orchid Park in India.
Night Halt ~ Nature Hunt Eco Camp at Kaziranga National Park
Meals Included ~ Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 – Kaziranga National Park – Majuli Island
Early morning go for an Elephant Safari into the forest reserves of Kaziranga National Park from the Bagori Safari Range. After Breakfast go for a Jeep Safari from the Kohora Safari Range. Later in the day depart to Majuli Island – the Largest River Island in the World. Arrive at Majuli Island. Evening visit the Uttar Kamalabari Satra to witness the performance of the ‘Sattriya Nritya’ – one of the eight classical dance forms of India.
Night Halt ~ La Maison De Ananda at Majuli Island
Meals Included ~ Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 – Majuli Island
Today explore the mysteries of the Largest River Island in the World. Visit the various Satras of Majuli Island. Learn about the traditional art of mask making at the Samaguri Satra and the Art of pottery making at Salmara village. Spend your time fishing around the lakes of Majuli and evening at leisure at a local village with the Mishing tribes of Majuli sipping a mug of Rice Beer – ‘Apong’.
Night Halt ~ La Maison De Ananda at Majuli Island
Meals Included ~ Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 – Majuli Island – Guwahati
Early morning we embark on our journey back to Guwahati.
Night Halt ~ Hotel NeZone at Guwahati
Meals Included ~ Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 – Umananda Island – Assam State Museum – Guwahati Airport
After Breakfast we travel to visit the Umananda Island – the smallest Inhabited river island in the World. At Umananda Island visit the Umananda Island and also sight the Golden Langur species which is among the most endangered primate species in the World. Later we visit the Assam State Museum. After lunch we drop you off at the Guwahati Airport for your onward destination. Tour Ends. Bid Adieu!
Night Halt ~ NA
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
To plan your visit to Nameri National Park in Assam please tell us:
Geography of Nameri National Park ~
Geographically, Nameri is one of the most beautiful National Parks in India which is very sparsely populated and is surrounded by rich dense vegetation and a varied animal life. Nameri unlike Kaziranga National Park is not frequented by many tourists and hence this National Park has been able to stay away from much of tourist activity that head led to its having an unadulterated landscape filled with rich vegetation and water bodies. Nameri National Park is almost 90% covered with vast forests and woodlands that a amounts to almost 180 sq km of the total area of the National Park. The river Jia Bhoreli along with its tributaries which form the western boundary of the Nameri National Park covers the other 10% of the Nameri National Park along with the various grasslands of the National Park.
The Jia Bhoreli river flowing across the Nameri National Park is a vital part of the flora, fauna and avifauna here at it brings along with it the much needed vital nutrients and water source needed for the survival of the animal and plant life at Nameri. The Jia Bhoreli river originates in the Himalayas and traverses a total distance of 247 km to finally merge with the Brahmaputra river near Tezpur after flowing throughout the area of Nameri. Jia Bhoreli along with its ten tributaries are the natural water available for the wildlife of Nameri National Park and form sufficient for them to survive even during the dry winter months.
Dense forest comprising of evergreen and deciduous forests are the core of the jungles of Nameri National Park along with bamboo and cane tree growths here. In addition, Nameri National Park is also home to a wide variety of orchid species of Assam. Spreading across the plains of northern Assam and extending up to the Eastern Himalayas is the State of Arunachal Pradesh, Nameri National Park has a varied topography which is characterized by evergreen forests, undulating mountains, perennial streams and the calm Jia Bhoreli river. The streams and rivers flowing across the National Park mostly originate in Arunachal Pradesh and continue to flow down to finally meet the mighty Brahmaputra river near Bhomoraguri Hill near Tezpur at the Sonitpur district in Assam. The area around the Nameri National Park is mostly plain with the occasional hillocks and spurs. Along with this, there are huge deposits of alluvium and sandstones across the northern parts of the park. Along the eastern and western area of the National Park, there are huge deposits of alluvium and sandstones across the northern parts of the Park. Along the eastern and western area of the National Park there are deposits of boulders, pebbles, shale, slate, cobbles of quartz and other minerals and alluvial deposits.
Management Paraphernalia – Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve
Vision Statement – Conserving the biodiversity with special emphasis on Tiger, a keystone species of Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve and adjoining landscape, for posterity through science based management interventions, sustainable ecotourism and eco development initiatives and by facilitating stakeholder participation.
Management goals of Nameri National Park
- Management of contiguous habitats of Nameri – Pakke landscape for sustaining the optimum density of carnivores and herbivores
- Creating partnerships with local communities and other stakeholders through eco development activities at the park
- Creating favorable working atmosphere for the field staff through capacity building in various aspects of wildlife management
- Promoting sustainable ecotourism through development of smart facilities for visitors
- Promoting interdisciplinary research of understanding complex ecological interactions and biodiversity documentation.
Management Objectives of Nameri National Park
- Maintaining the population of top predators like tiger, co-predators and associated prey base at optimum density levels
- Enhancing the quality of existing grasslands through science based interventions
- Improve the overall protection status by controlling illegal activities like poaching, fishing, tree felling, etc.
- Promote conservation education and create awareness amongst the stake holders
- Maintain the existing infrastructure of the park in good condition
- Enhance the visitor experience by creating appropriate visitor facities
- Facilitate participation of local communities through eco development based livelihood initiatives
To Plan your visit to Nameri National Park in Assam please tell us ~
Email Us: info@jungleideas.com
Contact: +91 7086873676
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SWOT Analysis of Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve
Strengths
- Good number of anti-poaching camps exist at strategic locations
- Fairly rich diversity of carnivores and herbivores
- PA has natural barriers during monsoon season
- Expertise available for independent monitoring of wildlife
- Use of Elephants for patrolling difficult areas
- PA is also a part of Sonitpur Elephant Reserve
- Good wireless connectivity between anti-poaching camps
Weaknesses
- Staff strength is inadequate
- Poor connectivity between camps during monsoons
- Lack of extensive patrolling paths
- Aging field staff and low level of motivation
- Difficult and inaccessible terrain for strategic patrolling
- Lack of timely and adequate fund flow
Opportunities
- Greater role for conservation of endangered bird species
- Scope to enhance visitor experience
- Scope for greater participation of stakeholders
- To emerge as popular birding destination
- PA as an important source population for top carnovores
- Building capacity of other PAs in wildlife monitoring techniques
- Improve living conditions and work satisfaction fo field staff
Threats
- Complete loss of forest cover in the buffer areas
- Tribals with hunting tradition inhabit the fringe areas of PA
- Pressure on natural resource of PA for illegal exploitation
- Inadequate and erratic funding
- Difficult to gather intelligence because of law and order issues
Nameri National Park is home to many rare and endangered Butterfly species, such as Birdwing, Crimson Rose, Indian Map, Mormons, Mime, etc. Apart from this the Park is home to many species of Amphibians and Invertebrates.
Nameri National Park has a rich and varied Bird diversity that includes 384 species recorded so far of which 8 species are globally threatened (White-Winged Wood Duck, Rufous Necked Hornbill, Pallas Fish Eagle, White Rumped Vulture, Slender Billed Vulture, Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Jerdon’s’ Babbler) and five species of nearly threatened category (White-Cheeked Partridge, Black Bellied Tern, White ailed Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle and Red Headed Vulture)
River Jia-Bhoreli and its Tributaries harbor varieties of fish species the most noticeable of which being the Golden Mahseer. Among invertebrates, eighty species of butterflies and moths have been posted so far at the Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve.
A day at Nameri National Park ~
We started our journey from Guwahati in the morning to Nameri National Park. Travelling to Nameri National Park from Guwahati takes around 5 hours so we started at ease and left Guwahati around 10 AM so that we reach Nameri by late afternoon. There were just the two of us and we already had our breakfast at home at our next stop was to refill our fuel tanks at Jorabat. We filled our tanks and continued on our journey to Nameri. We crossed the town of Sonapur and Jagiroad. The roads are good as its a four lane highway and the scenic surroundings of Assam make sure that we are not filled with boredom along the journey. We made a quick halt at Raha at the Punjabi Dhaba here and ordered two cups of tea and plate of freshly cooked Roti and Sabji. It was a delicious meal and we started off again to Nameri.
It was towards the end of the month of March and the early monsoon winds had set off in Assam and we were greeted by black clouds on our arrival at Nagaon and it started raining heavily. The road converges to a two way lane here and the driving speed reduces as there is traffic across each of the side of the road and we need to drive real carefully to avoid the reckless Bus and Tempo drivers. The rain was pouring down heavily and our windshield wipers were on full throttle. We didn’t mind the rains as we were used to driving in such conditions. The only thing that irritated us were the unwanted honking by the drivers of the busses and lorries. It was around 1 pm and we had reached Kaliabor. To go to Nameri National Park we need to take a diversion on left. Heading straight would lead us to the Kaziranga National Park. We took the left and continued for a while and we reached the Kalia Bhumura bridge. This bridge is one among the oldest in Assam and spreads over the Brahmaputra river. After crossing the bridge we could see sign boards along the way welcoming us to the town of Tezpur. Also, there were signs warning us to drive slowly as this was an Elephant Corridor. We took the advice and reduced our speeds for the fear of being halted and questioned by the traffic police officials. After driving for some more time we reached the town of Tezpur. We decided to have our lunch here as it was already 2 PM. We stopped at the Spring Valley Restaurant at Tezpur and ordered two plates of Assamese Thali along with a plate of Local Chicken Curry. The meal was very sumptuous.
It was around 2.30 PM and we continued on our journey to Balipara heading onto Nameri National Park. The roads were good with minimal traffic and we didn’t have much of a trouble driving. We reached Balipara and continued straight on the Bhalukpong road. After another 15 kilometers of drive we arrived at the Nameri National Park. Our accomodation was booked at Camp Lalimou at Nameri. We checked into the Lalimou Camp and were greeted by the Manager here. Our stay was booked in one of the Chang Ghars here. A beautiful place to stay, the Camp Lalimou is spread on a sprawling green campus that has 6 Chang Ghars (traditional Assamese style cottages) and 2 numbers of Jungle Tents. After checking in we ordered two cups of tea and decided to visit the picnic point at the Nameri National Park to admire the majestic Jia Bhoreli River. It is a beautiful place with no one around only a few forest guards who keep a close vigil any mischievous activities here. We sat along the river bank and took a breath of the fresh air here. After a while we saw two visitors along with a forest guard coming out of the forest reserves. One person was a tourist from England and the other a guide from one of the prominent travel companies of Assam. The guard was a local boy from Guwahati and we spoke for a while and he agreed to accompany us into the forest reserves of Nameri on the next morning. After sometime we decided to head back too our camp. It was around 6 PM in the evening. The Camp staff took our order for dinner and we sat in the dining area of the Camp and discussed on our next day at Nameri National Park. We were served a meal of Chicken fried rice and Chilli Chicken. The meal was delicious and we retired to bed as we had to get up early the next day to travel into the interiors of Nameri National Park.
It was 5 AM in the morning and it the sun was already out. We had to reach the Nameri Forest Range office by 6 AM to book our slots for the Jungle Trekking into the forest reserves of Nameri National Park. Our caretaker at Camp Lalimou already prepared a cup of hot tea for us and along with other guests at the camp (a family of six members) we drove to the Forest Range Office at Nameri. We were greeted by other travellers who were put up at the Nameri Eco Camp. For them it is easier as the Nameri Eco Camp is just adjacent to the Forest Office. We were led to the convention center here where a forest executive took the requisite fees and issued us the permits for entry into the Nameri National Park. Each of the groups to Nameri National Parks are assigned with a designated and armed forest guard who accompanies you into the forest reserves of Nameri National Park. Our guard Mr. Deepankar was awaiting for us and we greeted him and we drove again to the Nameri Picnic Spot. After arrival we saw a country boat waiting here that ferries the tourists to the other part of the river from where the trekking begins. Deepankar took us into the boat and we arrived at the other part of the river to be guided to another forest office here at Nameri National Park. We halted for a while as Deepankar went in to make the entry at the Forest Office and after sometime we started our Trek into the dense forest reserves of Nameri. We walked along to be greeted by domesticated Elephants here. There were many species of birds to be sighted. We were able to sight Kingfishers, Jerdon’s and Black Baza, Pallas’s, Grey-headed Eagles, Lesser Fish Eagles, Mountain Imperial Pigeon. We continued ahead into the forest reserves of Nameri National Park and landed at a watch tower here. All along our way we could see signs of animals active inside the premises of Nameri National Park. We could see signs of movements of Sambars, Deer, Asiatic Wild Buffaloes, Fresh Elephant dung and many more signs to indicate that the Nameri Reserve Forest is alive with many animals species. Atop the watchtower we were able to sight deers and sambars. We halted for while and Deepankar narrated us many stories of his life across the forest reserves of Assam. He had joined as a Forest Guard of Assam starting at the Kaziranga National Park where he stayed for four years. He was actively involved in stopping many incidents of poaching of the rhinoceros and was successful in capturing many of the poachers at Kaziranga National Park. He told us of his encounters with the Rhinos, Tigers, Asiatic Water Buffaloes and the herd of Wild Elephants and how he had managed to ward them off to save his life. At Nameri National Park too he has had close encounters with the Tigers and Wild Elephants. He showed us many videos of him capturing Pythons and rescuing them by relocating deep into the forest reserves. It was really great to know him in person and the most charming part about him is his never ending smile. He narrated such dangerous incidents that happened to him all with a smile on his face and he never regrets his decision of joining the forest service of Assam. He said that he is proud in protecting to what his state Assam is known for around the World – the Indian Rhinoceros and the other varied species of fauna. After a while we completed our entire trek of 8 kilometer distance at Nameri National Park and headed back to the forest camp where we bid farewell to Deepankar. We headed back to Camp Lalimou to have our bags packed and return back to Guwahati.
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