Namdapha National Park is a 1,985 km2 (766 sq mi) large protected area in Arunachal Pradesh of Northeast India. Namdapha was originally declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, then a National Park in 1983, and became a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger scheme in the same year. The national park is located in Changlang district of the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, near the international border with Myanmar. Namdapha's name was a combination of two Singpho words "nam" which means water and "dapha" which means origin (the river which originates from Dapha Bum glaciers.
This river flows right across in a North-South direction of the National Park and hence the name Namdapha has been given.
Four pantherine species occur in the park: leopard (Panthera pardus), snow leopard (P. uncia), tiger (P. tigris), and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa). Other predators present in the protected area are dhole, Malayan sun bear, Indian wolf, and Asiatic black bear.
Namdapha National Park is famous for being the only park in India to have four big cat species, like leopard, tiger, clouded leopard, and snow leopard. Around 96 mammal species are found here of which 29 species are listed on Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
There are several mammals, birds, butterflies, and moths, Namdapha Tiger Reserve is known worldwide for its fauna. Here are all the wildlife species that you can spot while exploring this national park!
Mammals: The Namdapha National Park is home to the critically endangered species of Namdapha flying squirrel. You can spot four different species of pantherine like a leopard, snow leopard, tiger, and clouded leopard. Other mammal species that you can witness are Asiatic black bear, red panda, Malayan sun bear, red fox, marbled cat, yellow-throated marten, masked palm civet, fishing cat, and Asian golden cat.
Birds: Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary has around 425 bird species that include snowy throated babbler, laughing thrushes, shrike babblers, parrotbills, rufous-necked hornbill, fulvettas, nuthatch, and scimitar babblers. Other rare species that you can spot are Ward’s trogon, Eurasian hobby, ruddy kingfisher, and white-tailed fish eagle.
Butterfly And Moths: The rare species of butterfly that you can spot at this national park are Koh-i-Noor, wizard, fluffy tit, naga tree brown, red caliph, and cruiser.
Attractions:
Elephant ride, Boating in Noadihing River.
Besides bridle path & foot tracks, watchtowers are constructed at Motijheel (12 kms from Deban), Happy Valley (3 kms from Deban) and Bulbulia (15 kms from Deban) to facilitate visitors, ecologists & environmentalists for sighting and observation of animal behaviour and birdwatching. Visitors can camp at Hornbill (11 km from Deban) for sighting of flocks of Hornbills, Ranijheel (20kms from Deban) for possible sighting of White Winged Wood Duck and Firmbase or Embyong (30kms from Deban) for experiencing the beauty of snow-covered mountain peaks and Noadihing river.
Here is the list of the most enticing things you can do in the Namdapha National Park.
Elephant Safari
If you think jungle safari is too mainstream for you, then the national park has the ultimate way of exploring nature for you. Elephant Safari will not only let you taste the thrill, but also let you experience the sheer joy of riding on an elephant’s back while spotting other animals around.
Adventurous Activities
Of the many experiences that this national park offers, activities like boating and trekking are the top ones to indulge in.
Miao Museum
Miao Museum is one of the major attractions in the Namdapha National Park, and a great place to visit for every type of traveler. Located near the Field Director’s office, the museum houses the animal specimens collected from Namdapha and the surrounding areas in one room, some of which include snakes and frog specimens, a large number of bird skins, mammal pelts, and skulls. While another room will give you a glimpse of the local village life.
Wildlife Spotting
Comprising of snow leopards, clouded leopards, tigers, Asiatic black bears, red pandas, and more, the park is home to rich wildlife. With the spectacular alpine & temperate forests in the background and exotic fauna in the foreground, Namdapha offers an opportunity to spot wildlife at its best. You can also visit the Dapha Bum, which is a ridge on Mishmi hills and is the highest point in the park.
Relax
Amongst the top things to do in Namdapha, the best one is camping or staying in a forest rest house, which is also the top reason why you must add this place to your bucket list. It brings you close to nature and closer to yourself, letting you soak all the peace that is out there in the wild.
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport: at Mohanbari, Dibrugarh, Assam 182 km from Forest Rest House, Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area.
Rail: The nearest long-distance Railway station is Tinsukia Railway Station, Assam, 141 km from Forest Rest House, Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area. The nearest Passenger Railway station is Margherita Railway Station, Assam, 91 km from Forest Rest House, Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area.
Road: Good motorable road is connected up to Miao which is the entry point of Namdapha. The Forest Rest House, Deban, within the Namdapha National Park area is 186 km from Dibrugarh, 141 km from Tinsukia, 91 km from Margherita and 136 km from district headquarter Changlang.
Tips
Since it is the third-largest national park in India in terms of size, make sure you carry a Namdapha National Park map with you during your trip.
Prefer wearing sturdy shoes as they are more comfortable for trekking and walking in the park.
If you’re planning an overnight trip, do make your reservations for the accommodation well in advance.
Check the weather once before planning your trip.
Carry a good camera with extra batteries to capture the beauty of the park.
Do abide by all the instructions given to you by the authority during your visit.
Carry your own toiletries and food if you aren’t very comfortable with the local provisions.
Don’t forget to take along all the essential medicines.
Maio Museum is one of the major attractions of the park. So, make sure you visit there.
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