5 wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

We all must agree, Assam tourism is synonymous with the magnificent Kaziranga National Park. Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, this national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year. Covering an enormous area of about 800 square kilometres, Kaziranga is a proud abode of two-thirds of the total population of greater one-horned rhinoceros. If that’s isn’t enough to excite you, there is also a high density of tigers, elephants and wild water buffaloes here. With a blanket of green vegetation, rocky landscapes, and dense forests, Kaziranga is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The best part? You can explore this wildlife sanctuary in Assam in a jeep or on the back of an elephant.

Best Time to Visit - The months between November and April are the best to plan a visit to Kaziranga National Park to witness its beauty in full glory. Also, remember it closes earlier for monsoons than other wildlife sanctuaries in Assam, so plan your visit accordingly.

If you are a true wildlife lover, it is hard to believe that you have not heard the name of Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary. Renowned as the home of the golden langurs, it is, without a doubt, one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Assam. The greens, towering Chakrashila hills, glorious lakes, and dense forest cover creates a multitude of backdrops, adding to the charm of the sanctuary. You can witness animals, including golden langur, Indian flying fox, Chinese pangolin, and Asiatic jackal, roaming around the thick woods. That’s not it! Chakrashila is a paradise for bird watchers in ways like no others. Why? Because it is home to more than 250 species of birds, including several rare and endangered species. Excited already? Hornbills, Open Billed Stork, Little Egret, and Pond Heron are some of the most exotic bird species you might also catch a glimpse of.

Best Time to Visit - You can plan your visit to Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam between the months of October to March.

The lush greenery, teeming with rich fauna and flora of Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, is the perfect retreat for wildlife fanatics. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, the natural beauty of this sanctuary is beyond what words could ever explain. It is a spacious abode of rare species like Clouded leopard, white-winged wood duck, and golden langur. You will be mesmerised by the sight of several bird species, such as Hispid Hare, Pygmy Hog, and several others. If you think that’s enough for a perfect wildlife adventure, Bornadi has a lot more to offer. Trekking and jeep safaris are the added bonus that you earn while exploring this magnificent sanctuary in Assam.

Best time to visit - The period between November and March is ideal for visiting Bornadi Wildlife sanctuary as the temperature remains pleasant for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

Home to India’s only ape species, hoolock gibbon, this evergreen forest will allure you to the core. Not only this, but it is also the only region to have Bengal slow Loris. It also houses elephants, leopards, tigers, wild boars, and about 220 species of avifauna. While the rich wildlife is enough to convince you to add Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary to your bucket list, what makes it more charming is its captivating beauty. Surrounded by lavish tea gardens and dramatic stretches of grasslands, quaint hamlets, Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Assam that you must visit.

Best time to visit - The winter season is the perfect time to visit the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary as the chances of spotting hoolock gibbon and slow loris is usually higher during this season.

Defining Laokhowa as an enchanting land full of wonders might not be an exaggeration. With its ideal location on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, it has innumerable species of mammals and avifauna. The sanctuary covers an area of 70.13 sq km and is renowned for bringing the natural habitat for Indian rhinoceros and Asiatic Water Buffaloes. Besides this, you can find Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard Cat, Indian Leopard, Civet, and Hog Deer among several different species. If you are an animal lover, there is no better day-trip than visiting Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in Assam.

Best time to visit - The duration between mid-November and March is considered ideal for witnessing the animals in their natural habitat in Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.

The vast number of wildlife sanctuaries in Assam will surely quench your thirst for spending time in the wilderness looking for different animal species!