Gorgeous National Parks in Northeast India You Must Explore
According to the 2020 National Wildlife Database, India has 104 national parks—many of which lie in the beautiful, biodiverse Northeast. National parks are protected areas established by the state or central government to preserve flora, fauna, and landscapes of ecological or historical importance. Unlike wildlife sanctuaries, no human activities are permitted inside national parks.
A visit to these parks offers more than wildlife sightings—it’s a chance to experience diverse ecosystems, unwind in nature, and learn about India’s rich biodiversity. From dense rainforests and river islands to high-altitude alpine terrains, Northeast India is home to some of the country’s most stunning national parks.
Below is a curated list of must-visit national parks in Northeast India, along with their wildlife highlights, best visiting seasons, and travel details.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Kaziranga spans 430 sq. km and is renowned worldwide for hosting the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros.
Landscape & Biodiversity
Kaziranga features tropical forests, elephant grass meadows, and swampy lagoons. Four rivers—including the mighty Brahmaputra—flow through the park, creating diverse terrains such as savanna woodlands and semi-evergreen forests.
Wildlife Highlights
One-horned rhinoceros (largest population)
Wild water buffalo
Asiatic elephants
Royal Bengal Tigers
Leopards
Multiple species of migratory birds
Tourist Activities
Jeep safaris
Elephant safaris
Four zones: Kohora (Central), Bagori (Western), Agoratoli (Eastern), Burapahar
Travel Tips
Best time: November to April
Closed: May to October
Nearest airport/railway: Guwahati (200 km)
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam
One of Northeast India’s largest river island national parks, Dibru-Saikhowa spans 340 sq. km and is known for its salix swamp forests.
Biodiversity
Originally a reserved forest (1890), it later became a biosphere reserve and was declared a national park in 1999. It shelters over 400 bird species and 36 mammal species.
Wildlife Highlights
Feral horses
Bengal tiger
Indian leopard
Hoolock gibbons
Gangetic dolphins
Malayan giant squirrel
Asiatic elephants
Nearby Attractions
Maguri Beel
Laika Forest Village
Kekjori Tree
Churkey Sapori island
Travel Tips
Best time: November to April
Nearest airport: Dibrugarh
Nearest railway: Tinsukia
Manas National Park, Assam
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Manas National Park covers 391 sq. km and lies along the Bhutan border.
Biodiversity
Home to:
60+ mammal species
500+ bird species
42 reptiles
7 amphibians
Wildlife Highlights
Asian elephants
Slow loris
Gaur
Sloth bear
Hog deer
Water buffalo
Bengal Florican (critically endangered)
Activities
Jeep safaris
Birdwatching
River rafting
Jungle walks
Visits to Bodo tribal villages
Travel Tips
Best time: February to October
Nearest airport/railway: Guwahati (150 km)
Other National Parks in Assam
Orang National Park
Nameri National Park
Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
Located in Changlang district, Namdapha (1,985 sq. km) forms a natural boundary with Myanmar and is the only park in the world where four big cats coexist:
Tiger
Leopard
Snow Leopard
Clouded Leopard
Wildlife Highlights
1,285+ species of fauna
Hoolock gibbons
Macaques
Elephants
Black bears
Indian bison
Numerous bird species including white-winged wood duck
Tourist Spots
Deban
Firmbase
Camera Point
Gandhigram
Travel Tips
Best time: October to April
Nearest airport: Dibrugarh
Nearest railway: Tinsukia
Mouling National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
Established in 1986, Mouling National Park covers 483 sq. km and is one of India’s major biodiversity hotspots.
Flora & Fauna
Red panda
Bengal tiger
Indian leopard
Barking deer
Goral
Takin
Travel Tips
Best time: November to February
Nearest airport: Lilabari (Tezpur)
Nearest railway: Tinsukia
Balpakram National Park, Meghalaya
Known as the “land of perpetual winds,” Balpakram covers 220 sq. km in the South Garo Hills. Its canyon-like formations resemble the Grand Canyon.
Wildlife
Tigers
Elephants
Gaur
Sambar
Barking deer
Rare endemic species
Nearby Attractions
Mahadeo Gorge
Chitmang Peak
Siju Bird Sanctuary
Siju Cave
Nohkalikai Falls
Travel Tips
Best time: November to March
Nearest cities:
Guwahati (93 km)
Tura (166 km)
Baghmara (62 km)
Nokrek National Park, Meghalaya
Declared a national park in 1988 and a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2009.
Wildlife Highlights
Indian elephants
Clouded leopards
Hoolock gibbons
Slow loris
Himalayan black bear
Pig-tailed macaque
Flying squirrel
Birdwatching
A winter haven for migratory species like:
Siberian stonechat
Siberian rubythroat
Bamboo partridge
Flavescent bulbul
Note
Entry requires official permission.
Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
The world’s only floating national park, located on Loktak Lake.
Unique Highlights
Habitat of the endangered Sangai deer (dancing deer)
Hog deer
Otters
Waterfowl and migratory birds
Travel Tips
Best time: November to March
Nearest airport: Imphal (Tulihal)
Nearest railway: Jiribam
Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
A UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across 1,784 sq. km. It features:
Landscape
18 glaciers
17 alpine lakes
19 high mountain peaks
Wildlife
Snow leopard
Red panda
Musk deer
Himalayan monal
Black-necked crane
Tourist Attractions
Yuksom trekking route
Green Lake
Lachen
Tholung Monastery
Best Time
April to May
Murlen National Park, Mizoram
Established in 1991, covering 100 sq. km and surrounded by six caves.
Wildlife
Tiger
Leopard
Hoolock gibbon
Himalayan black bear
Sambar
Wild boar
Threatened bird species like Hume’s pheasant
Best Time
October to March
Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park, Mizoram
Named after Mizoram’s highest peak, Phawngpui (Blue Mountain).
Why Visit?
Spectacular orchids and rhododendrons
Rare wildlife including Blyth’s tragopan
Cloud-covered “blue mountain” scenery
Popular Spots
Phawngpui Peak
Vantawang Waterfall
Best Time
November to April
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