Wildlife Sanctuaries in Tripura
Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary or Pakhui Tiger Reserve (also known as tiger reserve as it conserves Bengal Tiger and other big cats) lies on the East Kameng district of the state. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 862 sq km and is outlined by three rivers on its three sides. Towards the south and south-east, the sanctuary is joined with the Nameri National Park of Assam. The Pakke River and Papum Reserve Forest lies to the east of the sanctuary; the Bhareli or Kameng River and Doimara RF and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary to the west; and to the north by the Kameng River and the Shergaon Forest Division (Tenga RF). The sanctuary has many neighbouring forests on most of its sides.The floras of the sanctuary include 343 woody species of flowering plants, 600 species of orchids, and many more. The dampen area of the forest have profuse growth of palms, bamboo, and cane. The flora of the sanctuary includes species of the large cat family viz. tiger, leopard, and clouded tiger; wild dog; jungle cat; and Asiatic jackal; Elephant; Gaur; Barking Deer; Samber; capped langur; and Bison. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between October–April.
Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Itnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across an area of 140.3 sq km. The sanctuary was moderately populated with wildlife like Sambar, Barking Deer, Elephant herbs, Tiger and Panthers. However, human habitation by clearing forests for development has drastically reduced the number of faunas in the sanctuary. Hunting is a way of life for tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and they hunt animals for many reasons primarily for their meat. The collect skin, teeth, bones, and feathers of birds and animals as these are customarily believed to be trophies that can be presented as a sign of honor. Such beliefs and customs have resulted in the loss of the habitat of animals. Hornbill, the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh, was quite abundant in the sanctuary earlier. Human habitation has now made it a rare chance to spot a Hornbill. However, the Northern and Eastern side of the Wildlife Sanctuary provides a good chance to tourist to spot some wild creatures. The important destinations in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary are the Zoological Park under the control of Dy. Chief Wildlife Warden, the Ganga Lake under the control of the D.F.O., Social Forestry Division and Directorate of fisheries, the Ita Fort, the State Museum and the State Forest Research Institute.
Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary
The Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary is located13 km from Pasighat. The Siang River surrounds the northern, eastern, and western part of the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, while the southern parts extends to Assam, where the forest is called as Kobo Chapori. The sanctuary is situated over a cluster of river islands. A trip to the island surrounded with water bodies is extremely thrilling as one has to cross many river islands. A safari tour will take you through alluvial grasslands and wooded areas. The sanctuary can be reached through boat ferry from the Siang River. The ecosystem surrounded by water bodies is a natural habitat for different species of birds including migratory birds from Siberia and Mongolia which include cranes, storks, waterfowls, wild ducks, and many more which fly from September to February every year. Apart from birds, the forest has hog deer, hispid hare, wild buffalo, elephants, and Sambars and other rainforest macro and micro fauna. Bird enthusiasts should visit this wonderful paradise of birds to hear the chirping of these birds and enjoy nature’s tranquility in Arunachal Pradesh. The best time to travel to the sanctuary is from December–February.
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mehao Wildlife Sanctaury covers a vast area of 282 sq km and lies in the Lower Dibang valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. The wildlife sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers. The panaromic landscape of the sanctuary is delineated by a rugged mountain belt and is an alluring view to behold. The forest is a natural habitat to Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Spotted Linsang, Common Mongoose, Wild Dog, Indian Porcupine, Hoolock, Gaur, Sambar, and Snow Leopard. Till now more than 200 species of birds have been identified in the forest which includes Goosander, Mallard, Godwall, Three Toed Forest Kingfisher, Blue Throated Barbet, Japanese Awfinch, Great Pied Hornbill, Longtailed Broadbill, and many more. This forest is also rich in species of butterflies with more than 232 species identified till now. In addition, this eco-system also includes many poisonous and non-poisonous snake species such as King Cobra, Python, Himalayan Cat Snake, and the rivers and streams contain numerous fishes. Many ecologists claim this sanctuary to be one of the finest places they have visited. You can visit this forest from Rangapara, which is the nearest town from the wildlife sanctuary.
Kane Wildlife Sanctuary
Kane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Siang district and is spread over an area of about 55 sq km. The forest is a habitat of wildlife such as elephant, small cats, deer, and many more. The sanctuary offers pleasant surroundings with lush of greenery spread across. The vegetation in the forest is also very rich with a wide range of plantations. This place is must visit to unwind from the hustle bustle of city life and enjoy the spellbound beauty of the sanctuary. In this sanctuary, you can easily spot the sight of wild animals. The months of summer are usually hot and humid while winter months are very cold especially on the eastern part. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during October–April. Along and Libari airports are the nearest from the sanctuary and one can easily reach the sanctuary from there. Alternately one can take the Tawan–Tezpur road, which connects to the sanctuary directly.
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Eaglenest or Eagle's Nest Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Himalayan foothills of West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. The sanctuary derives its name from Red Eagle Division of the Indian army which was posted in the area in the 1950s. The wildlife sanctuary has an area of 217 sq km and it connects Pakhui Tiger Reserve across the Kameng river to the east and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary to the northeast. Steep mountain range with deep valley along the Kameng River with clear flying sky is home for numerous species of birds including eagle, hornbill, kingfishers, pheasant, ducks. Earlier there were also probabilities of spoting many species of mammals including the endangered capped langur, Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, red panda, Asiatic black bear and the vulnerable, Arunachal macaque and gaur; this probability has reduced drastically as the pristine environment is spoilt by illegal encroachment. The forest is remarkably important for the Asian Elephant. Elephants move up from the Assam plains to the crest of the sanctuary in summer. However, clearing of forest area has led to depletion of their food resource.
Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1989 in the Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh. The park was named after the Kamlang River which flows through it. An important body of water in the sanctuary is the Glow Lake, which is used by many wild creatures of the forest. The sanctuary is located in tropical and sub-tropical climatic zones and is home to the four big cat species of India: tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard. The location, terrain and perennial water sources enrich the scenic beauty of the Sanctuary. The nearest town from the sanctuary is Namsai which is about 70 km from the sanctuary. The nearest railway station and nearest airport are Tinsukia and Dibrugarh, respectively.
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is is located in the Upper Dibang Valley district and covers an area of 4,149 sq km. The sanctuary is protected by the Department of Environment and Forest of Arunachal Pradesh. Many mammals such as Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, and Asiatic black bear are habitants of this sanctuary. Occasionally tigers and Gongshan muntjac can also be spotted in the sanctuary. Birds such as the rare Sclater's monal and Blyth's tragopan can also be found in this region. In 2009, flying squirrel—a new discovery, has been spotted in the edge of this sanctuary. The squirrel has been named the Mishmi Hills giant flying squirrel. During summer season temperature varies from 18C to 22C and heavy snowfall (6m to 10m) is very common in winter. Ideal time to visit the forest is from November to May.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
With Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary to its southwest this place lies in the Himalayan foothills in Bhalukpong Forest Division of West Kameng District. The sanctuary is noted for more than 200 species of orchid. Tourist can enjoy the natural habitat of orchid through trekking routes, which has been organized by the forest department especially for Visitors. This place is extremely rewarding for nature lover with deep gorges, valleys, high peaks and rugged terrain.
National Parks of Tripura
Namdapha National Park
The Namdapha National Park is located in the Changlang district. It is a few kilometers away from Miao and can be reached by jeep and gypsy from Miao. A trip to the national park can be a blessing for a true wildlife fan as a visit to the Namdapha National Park is daunting, covering a wide range of altitudes from 200 m to 4,500 m A large part of the park is mostly inaccessible to visitors. The majestic gaur, slow loris, elephant, takin, the wild goat peculiar to the Patkoi range, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, , binturong and the red panda are all found here.
Mouling National Park
Mouling National Park is spread over an area of 483 sq km. It is situated in Upper Siang District under Jengging sub-division. The national park has flora and fauna in abundance. The process of reproduction of white feathered wild duck takes place in this national park. This place is also home to clouded Bear and deer. Tourist can reach the park from Yingkiong or Pasighat by jeep.