Arunachal Pradesh is the ultimate destination for wildlife tourism. The state has two national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries that are home to endangered as well as rare animals found only in the Northeast region of the country. Leopard, tiger, red fox, Hoolock gibbon, pigtailed Assamese macaque, capped langur, and red panda can be found in these beautiful landscapes. Perhaps Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in India that is home to four major cats: tiger, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and leopard. 

The state has over 500 species of birds, 7 species of primates, and 25 species of mammals found across its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 

NATIONAL PARKS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh’s famous national parks are Namdapha National Park and the rich Mougling National Park. Like other National Parks of Northeast states in India, these parks in Arunachal Pradesh are home to diverse wildlife ecosystems. These parks are mostly covered with majestic mountains and dense forests and have many large water bodies that sustain the wildlife of the park.

Namdapha National Park:

Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the diverse ecosystems in the Indian subcontinent. It is in the lower Eastern Himalayan belt and provides beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks nearby. This beautiful park is tucked between the Patkai and Dapha Bum range of Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh. Spread across 1807.82 sq km, Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the largest areas to have been declared a protected zone in the Eastern Himalayas. The park was first established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1972, and in 1983, it was declared as a national park. 

Due to the variation in altitudes, the habitat changes from tropical moist forests to cold montane forests, temperate forests to alpine meadows, and perennial snow at higher elevations. The higher altitudes remain snowbound throughout the year. As you travel from low to high altitudes you will see the change in types of flora and fauna species.

Timings: 10 am–8:30 pm

Best time to visit: November-February 

Things to Spot at Namdapha National Park

Apart from wildlife spotting, Namdapha National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna and also many species of butterflies and moths. During a national camp held in 2014, many rare species of butterflies were found in this park. 

Things to do at Namdapha National Park 

For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, the Namdapha National Park is a gem in India. Varying in altitudes from 200 meters to 4500 meters, it is a perfect place for tourists seeking adventure activities such as trekking, hiking, camping, and boating. You can also go on an elephant safari in the forest. 

Miao Museum is also one of the major attractions in the park. This museum is located near the Field’s Director Office in Namdapha and showcases different specimens of animals, reptiles, and birds from Namdapha National Park and its surroundings.

How to reach: 

By air: Dibrugarh airport (closest)

By rail: Dangari Railway Station (closest) 

By road: Dibrugarh to Miao to Namdapha National Park 

Note: Similar to other national parks in India, it is strictly prohibited to poach, hunt, or graze local farm animals in this park. The Arunachal Pradesh Government has marked and circumscribed the boundaries well at this park for the protection of wildlife ecosystems and biodiversity. 

Blyth's Shrike-Babbler Bird at Namphada National Park

Mouling National Park:

Mouling National Park is the 2nd national park of Arunachal Pradesh. Spread across about 484 sq km, it is located in the Upper Siang district of the state and was established in 1986. The Mouling National Park derived its name from one of the peaks in Arunachal Pradesh named Mouling. Mouling in Adi tribal language translates to ‘red blood’ or ‘red poison.’ However, the park has two ranges namely the Ramsing Range and the Jenging Range. The Ramsing Range can be reached from the Bomdo Village and the Jenging Range from Lissing Village. The landscape of Mouling National Park varies in different places from gentle and not very steep hills to very steep and rugged mountainous terrain. Though steep, these areas are covered with dense forests and semi-evergreen vegetation. 

With the park’s isolated location, communication signals are weak and there is limited transportation service. 

Timings: 10 am-5:00 pm

Best time to visit: November-February. The park experiences snowfall in the winter. 

An elephant spotted at Mouling National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

Things to Spot at Mouling National Park

At Mouling National Park, you can find red pandas, tigers, buffalo, elephants, Hoolock gibbons, deer, panthers, barking deer, python, etc. This national park also has a wide variety of reptiles. However, it is known for its three varieties of goat, namely, takin, serow, and coral. 

Things to do at Mouling National Park

You can do a bunch of exciting activities inside Mouling National Park such as trekking, rafting, and angling. 

How to reach: 

By air: Pasighat airport (closest)

By rail: Murkongselek Railway Station (closest) 

By road: Guwahati to Pasighat to Yingkiong to Mouling National Park

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

Virgin lush green forests and lakes make up the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary.  The sanctuary is rich in biodiversity. Some of the animals you can find here are the sloth bear, Asian elephant, Mishmi takin, red panda, marbled cat, and clouded leopard. 

Location: 17 km from Roing Town

Best time to visit: October - March

Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of river islands and comprises woodlands, grasslands, and water. The unique ecosystem attracts migratory birds from Siberia and Mongolia. Animals found here include the Royal Tiger, barking deer, elephants, wild boar, and wild buffalo. 

Location: 13 km from Pasighat

Best time to visit: December - February

Tour package

Kane Wildlife Sanctuary

Covering only 55 sq. km, this lesser-visited wildlife sanctuary should not be taken for granted. A habitat for lions, elephants, deer, panthers, and other wild species, it is also home to 70 species of birds such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill and white-winged Wood Duck. 

Location: West Siang district

Best time to visit: October - April

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

Named after Dibang River, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 4149 sq. km and comprises mountains, forests, gorges, and valleys. It even snows here in the winter. You can find the red panda, musk deer, red goral, takin, black bear and the Mishmi Hills Giant Flying Squirrel here. It’s also a habitat for 190 bird species.  

Location: Anini

Best time to visit: November - April 

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary

The hilly terrain of this sanctuary is marked by rivers, streams, and valleys. A large part of this sanctuary is covered by mixed bamboo forests. It is home to animals such as elephants, panthers, barking deer, and tigers. The Hornbill, which was once easily sighted, has become less frequent over the years. 

Location: Naharlagun

Best time to visit: October - April

Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary

Mostly surrounded by forests, the Kameng River skirts the west and north part of the sanctuary and the Pakke River to the east. You can find atleast 40 animal species inside this sanctuary, including weasels, mongooses, yellow-throated marten, Malayan giant squirrel, and Assamese macaque. An astounding 296 bird species can be found here including the endangered Oriental bay owl, wood duck, and ibisbill. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2002. 

Location: Seijosa

Best time to visit: November - April

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary          

Made up of pristine forests and dense canopies, the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is better known for being a bird watcher’s paradise. Home to closely 500 birds, some unique sightings were of Blyth’s tragopan and peacock pheasant. Bugun liocichla was first discovered here. 

Location: Seijosa

Best time to visit: January - March

Additional Read: 10 incredible places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh