Explore The 10 Best National Parks In North East India For Wildlife, Culture, And Adventure

A calm river flows through Nameri, one of the peaceful gems among the national parks in North East.

National Parks in the North East are an assortment of wildlife, tribal culture, and virgin landscapes that never fall out of fashion. From rainforests to Alpine meadows, the region’s wilderness is a real representation of its environmental abundance and cultural heterogeneity. Whether viewing the one-horned rhino, red panda, or just strolling through misty forests, the North East is an unparalleled wildlife experience. Jeeps, safari, boat cruises, trekking trails, birding tours, and camping are the options available, and every trip becomes an experience. As you travel into the wilderness, you also get a taste of the people’s culture, green living, and the unmatched courtesy of the North East.

10 Best National Parks In The North East

Visit ten of the most amazing National Parks in the North East, ranging from UNESCO World Heritage sites to remote forest reserves, perfect for wildlife lovers,
adventure seekers, and culture aficionados.

1. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

A rhinoceros is walking through tall grass at Kaziranga National Park, one of the top national parks in North East.

Photo: Omkar Rane / Unsplash

Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site, is internationally renowned as one of the most sought-after National Parks in the North East. Stretching over the Brahmaputra River floodplains, the park is globally renowned as the habitat of the critically endangered one-horned rhinoceros. With the vast open grasslands, forest cover, and marshes, it is a natural setting for an ultimate wildlife sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. In addition to the rhinos, Kaziranga has the Bengal tigers, swamp deer, elephants, and migratory birds in the winter. Jeep safari over vast elephant grasslands or an elephant ride through a peaceful atmosphere is the facility offered to the tourists.

Location: Golaghat & Nagaon districts, Assam, Northeast India
Main Attractions: One-horned rhinoceros, jeep and elephant safaris, birdwatching trails, Panbari Reserve Forest.
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹650 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Manas National Park

2. Manas National Park, Assam

Two elephants grazing peacefully in a lush green forest with tall grass.

Photo: Anutosh Deb / Wikimedia Commons

Manas National Park, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a biosphere reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve, and a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO, and therefore one of the popular National Parks in the North East. Its landscape is a good mixture of grasslands, marshy wetlands, and forest, and it harbours varied fauna and flora. Manas harbours tigers, golden langurs, pygmy hogs, and the Assam roofed turtle, which is an endangered species. Jeep and elephant safaris are on offer to adventure tourists at Manas, and tourists enjoy the facility of driving through thick forest cover and viewing wildlife in their natural environment.

Location: Baksa & Chirang districts, Assam, foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Northeast India
Major Attractions: Tigers, golden langurs, pygmy hogs, elephant and jeep safaris, rafting, and birding.
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners

3. Nameri National Park, Assam

A small boat with people travels down a wide river surrounded by forest at Nameri National Park, one of the national parks in North East.

Photo: Ajay.talukdar / Wikimedia Commons

Nameri National Park is a serene retreat for those who love nature, and especially riverine ecosystems and birds. Along the Jia-Bhoroli River, it safeguards over 300 bird species, some of which include the white-winged wood duck, a threatened and critically endangered bird species. Its dense forests have tigers, elephants, and leopards, and the park is thus part of Assam’s wildlife ecosystem. Nature treks and eco-camps allow one to see the diversity of the forest at close range. River rafting and fishing in the Jia-Bhoroli River give one adventure and tranquillity, and trekking along the forest trails allows one to experience virgin wilderness.

Location: Sonitpur district, Assam, near the Arunachal Pradesh border, Northeast India
Main Attractions: River rafting, birding trails, guided forest walks, and eco-camps.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

Suggested Read: Dehing Patkai National Park

4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park with a calm, blue river, under the cloudy sky .

Photo: Dhruba Jyoti Baruah / Wikimedia Commons

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is an interesting grassland and wetland ecosystem, and one of the newest National Parks in the North East. Situated where the Brahmaputra and Dibru rivers confluence, the park is famous for semi-evergreen jungles, grassy meadows that are swampy, and feral horses, which are found in extreme rarity. It also harbours other wildlife such as white-winged wood duck, river dolphins, elephants, and others that migrate. Wildlife enthusiasts and birders are also equally interested in coming to the park during winter when there is the highest diversity in species. River boat safaris offer intimate contact with water plants and animals, waterfowl, and forest walks through the forest cover, specialised plants and medicinal plants of the area.

Location: Tinsukia & Dibrugarh districts, Upper Assam, near the Brahmaputra River, Northeast India
Main Attractions: Boat safaris, bird watching, feral horses, river dolphins, Maguri Motapung Beel wetland.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

5. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

Red panda resting on a tree branch at Namdapha National Park, one of the most scenic national parks in North East.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Namdapha National Park, the Eastern Himalaya’s biggest park, is spread across more than 1,900 square kilometres of terrain and is a melting pot of variety. Its rainforests, alpine grasslands, and high-altitude plateaus are home to such elusive and endangered species of wildlife as the red panda, snow leopard, clouded leopard, tiger, and hornbills. The indigenous people who reside in the park also reside here, with their livelihood based on the forest. Visitors can hike through trails of dense forests, stay at an eco-tourism retreat, or take an excursion to the tribal village. Connected through Dibrugarh and Tinsukia and road access from the Miao town, Namdapha is an experience of untouched nature without any travellers.

Location: Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-Myanmar border, Northeast India
Main Attractions: Snow leopards, red panda, trekking trails, tribal village tour, dense rainforests.
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹1,000 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Arunachal Pradesh National Parks

6. Mouling National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

A flock of birds is sitting on top of a lush green hillside at Mouling National Park.

Photo: Sreenivas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Mouling National Park of Upper Siang district is a hidden paradise for people who enjoy solitude in an unspoiled landscape. The following are rare species present within the park: Himalayan black bear, red panda, takin, and certain bird species such as hornbills and pheasants. Its Himalayan forest and hill area is also orchid-spotted, which bloom capriciously in the spring season. Trekking routes are present in Mouling through thick forests, which offer access to wildlife and views. There are camps and eco-lodges where staying by immersion is permitted for the tourists, and nature walks with guides educate one on local flora and fauna.

Location: Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalayas, Northeast India
Main Attractions: Red panda, Himalayan black bear, trekking routes, bird watching, and orchid spotting.
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person

7. Balphakram National Park, Meghalaya

A brown elephant grazing on green grass field at the Balphakram National Park, one of the stunning national parks in the North East.

Photo: Wolfgang Hasselmann / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Balphakram National Park, also known as the “Land of Perpetual Winds” in local terminology, is a mysterious plateau within the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The park is holy to the Garos and has copious majestic cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, and grasslands. The fauna and flora of the park include elephants, wild buffalo, marbled cats, and other birds, and the rich floral variety attracts botanists and nature enthusiasts. The journey to the high-altitude plateaus provides cliff-and-valley scenery and contact with the host Garo tribes, thereby making it even richer. The addition of places like the Siju Caves and scenic surroundings completes the picture.

Location: South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, near the Bangladesh border, Northeast India
Main Attractions: Elephants, wild buffaloes, trekking routes, Siju Caves, and viewpoints.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

Suggested Read: Nokrek National Park

8. Nokrek National Park, Meghalaya

A road winds through lush green mountains with scattered houses on a foggy day.

Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons

The Nokrek National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a densely forested subtropical rainforest that is famous for being extremely biodiverse and containing some extinct species. The park has red pandas, elephants, leopards, and hornbills, and its peculiar citrus orchards are a magnet for scientists and botanists. One can hike to Nokrek Peak, which provides the landscape view of the surrounding valleys, forests, and rivers, while eco-tourism stay rights provide a chance for tourists to live in close proximity to nature. The park remains significant in a cultural aspect as well since the Garo tribal villages in the vicinity are disclosing their folklore and ancient rituals.

Location: West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, near Tura town, Northeast India
Main Attractions: Red panda, elephant, trekking routes, birdwatching, and Garo tribal villages.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

9. Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

A small, striped brown and white bird rests on a rocky cliffside at Keibul Lamjao National Park, one of the best national parks in North East.

Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons

Keibul Lamjao National Park, better known as the world’s only floating national park, lies on serene Loktak Lake in Manipur. The idea of phumdis, floating vegetable matter developing into a distinctive ecosystem providing refuge to endangered flora and fauna, which is the usual feature of the park. The park is the natural home for the critically endangered Sangai deer, also called the “dancing deer” locally due to its gentle and delicate striding gait on the phumdis. In addition to Sangai, there are migratory birds, otters, and aquatic life, and it is a paradise for wildlife lovers and bird watchers.

Location: Bishnupur district, Manipur, on Loktak Lake, Northeast India
Major Attractions: Rare Sangai deer, boat cruise at Loktak Lake, bird watching, and sunset.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Sirohi National Park Travel Guide

10. Orang National Park, Assam

A brown deer with large ears stands alertly on a green forest trail with trees.

Photo: NejibAhmed / Wikimedia Commons

Orang National Park, or the “Mini Kaziranga,” is a compact but ecologically rich national park lying on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Small as it is, the park boasts a beautiful diversity of animals, of which the critically endangered one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, hog deer, swamp deer, and river dolphins are prominent. Its landscape includes grasslands, marshlands, and forests along rivers, the ideal place for both land and aquatic animals. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of migratory and resident birds like pelicans, storks, and kingfishers. Jeep safaris allow travellers to drive over the park’s grassland, view rhinos and elephants, and experience the serene riverbank scenery.

Location: Darrang & Sonitpur districts, Northern bank of Brahmaputra River, Assam, Northeast India
Main Attraction: Rhinos with one horn, elephants, river dolphins, bird watching, and jeep safari.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

Touring national parks in the North East offers a deep look into the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. From dense rainforests to high-altitude grasslands, each park reveals rare wildlife and deep-rooted traditions. Beyond the landscapes, travellers connect with the warmth of local communities, making each visit a cultural journey as much as a wildlife experience. Discover the stories of nature and people alike—book your North East adventure today with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most parks offer guided jeep safaris, walking tours, and birdwatching treks led by trained naturalists or local guides.
You can find forest lodges, eco-camps, homestays, and basic resorts, depending on the park. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season.
Yes, Namdapha, Mouling, and Nokrek National Parks are known habitats of the elusive red panda, though sightings are rare and require patience.
Absolutely. The North East offers dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, bird species, and tribal life, making it a paradise for nature and wildlife photographers.
Yes, several parks like Nameri, Namdapha, and Nokrek have eco-tourism projects run by local communities promoting sustainable travel and offering immersive cultural experiences.
Harshita Lal

Harshita Lal

Harshita Lal is a travel writer who finds inspiration in the winding roads of hill towns, crisp mountain air, and the quiet stories hidden in everyday journeys. With a soft spot for the Himalayas and small-town simplicity, her writing blends personal discovery with practical travel insights. She enjoys writing pieces that help readers feel more connected to nature, to adventure, and to themselves. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her planning her next trek, journaling in a hillside café, or chasing the sunset.
Harshita’s Top Travel Highlights:
Harshita’s travels include memorable treks and quiet hill escapes, offering experiences of nature, peace, and simple moments that stay long after the journey ends.
1. Treks That Stay With You:
Completed treks like Triund, Kheerganga, Tosh, and Malana, each offering its own lesson in resilience, stillness, and the quiet power of nature.
2. Offbeat Hill Escapes:
Explored peaceful spots like Jibhi, Shoja, Barot Valley, and Mashobra, where there’s more pine than people, and every corner feels like a postcard.

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