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Wildlife sanctuaries in North East India protect many rare animals and plants. These places help in conserving species like the one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, and hoolock gibbon. Thick forests, rivers, and hills create a good environment for different kinds of wildlife. Many of these sanctuaries were set up to stop hunting, deforestation, or habitat destruction. They also provide jobs for local communities through tourism. These protected areas play an important role in keeping the balance of nature and protecting endangered species.
Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In North East India
Explore the top 10 wildlife sanctuaries in North East India, home to rare animals and rich forests:
1. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
Photo: Biswarup Sen / Wikimedia Commons
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987 to protect the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which was facing the threat of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss. This small yet rich sanctuary has a high rhino population, making it one of the best places to see them up close. It also has wild boars, leopards, and a large number of birds. The grasslands and wetlands provide a good environment for wildlife.
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians;₹500 for foreigners
Best Time To Visit: November – March
How To Reach: The nearest airport and railway station are in Guwahati, about 50 km away
2. Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
Photo: কুমুদ ঘোষ / Wikimedia Commons
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is among the famous wildlife sanctuaries in North East India. It was established in 1997 to protect the only ape species in India, the Hoolock Gibbon. Deforestation reduced their habitat, and this sanctuary became a safe place for them. Visitors can see elephants, macaques, and many bird species besides gibbons. The thick forest makes it a great place for spotting animals in their natural surroundings. The area also has rich plant life, with tall trees and medicinal plants.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Best Time To Visit: October – March
How To Reach: Jorhat Airport is the nearest, around 25 km away. Jorhat Railway Station is about 20 km away
3. Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
Photo: Rohit Naniwadekar / Wikimedia Commons
Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected area in 2004 to save one of the last tropical rainforests in Assam. Illegal logging and coal mining were damaging the environment, so the government took steps to protect it. The forest is home to elephants, leopards, and many bird species. The area is also known for its rich plant life, with many rare orchids and medicinal plants. This rainforest is sometimes called the “Amazon of the East” because of its thick vegetation and biodiversity.
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
Best Time To Visit: November – April
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Dibrugarh, about 80 km away. The closest railway station is in Tinsukia, around 60 km away
4. Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in North East India was established in 1989 to protect the unique bird species found in the region. The Bugun Liocichla, a rare bird discovered here, brought international attention to this place. Apart from birds, the area has animals like red pandas, leopards, and wild cats. The forests are dense, making it a good location for spotting wildlife. The different elevations in the sanctuary create various habitats, attracting more animals and birds.
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
Best Time To Visit: October – April
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Tezpur, Assam, about 150 km away. The closest railway station is in Bhalukpong, 50 km away
5. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Siju Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1979 to protect rare bat species and migratory birds. The sanctuary has deep caves where thousands of bats live, making it one of the best places to study them. The sanctuary is home to elephants, deer, and leopards, with rivers, forests, and grasslands providing shelter for many animals. The famous Siju Cave is nearby, one of India’s longest limestone caves. The North East India Wildlife Sanctuary is also an important stop for birds migrating from colder regions, as it offers a safe resting place.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Best Time To Visit: November – February
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Guwahati, about 220 km away. The closest railway station is in Goalpara
6. Dzukou Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland
Photo: jggrz / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Dzukou Valley Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1995 to protect the valley’s seasonal flowers and wildlife. Many rare plants like “Dzükou Lily” grow here and can only be found in this region. The valley is also home to animals like Asiatic black bears, leopards, and deer. The area was facing threats from uncontrolled grazing and deforestation, so the sanctuary was created to protect it. The place is also known for its cold climate and clear rivers, which help many species survive.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Best Time To Visit: June – September for flowers; November – March for wildlife
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Dimapur, about 80 km away. The closest railway station is also in Dimapur. Kohima, the state capital, is the nearest city, from where taxis are available
7. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura
Photo: djsudermann / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in North East India was set up in 1988 to protect the large artificial lake in the area and the animals that depend on it. The lake attracts migratory birds from different parts of the world. The sanctuary is also home to elephants, leopards, and bison. The water bodies here support fish and other aquatic life, making it an important ecosystem. Farmers and fishermen around the sanctuary depend on it for their livelihood, and conservation efforts help balance human needs with environmental protection.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Best Time To Visit: October – March
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Agartala, about 100 km away. The closest railway station is in Udaipur, Tripura
8. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura
Photo: Seearka / Wikimedia Commons
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988 mainly to protect the Indian bison, also known as Gaur, which was declining due to habitat destruction. The sanctuary has a mix of forests, grasslands, and small water bodies that provide a good environment for various animals. Along with bison, the area has different species of deer, monkeys, and many birds. Conservation efforts here help protect not just animals but also the forest itself, which provides oxygen and controls the climate in the region.
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Best Time To Visit: November – April
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Agartala, about 60 km away. The closest railway station is in Udaipur, Tripura
9. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura
Photo: Pritamg24 / Wikimedia Commons
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1972 to protect the clouded leopard and other rare animals. Before it became a sanctuary, hunting and deforestation were common in the area, leading to a decline in wildlife. Now, the protected land has a variety of animals, including primates and deer. The sanctuary has a large lake, and visitors can enjoy boat rides. It also has a small zoo, which helps people learn about wildlife conservation.
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians; ₹100 for foreigners
Best Time To Visit: October – March
How To Reach: The sanctuary is about 25 km from Agartala. The nearest railway station is in Bishalgarh, around 10 km away
10. Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: LTapsaH / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected area in 1972 to save its rich biodiversity. It is one of the few places in the world where four big cats – tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards – live in the same habitat. The forests here are thick and spread across different altitudes, from lowlands to high mountains, providing homes for various species. The sanctuary also has elephants, Himalayan black bears, and many bird species. .
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
Best Time To Visit: November – March
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Dibrugarh, about 150 km away. The closest railway station is in Tinsukia.
Wildlife sanctuaries in North East India protect rare animals, birds, and plants. They help in conservation and also support local communities. Each wildlife sanctuary in North East India has a different history and purpose, but all of them are important for nature. Visiting these places helps in learning about wildlife and supporting eco-tourism. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore these unique places.
Cover Photo: দস্যু ভাস্কৰ / Wikimedia Commons
