Home | INFORMATION | Tiger Reserves | Other National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries | Bird Sanctuaries | Elephant Reserves | Endangered Species
Dihing–Patkai Elephant Reserve
Dihing–Patkai Elephant Reserve is one of India’s most remarkable elephant conservation landscapes. Located in eastern Assam, the reserve protects the country’s largest remaining tract of tropical lowland rainforest. Its lush evergreen forests, numerous rivers and rich biodiversity provide an ideal habitat for Asian elephants while supporting many rare mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The reserve is also an important component of the larger Upper Brahmaputra elephant landscape.
Location
The reserve is situated in the districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia in eastern Assam. It extends through the Dihing–Patkai rainforest landscape near the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and shares ecological connectivity with forests extending into Nagaland.
Brief History
Dihing–Patkai Elephant Reserve was notified under Project Elephant on 17 April 2003 to conserve one of the finest remaining tropical rainforest habitats in India and to secure elephant movement across eastern Assam.
Description
- State: Assam
- Date of Notification: 17 April 2003
- Total Area: 937 sq km
- Protected Area within Reserve: 345 sq km
- Biogeographic Zone: North-East India
Protected Areas
- Dihing Patkai National Park
- Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary (historic component)
- Several adjoining Reserve Forests forming the Upper Dihing rainforest landscape
Landscape & Forest Types
The reserve contains extensive tropical wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, riverine forests and bamboo brakes. Numerous perennial streams, swamps and the Dihing River support high ecological productivity throughout the year.
Flora
The forests are dominated by Hollong, Mekai, Nahor, Sam, Ajhar, Bhelu Bamboo, Canes and hundreds of orchid species. The rainforest also supports a rich diversity of medicinal plants, climbers and epiphytes.
Fauna
- Asian Elephant
- Bengal Tiger
- Clouded Leopard
- Common Leopard
- Marbled Cat
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Dhole
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Wild Boar
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Stump-tailed Macaque
- Capped Langur
- Great Hornbill
- More than 300 bird species
Elephant Conservation
Dihing–Patkai Elephant Reserve provides secure habitat for elephants inhabiting the Upper Brahmaputra Valley and serves as an important movement corridor linking forests of eastern Assam with adjoining landscapes in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Conserving this rainforest is essential for maintaining long-term elephant connectivity in Northeast India.
Weather
- Summer: 24–34°C
- Winter: 10–22°C
- Average Annual Rainfall: 2,500–3,500 mm
Best Time to Visit
November to April offers the most comfortable weather for wildlife observation and rainforest exploration.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh
- Nearest Railway Station: Tinsukia
- By Road: Well connected from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Digboi through state highways.
Where to Stay
- Forest Rest Houses operated by the Assam Forest Department (subject to advance permission)
- Government-approved eco-tourism facilities around Dihing Patkai National Park
Nearby Attractions
- Dihing Patkai National Park
- Digboi
- Dehing River
- Namdapha landscape (Arunachal Pradesh)
Did You Know?
Dihing–Patkai protects India’s largest surviving tract of tropical lowland rainforest and is often referred to as the “Amazon of the East” because of its extraordinary biodiversity and dense evergreen forests.
Image Placeholders
[Featured Image]
[Map showing Dihing–Patkai Elephant Reserve in India]
Last Updated: August 2026