Intanki Elephant Reserve

Intanki Elephant Reserve is Nagaland’s first notified Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant. Located in the south-western part of the state, it protects one of Nagaland’s most important elephant habitats and forms a vital ecological link with the forests of Assam. The reserve is centred around Intanki National Park and supports a diverse assemblage of mammals, birds, reptiles and tropical vegetation characteristic of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot.

Location

The reserve is situated in Peren District of Nagaland, approximately 40 km from Dimapur. It shares ecological connectivity with the Dhansiri–Lungding Elephant Reserve in neighbouring Assam.

Brief History

Intanki Elephant Reserve was notified under Project Elephant in 2005 to strengthen protection of elephant habitat in Nagaland and conserve important migration corridors connecting the forests of Assam and Nagaland.

Description

• State: Nagaland
• Notification: 2005
• Total Area: 202 sq km
• Protected Area: Entire reserve comprises Intanki National Park
• Biogeographic Zone: North-East Hills

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve consists primarily of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests interspersed with moist deciduous forests, bamboo brakes and perennial streams. The undulating terrain and dense canopy provide suitable habitat for elephants throughout the year.

Protected Area

• Intanki National Park

Flora

Major vegetation includes Hollong, Nahor, Mekai, Bonsum, Bamboo, Canes and numerous climbers, orchids and medicinal plant species typical of northeastern India’s evergreen forests.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger (occasional)
• Leopard
• Clouded Leopard
• Hoolock Gibbon
• Stump-tailed Macaque
• Capped Langur
• Gaur
• Sambar
• Barking Deer
• Wild Boar
• Great Hornbill
• Several hundred bird species

Elephant Conservation

Intanki Elephant Reserve is an important component of the elephant landscape extending across Nagaland and Assam. Maintaining habitat connectivity with neighbouring forests enables seasonal elephant movement and supports long-term genetic exchange between elephant populations.

Weather

• Summer: 22–34°C
• Winter: 10–22°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 2,000–2,500 mm

Best Time to Visit

November to April is considered the best period for wildlife observation and nature tourism.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur
• By Road: The reserve is accessible by road from Dimapur via National Highway 129A.

Where to Stay

• Forest Rest House managed by the Nagaland Forest Department (subject to prior permission)
• Government-approved tourist accommodation in Dimapur and Peren

Nearby Attractions

• Intanki National Park
• Ntangki River
• Triple Falls
• Dimapur

Did You Know?

Although it is one of India’s smaller Elephant Reserves, Intanki protects an entire national park and serves as a critical habitat link between Nagaland and Assam’s elephant populations.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Intanki Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026