Namdapha Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Namdapha Tiger Reserve, located in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, is India’s easternmost Tiger Reserve and one of the largest protected areas in the country. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger, it lies within the globally significant Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. The reserve is internationally renowned for its extraordinary altitudinal range, pristine rainforests and the rare distinction of supporting all four large cats found in India—the Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Clouded Leopard.

Quick Facts

Particular	Details
State	Arunachal Pradesh
District	Changlang
Tiger Reserve Notification	1983
Total Area	2,052.82 sq km
Core Area	1,807.82 sq km
Buffer Area	245.00 sq km
Landscape	Eastern Himalaya
Forest Types	Tropical Evergreen, Subtropical, Temperate and Alpine Forests
Major Rivers	Noa-Dihing, Namdapha and numerous mountain streams
Best Time to Visit	November to April

Location

Namdapha Tiger Reserve is situated in south-eastern Arunachal Pradesh along the India–Myanmar border. It forms one of the most intact forest landscapes in Asia and is part of the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot.

History

Originally declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, Namdapha became a National Park in 1983 and was included in Project Tiger the same year. Its remote location and vast wilderness have helped preserve exceptional biodiversity and relatively undisturbed ecosystems.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

The reserve extends over 2,052.82 sq km, including a core area of 1,807.82 sq km and a buffer area of 245 sq km. Altitude ranges from about 200 metres to over 4,500 metres above sea level, resulting in habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows. This remarkable ecological gradient supports one of the richest assemblages of flora and fauna in India.

Flora

The reserve contains tropical evergreen forests, subtropical broadleaf forests, temperate oak and conifer forests, rhododendron belts, bamboo brakes, alpine meadows, orchids, cane, medicinal plants and hundreds of tree species.

Fauna

Namdapha is famous for supporting Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Clouded Leopard—the only protected area in India where all four large cat species have been recorded. Other mammals include Asiatic Black Bear, Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Serow, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Dhole and Slow Loris. More than 450 bird species, numerous butterflies, reptiles and amphibians have also been documented.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The Noa-Dihing River and numerous perennial mountain streams provide water throughout the reserve and shape its rich riverine ecosystems.

Other Attractions

Deban Forest Rest House, rainforest trekking, birdwatching, butterfly diversity, mountain scenery and opportunities for wilderness exploration under regulated conditions are major attractions.

Weather & Climate

The reserve experiences a humid subtropical climate in the lowlands with heavy monsoon rainfall, while higher elevations remain cool to cold throughout much of the year.

How to Reach

Nearest airport: Dibrugarh (Assam). Nearest railway station: Tinsukia (Assam). The reserve is accessible by road via Miao, which serves as the main gateway.

Best Time to Visit

November to April offers the most pleasant weather for wildlife observation and trekking.

Accommodation

Forest Department inspection bungalows, including facilities at Deban, and Government accommodation are available subject to advance booking and official permission.

Conservation Highlights

Namdapha is one of India’s most important biodiversity reservoirs. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, scientific monitoring and safeguarding ecological connectivity along the India–Myanmar frontier.

Visitor Tips

Obtain all required permits before visiting, carry suitable clothing for changing weather, travel with authorised guides, avoid littering and follow Forest Department regulations.

Did You Know?

• Namdapha is India’s easternmost Tiger Reserve.
• It is the only protected area in India where all four large cat species have been recorded.
• The reserve spans habitats from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows.

Last Updated

July 2026