Introduction

Panidihing Bird Sanctuary, situated in the Sivasagar district of Assam, is one of India’s most celebrated avian sanctuaries. Panidihing Bird Sanctuary is a major riverine grassland and wetland sanctuary in Sivasagar district along the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.

Quick Facts

Attribute Details
Sanctuary Name Panidihing Bird Sanctuary
State & District Assam (Sivasagar)
Year of Notification 1999
Total Protected Area 33.93 sq km
Rivers & Waterbodies Brahmaputra River and Demow River wetlands
Nearest Airport Jorhat Airport (JRH) – 65 km / Dibrugarh Airport (DBC) – 80 km
Nearest Railway Station Sivasagar Town Railway Station (SRTN) – 22 km
Best Time to Visit November to March

Location

Panidihing Bird Sanctuary is geographically located in the Sivasagar district of Assam. Accessible by road from Sivasagar town via Demow.

History and Year of Notification

The sanctuary was officially notified in 1999 under Indian wildlife conservation frameworks. Notified in August 1999 under the Wildlife Protection Act to conserve rich migratory waterfowl feeding grounds.

Landscape, Geography and Habitat

Riverine floodplains, open oxbow lakes, wet alluvial grasslands, and swamp forest.

Flora and Bird Species

Records over 165 species of waterbirds. Key species include Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Spot-billed Duck, Gadwall, Ferruginous Duck, Mallard, White-necked Stork, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle.

Other Wild Animals & Wildlife

Wild Buffalo, Asian Elephant (seasonal migration), Smooth-coated Otter, Fishing Cat, Bengal Monitor Lizard, and Asian Elephant.

Rivers and Water Bodies

The sanctuary’s ecosystem is sustained by: Brahmaputra River and Demow River wetlands.

Other Attractions Nearby

Key tourist attractions and historical sites near Panidihing Bird Sanctuary include: Rang Ghar Ahom Amphitheatre (22 km), Kareng Ghar Palace (25 km), Joysagar Tank (20 km), Sivadol Temple (22 km).

Weather and Climate

Humid subtropical climate. Monsoons (June–September), warm summers (25°C to 35°C), and pleasant winters (10°C to 22°C).

How to Reach (Airport & Railway Access)

  • Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport (JRH) – 65 km / Dibrugarh Airport (DBC) – 80 km
  • Nearest Railway Station: Sivasagar Town Railway Station (SRTN) – 22 km
  • Road Connectivity: Accessible by road from Sivasagar town via Demow.

Best Time for Birdwatching

The optimal window to explore Panidihing Bird Sanctuary is between November to March.

Accommodation

Assam Tourism Lodges in Sivasagar town, Forest Department Rest House.. Visitors are advised to book official state government eco-tourism stays in advance.

Last Updated: August 2026