In Which State is Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Located?

Nature has many beautiful places where plants, animals and birds live freely without disturbance. These special areas are protected so that their beauty and wildlife can be enjoyed for generations to come. One such amazing place is known for its green forests, flowing rivers and rare animals. It is also a favorite spot for bird lovers and nature explorers from all over the country.

Location of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park lies in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts in Assam. It covers an area of about 765 square kilometers, which includes a core area for wildlife and a buffer zone around it. The park is surrounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and the Dibru River in the south. It is known for its salix swamp forests, grasslands and tropical climate. Summers are hot and rainy, while winters are cooler and drier.

History of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

• 1890: Declared Dibru Reserved Forest
• 1920 & 1929: More areas were added to the forest
• 1933: Additional area included in Dibru Reserved Forest
• 1986: Declared as a wildlife sanctuary (preliminary)
• 1995: Final wildlife sanctuary declaration
• 1997: Declared as a Biosphere Reserve
• 1999: Core area declared as National Park

In 2020, a court stopped oil exploration in the protected area to protect the environment.

Flora of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

The park has a mix of semi-evergreen, deciduous, swamp and grassland forests.

Common trees include:

• Dillenia indica
• Bombax ceiba
• Lagerstroemia parviflora
• Dalbergia sissoo
• Mesua ferrea

The grasslands have species like Arundo donax and Imperata cylindrica. The park is also home to over 40 types of orchids.

Fauna of the Park

The park is home to 36 species of mammals, many of which are endangered:

• Bengal tiger
• Indian leopard
• Clouded leopard
• Wild water buffalo
• Asian elephant
• Hoolock gibbon
• Pig-tailed macaque
• Feral horses

It is also a sanctuary for the Ganges river dolphin.

Birds of the Park

Dibru-Saikhowa is a paradise for bird watchers. Birds found here include:

• White-winged wood duck
• Great hornbill
• Bengal florican
• Swamp francolin
• Spot-billed pelican
• Baer’s pochard
• Pallas’ fish eagle
• Marsh babbler
• Greater adjutant stock

Many migratory birds visit the park during winter.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and migratory birds can be seen.