Dibru Saikhowa National Park Travel Guide (2024)

Sprawling over a vast area of about 340 square km, Dibru Saikhowa National Park houses one of the most diverse range of wildlife species. One of the reasons why the place is listed as a top tourist attraction in Assam and receives so much love as well as attention from travellers all over the country is that it acts as a safe haven for a variety of extremely rare and endangered wildlife species. It has been discovered that the park houses a total of 36 species of mammals and more than 400 different bird species. If you are thinking that this national park situation in the floodplain of river Brahmaputra is just limited to its diverse wildlife species collection, then you are highly mistaken.

The Dibru Saikhowa National Park also has a rich and dense lush greenery. In fact, the forest type of the National Park comprises semi – evergreen forests, swamp forests, deciduous forests, patches of wet evergreen forests and littoral forests. Another exclusive feature of the national park is that it boasts of being one of the 19 biodiversity hotspots in the entire world. Image Source:

If you are a true nature and wildlife lover and are travelling to Assam, then your trip to this beautiful state will be considered incomplete without visiting this amazing national park. In this article, we have researched and brought for you some useful and important information about Dibru Saikhowa National Park which you must know before actually visiting it. Continue reading to know more!

History of Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Located in the extreme east of the North Eastern state of Assam, Dibru Saikhowa National Park is a river island national park. Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of the top places to visit in Assam but it was not always like what you would see now. The national park witnessed growth in several layers and over many years. Located at a distance of about 12 km north of Tinsukia town in Assam, it was in the year 1890 that the area was declared as Dibru Reserved Forest. Later in the years 1920 and 1933, more additional area was added to the Dibru Reserved Forest. Then it was in the year 1929 that Saikhowa Reserve Forest was declared. With an area of 650 square km, it was preliminarily declared as a wildlife sanctuary, out of which an area of about 340 square km was declared in 1995 as a wildlife sanctuary. In 1998, the Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve was declared. It was finally in the year 1999 that the sanctuary area of 340 square km was ultimately declared as a national park.

You will be surprised to know that the park was not always created to be a national park rather it was originally created to conserve the habitat of the rare white – winged wood duck. Now, the park is also a home to many other rare creatures such as black – breasted parrotbill, capped langur, water buffalo and tiger. The national park also boasts of housing some eco lodges as well. All in all, Dibru Saikhowa National Park is a safe haven for a plethora of endangered species.

Attractions at Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Famed for housing Ferral horses, Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of the few remaining protected sites in the Endemic Bird Area of the Assamese Plains and hence is considered as a prime tourist spot of Assam state. The whole park is divided into seven parts, out of which one is a wetland, while the rest of the remaining area is mainly covered with dense forests as well as grasslands. If you are still wondering what makes Dibru Saikhowa National Park exceptional, then we have listed down some of its prime attractions for you. They are-

 

1. Kekjori Trees: Known for their vast branches, one can find a plethora of Kekjori trees in Dibru Saikhowa National Park. You will be surprised to know that one single Kekjori tree covers an area of approximately several bighas with its multiple branches spreading low and wide. The tree not only has a majestic appearance but also has a series of interesting folk beliefs surrounding its existence. As a result, the tree has emerged as a prime attraction of this popular tourist spot in Assam. If you wish to see these beautiful trees, then you need to take a 15 minutes boat ride to an island located right in the middle of river Brahmaputra and do a walk for about 30 mins.
2. Churkey Sapori: It is a river island located in the north of the Saikhowa part of the popular Dibru Saikhowa National Park. This spot is exceptionally famous for its bright colored wild horses which are also known by the name of Feral Horses. The Feral Horses are not true wild horses, rather they are free – ranging and untamed horses which are descended from domestic horses. Though they are not a scheduled wildlife species, visitors of Dibru Saikhowa National Park have immense curiosity and fascination for these horses. These horses usually roam in herds of three to four, however, during monsoon season, one can even spot bands of up to 17 animals together.
3. Maguri Matapung Beel: This beel or lake is literally a paradise like place, especially for all the bird watchers. Surrounded by six villages on its either side, Maguri Matapung Beel is considered as an Important Bird Area. The place boasts of being a home to about 374 different species of birds. Some of the rare bird species that you can spot here include Baikal teal, Jerdon’s Babbler, Faceted Duck, Swamp Prinia and many more. In order to enhance the experience of the visitors, there is a provision of boat safari on this lake too. A boat trip here allows you spot migratory birds and several rare birds from up close. Try to go for this ride during the evening for the best experience.
   

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Best Time To Visit The Dibru Saikhowa National Park

No matter whenever you visit the place, you will surely return overwhelmed and amazed from its diverse flora and fauna collection. However, if you are looking for the best experience, it is recommended that you plan your trip in between the months of October and March. While the period between April and September, will give you multiple thrilling and adventurous pleasures, visiting between November to April is best for bird watchers as many migratory birds’ flock here during this period.

How To Reach The Dibru Saikhowa National Park?

As far as reaching the Dibru Saikhowa National Park is concerned, you can leave all the worries behind. Reaching this prime tourist attraction in Assam is pretty easy since the place is well connected with almost all means of transport. You can reach it via:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to reach the Dibru Saikhowa National Park is situated in Mohanbari, Dibrugarh. This airport is approximately just 40 km away from the national park. Another major nearest airport is located in Guwahati which is about 500 km away from the national park.
2. By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Tinsukia railway station. The distance from the railway station to Guijan entry point is about 10 km and till the Dhola entry point, the distance is approximately 50 km.
3. By Road: You can reach the Dibru Saikhowa National Park via road as well. Regular buses run to and from Tinsukia, which in turn is well – connected with almost all of the major cities of the state of Assam.

Things You Can Do At The Dibru Saikhowa National Park

There are a series of interesting things for you to do at this national park. First of all, exploring the vast and diverse range of wildlife species goes without saying. The pleasure of watching the animals roaming in their natural habitat is unmatchable. Some of the animals you can watch here are royal Bengal tiger, leopards and hoolock gibbons. Other restricted range species include Spotted – Billed Pelican, Palla’s Fish Eagle, Black – breasted Parrotbill, Yellow Weaver, Bengal Florican, White – winged wood duck and many more.

Popular Places To Visit Near Dibru Saikhowa National Park

1. Tinsukia- about 19 km away from Dibru Saikhowa National Park
2. Pasighat- about 43 km away from Dibru Saikhowa National Park
3. Dibrugarh- about 49 km away from Dibru Saikhowa National Park
4. Changlang- about 69 km away from Dibru Saikhowa National Park
5. Roing- about 70 km away from Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Situated on the south bank of the mighty river Brahmaputra, Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state of Assam. Boasting of being a house to a rich collection of flora and fauna, out of which a lot of them are endangered, this national park is a must – visit place in Assam for all the wildlife enthusiasts as well as nature lovers.

FAQ’s

Q1. Is There A Facility Of Jungle Safari Available Inside The National Park?

Ans. Since there are no proper roads, there is no facility for jungle safari or elephant rides available inside the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. You can only explore the park by trekking.

Q2. From Where Can One Enter The Dibru Saikhowa National Park?

Ans. The two entry points of the Park are – Guijan Ghat and Saikhowa Ghat.

Q3. Is A Food Facility Available Inside The Dibru Saikhowa National Park?

Ans. There is much food facility except a few eating joints located here and there in the park.