Birding Hotspots in Northeast

Assam

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is considered one of the popular national parks of the country which is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. However, the national park being surrounded by pleasant weather and dense forest area is a natural habitat for numerous bird species making it a perfect place to immerse in a birding adventure. The national park is home to around 419 species of birds some of which are Lesser Whistling-Duck, Eurasian Coot, Gray Heron, Bar-headed Goose, Graylag Goose, Asian Green Bee-eater, Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon, Indian Pied Starling and many others.

Orang National Park

Situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, the Orang National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the state. Although the national park is well known for one-horned rhinoceros and tigers, the park is home to around 300 species of birds. Summer and early winters are considered to be the best time for birding while in the monsoons it is difficult to sight these bird species. Some of the popular birds of this region are Lesser Whistling-Duck, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Shelduck, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Garganey, Northern Pintail, Barn Swallow and Red-vented Bulbul.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Considered one of the largest national parks of Assam, the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a paradise for bird lovers. Surrounded by rich forest areas and wet grasslands the national houses more than 500 species of birds some of which the limited to the region. Some of the most sighted bird species of this region include Great Cormorant, Citrine Wagtail, Black-faced Bunting, Little Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Barn Swallow, Common Myna, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Bar-headed Goose and many others.

Manas National Park

Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Assam, known as a popular destination for birding. The park's diverse habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and rivers, provide ideal nesting grounds for over 450 variety of birds. Some of the popular birds are Eastern Cattle Egret, Barn Swallow, Small Pratincole, Red-breasted Parakeet, Black Drongo, Black Bulbul, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Common Myna, Baya Weaver, Spot-winged Starling, Long-tailed Broadbill and Gray-throated Martin.

Arunachal Pradesh

Namdapha National Park

Namdapha National Park located in the easternmost part of India is one of the most popular national parks known for offering a unique birding experience. Being located in an offbeat location, the national park houses a rich biodiversity inhabiting more than 350 species of birds some of which are limited to this region. Popular birds include Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Great Cormorant, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Wreathed Hornbill, Black Bulbul, Great Myna, Silver-backed Needletail, Himalayan Swiftlet, Golden-crested Myna, Brown Hornbill and many more.

Eagle's Nest Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Kameng district the Eagle's Nest Wildlife Sanctuary is among the protected areas known among the top birding destinations in this region. Surrounded by a lush green forest area and home to exotic birds this is a dream place for nature lovers. Some of the popular birds that can be sighted in this region are Black-throated Parrotbill, Himalayan Swiftlet, White-throated Needletail, Blue-winged Minla, Asian House-Martin, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Green-tailed Sunbird, Gray-chinned Minivet, White-naped Yuhina and Striated Laughingthrush.

Mishmi Hills

Situated on the Indo-Burma border, Mishmi Hills is a picturesque valley known for its offering of unique birding adventures. Located in the Himalayan region, this place welcomes native as well as Himalayan bird species attracting bird lovers in huge numbers. The region is home to over 345 species of birds some of which include Nepal House-Martin, Black Kite, Fulvous Parrotbill, Black-throated Parrotbill, Black Bulbul, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Green-tailed Sunbird, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Plain Mountain Finch, Ruddy Shelduck and many others.

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

Placed amidst rugged mountain belts of Arunachal Pradesh, the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 380 species of birds. While most of the birds can be easily sighted, some of them inhabit offbeat destinations that can only be accessed with the help of a local birding guide. Some of the popular birds are Black Kite, Himalayan Swiftlet, Nepal House-Martin, Black Bulbul, Black-throated Parrotbill, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Striated Bulbul, Great Barbet and Striated Yuhina.

Meghalaya

Tura Peak

Tura Peak's diverse habitat of the Eastern Himalayas is a major hotspot for birding adventures. Located in a close range of Nokrek National Park, the area is home to more than 175 species of birds that migrate from one place to another. Some of the popular birds of this region include Eastern Cattle Egret, Asian Palm Swift, Common Myna, Red-vented Bulbul, Indian White-eye, Little Egret, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Striated Yuhina and many others.

Shillong

Located on the east of Khashi Hills, the capital city of Shillong is a popular tourist destination known for its culture, heritage sites and rich tourist attractions. However, the city is well known among bird lovers as being home to more than 171 bird species. Some of the popular bird species of this region are the Blue-throated Flycatcher, Pied Cuckoo, Himalayan Cuckoo, Russet Bush Warbler, Spotted Elachura, Crested Finchbill, Collared Scops-Owl, Rufous Woodpecker, White-throated Bulbul and White-throated Bulbul.

Manipur

Keibul Lamjao National Park

The world’s only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao National Park is home to some of the rare and unheard animal species. Surrounded by wet grasslands and floating Phumdis, the national park is home to diverse bird species that are limited to this region. While most of them can be seen in the summers, winters are considered the best time to witness this bird species. Some of them are Barn Swallow, Black-naped Oriole, Striated Grassbird, Common Iora, Long-tailed Shrike, Greenish Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Common Tailorbird and Oriental Magpie-Robin.

Trekking Trails in Northeast

Mount Saramati, Nagaland

Placed at an altitude of 3,826m above sea level, Mount Saramati is one of the highest and most challenging trekking trails in this region. However, the trek can be completed irrespective of the trekking experience. The trek lasts for around 6 days which will take you to some of the popular valleys and villages of the region allowing you to immerse in the untouched beauty of nature. Winters are known to be the best time to explore the peaks of Mount Saramati with the help of local trekking guides.

Mount Japfu, Nagaland

Mount Japfu is the second highest peak of Nagaland with an altitude of 18,00m. However, the mountain is filled with rugged tracks and offbeat terrains that can be challenging. Despite the trek can be completed within 7 hours, it offers a whole lot of experience that cannot be described in words. If you have been seeking to go for a trek but with limited time in hand, the 7-hour trek to the top of Mount Japfu is the best option for you.

Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

Immerse yourself in a floral wonderland on the Dzukou Valley trek. The 2-day trek includes moderate trails through the meadows of bursting lilies and orchids vegetation. June to September is the best time for this take as it offers panoramic vistas of rolling hills and distant mountains, all while experiencing the simple charm of Nagaland tribes. The region is known for its harsh weather conditions, therefore, it is advised to carry proper woollen clothes along with raingear.

Nongriat Village, Meghalaya

Embark on a challenging yet rewarding adventure with the Nongriat Village trek in Meghalaya. Travel along thousands of stone paths amidst lush jungles to reach a haven of natural wonders. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and living root bridges, this trek is sure to amaze you at every moment of your trek. The short trek offers not just breathtaking scenery but also a glimpse into the unique culture of the Meghalaya.

Monpa Trail, Arunachal Pradesh

The Monpa Trail Trek in Arunachal Pradesh is not just a normal trek but offers a cultural and scenic adventure amidst lush valleys. Navigating through the ancestral lands of the Monpa tribe and learning about their traditions and language, the trekking route will allow explore villages, cascading waterfalls, and starry nights. The trek will not only challenge you with off-road trails but will take you to some of the splendid sceneries.

Seven Lakes, Arunachal Pradesh

The Seven Lakes Trek in Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure for determined individuals. From verdant grasslands to rainforests teeming with life to passing through the chain of seven glacial lakes nestled high in the Mishmi Hills. This trek is sure to offer you with experiences and memories to cherish for a lifetime. This trek requires a good level of fitness and preparation for high altitude to enjoy the trek in the best way possible.

Red Panda Tour in Northeast

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh

Steeped with unspoiled natural beauty and pleasant climatic conditions, the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is considered one of the best habitats for wild animals. From lush alpine vegetation to rich rhododendron forest, the sanctuary is one of the most prominent wildlife reserves of Northeast India. However, in recent years, the region has seemed to inhabit red pandas in the northern part of the forest which has been a major attraction among tourists. According to the survey conducted by the forest official of Arunachal Pradesh, the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary offers a perfect habitat for these small creatures which have been a major lead in attracting nature lovers in this region.