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WHY IS DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK FAMOUS?
Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of the five National Parks of Assam, India. It was declared as a biosphere reserve in 1997 with an area of 765 square km, including a core area of 340 square km and a buffer zone of 425 square km. It was declared as Dibru Reserve Forest in 1890. In 1920 and 1933, additional area was added to it to expand its area. It was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1986 and later it was declared as a National Park in 1999. It is one of the 19 biodiversity hotspots of the world. It is also known as the largest Salix swamp forest in northeast India. Also, it is believed to be the second largest river island National park in the world. It is a home of many endangered species of plants, animals, and birds. It is mainly popular for bird watchers because of the beautiful and rare species of birds found here. The melodious echoes of the chirruping birds make it a bird’s paradise. During winter, some migratory birds are also seen. White Winged Wood Duck and Wild Horses are the main attractions among the animals. Wild horses are found in Churkey Sapori island where you can go during monsoon season.
The park is divided into seven parts. It consists of semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests, and wet evergreen forests. The best time to visit is from November to April. During monsoon, it is flooded with the waters of the mighty Brahmaputra, so travel during this time should not be considered.
WHERE IS DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK?
Dibru Saikhuwa National Park is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia district of Assam, India, on the south bank of Brahmaputra, in the extreme east of Assam. The distance from Tinsukia is 12 km. It is around 500 km away from Guwahati, Assam. There are two entry points to the park- Guijan Ghat and Saikhowa Ghat. The north side of the park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit river and the Southside is bounded by the Dibru River. It is at an altitude of 118 m above sea level.
HOW IS THE CLIMATE OF DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK?
It has a tropical monsoon climate and hot and wet summer with cool and dry winter. The average annual rainfall ranges from 2300 mm to 3800 mm. The temperature of the place ranges from 7 degrees centigrade to 34 degrees centigrade. The months of June, July, and August are the hottest time, and December and January are the coolest time.
WHAT KINDS OF FLORA AND FAUNA ARE FOUND IN DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK?
FLORA: The lush green of the park has a large number of rare vegetations. There are many rare medicinal plants. Evergreen plants, bamboo, deciduous forests, grasslands, etc are found there. Some of the plants found there are- Mesua ferrea, Arundo donax, Erianthus ravanea, Tetrasperma, Bombax ceiba, Phragmaties Karka, Imperata Cylindrica etc. The largest Immortal tree species Kekjori tree is also found there.
FAUNA: There are around 36 species of mammals found there. Some of them are Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Small Indian Civet, Barking Deer, Feral Horses, Slow Loris, Assamese Macaque, Jungle Cat, Hollock Gibbon, Water Buffalo, Wild Pigs, Gangetic Dolphin, Dhole, Bears, Sambar, Capped Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Hog Deer, Chinese Pangolin, Wild Pig, etc. It is mainly famous for wild horses called Feral horses. Among these, 12 species are listed in schedule 1 of Wild Life Act 1972.
BIRDS: It is known as Important Bird Area(IBA) with the MagurBeel comprising of different species of birds and aquatic animals. There are almost 350- 400 species of birds. Some of the species are- Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Adjacent Stork, Openbill Stork, Black-Necked Stork, Grey Leg Goose, Baer’s Pochard, Great Pied Hornbill, Jerdon's Babbler, Marsh Babbler, Kingfishers, Greater Crested Grebe, Spot Billed Pelican, Greater Spotted Eagle, Black Breasted Parrot Bill, Griffon Vulture, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Large Cormorant, White Winged Wood Duck, Large Whistling Teal, Pale Capped Pigeon, Swamp Prinia, Yellow Weaver, Swamp Patridge, White Bellied Heron, etc.
REPTILES: The park full of reptiles too. There are 2 species Monitor Lizards, 8 species of Turtles and 8 species of snakes are recorded till now.
Besides these, Dibru Saikhuwa National Park is also rich with its fish diversity where many rare and endangered species of fishes are found. The number of species of fishes is almost 62.
There are no roads inside the jungle, so elephant safari or vehicle safari is not possible. You can explore it by trekking or by boat.
WHY THE KEKJORI TREE OF DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK IS FAMOUS FOR?
Every year, this tree inside the park attracts a lot of tourists from everywhere. This tree is over hundred years old and is situated in the heart of the Park. According to the local villagers, this tree has been found here from their ancestors. They believe it as a sacred tree and also believe that cutting this tree is bad for them. It takes around 15 minutes through Dibru river and then 30 minutes of the trek to witness this tree.
WHAT IS THE HOUSEBOAT SERVICE OF DIBRU SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK?
Dibru Saikhowa National Park is famous for river cruising due to this boat service by which you can explore the park via boat. These boat services allow day-long package services. These boats are often luxurious and you can have the experience of a magnificent view of the forest and the wildlife with comfort. Many activities like beach volleyball and campfire are also available there. You can get smaller boats for small groups or families with cheaper price but you will not get food and lodging facilities.
HOW TO REACH DIBRU SAIKHOWA?
BY AIR: The nearest airport is at Dibrugarh, around 40 km from Tinsukia. From there, you can book a cab or go by bus. It takes only two hours.
BY TRAIN: There are two nearby stations- Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
BY ROAD: Tinsukia is around 10 km from the Guijan entry point and around 50 km from Dhola entry point. Road service is available from Tinsukia by bus, taxi or auto.
You have to be issued written permission from Park authority to enter the National Park. Entry during nights is strictly prohibited. Night halt and picnic party inside the is prohibited. Inside it, activities like poaching, development, forestry, hunting etc are strictly prohibited.
WHERE TO STAY IN DIBRU SAIKHOWA?
There is lodging facility available at Guijan Forest IB for which you have to book in advance. Also, there are other hotels and eco-resorts available, so you no need to worry about that. Some of the hotels and resorts are - Banashree Eco camp, KG Eco camp, Chai Seed Resort, Padmini Resort, etc.
WHAT ARE THE NEARBY PLACES TO VISIT IN DIBRU SAIKHOWA?
1. MAGURI BEEL:- Maguri Beel is considered to be a part of Dibru Saikhowa National Park. It contains mixed grasses, many species of birds, waterfowl, and many rare and endangered species of fishes. It is located on the south bank of the Dibru River. It is not yet declared as a protected area, so the local people use it for fishing regularly and it has become a resource for many families. The major population of Ruddy Shelducks is found there. Some other species of bird found there are- Ferruginous Duck, Falcated Duck, Marsh Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Bar Headed Goose, Spotted Dove, Vulture, Black Breasted Parrot Bill, etc.
2. CHURKEY SAPORI:- The large population of Feral Horses is found on this small island near Dibru Saikhowa National Park. These were domesticated horses but during World war two, the forces left them there in Churkey Sapori. There are around 50 Feral Horses found there. During monsoon seasons, they are spotted in groups and that scene is really wonderful.
3. LAIKA FOREST VILLAGE:- Inside the area of Dibru Saikhowa National Park, there are villages like Laika, Dodhia, which are the home of the local tribes like Mishing, Moran, Muttock, etc. The way of their lifestyle is very different and filled with traditional practices. These are far from the modern area of living and have their unique characteristics. So, if you are visiting Dibru Saikhowa National Park, you should visit these villages too to have the experience of the unique lifestyle.
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