Image Source: Dhruba Jyoti Baruah
About Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, located in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts of Assam, is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Northeast India. Declared a biosphere reserve in 1997, this park is famous for its lush semi-evergreen forests, wetland ecosystems, and grasslands that lie along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers. The park is especially renowned as a birdwatching haven, drawing nature lovers, ornithologists, and wildlife photographers from across the world. It is also among the few national parks in India where visitors can spot the rare feral horses roaming freely in the wild.
Layout and Geography
Spread across 765 square kilometres, Dibru-Saikhowa lies at the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers, giving it a unique riverine ecosystem. The park comprises a mosaic of wetlands, sandbars, grasslands, and swamp forests that support rich biodiversity. Its terrain changes dramatically with the seasonal floods of the Brahmaputra, which nourish the soil and create dynamic habitats for flora and fauna. The Maguari Beel wetlands inside the park are hotspots for migratory birds, while the semi-evergreen forests provide shelter to elephants, wild buffalo, tigers, and leopards.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
Dibru-Saikhowa is home to more than 380 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot the white-winged wood duck, Bengal florican, Pallas’s fish eagle, black-breasted parrotbill, and swamp francolin, along with migratory species that arrive from Central Asia during the winter. Apart from birds, the park shelters Asiatic elephants, swamp deer, Gangetic river dolphins, and wild boars. One of its unique highlights is the presence of feral horses, believed to have descended from animals left behind by the British during World War II.
Activities and Experiences
Unlike other national parks, Dibru-Saikhowa does not allow jeep safaris. Instead, the best way to explore it is through eco-friendly boat rides, river cruises, and guided nature trails. Birdwatching excursions and camping near the park are popular among visitors. The river dolphin sighting tours on the Brahmaputra are a must for wildlife enthusiasts, offering glimpses of the endangered Gangetic dolphins in their natural habitat.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport (Mohanbari Airport), around 40 km from the park.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Tinsukia Railway Station, approximately 10 km away, with regular trains connecting to Guwahati and other parts of India.
By Road: The park is well connected by road, with buses and taxis available from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Travelers can also opt for private vehicles for a comfortable journey.