Les sanctuaires de faune de l'Assam : Kaziranga et au-delà

Assam, located in India’s northeastern region, is a biodiversity hotspot and home to several incredible wildlife sanctuaries. While Kaziranga National Park is globally renowned for its one-horned rhinoceroses, Assam’s wildlife extends far beyond, offering a rich blend of flora, fauna, and natural beauty. If you’re a nature lover or wildlife enthusiast, this region offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Let’s dive deep into the wonders of Kaziranga and other hidden gems for travelers.

1. Kaziranga National Park: The Jewel of Assam

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perhaps Assam’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. It spans across 430 square kilometers and is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. But there’s more to Kaziranga than just rhinos. The park also boasts elephants, tigers, swamp deer, and a variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Key Attractions:

• One-horned Rhinoceroses: Over 2,400 rhinos reside in Kaziranga.
• Elephant Safaris: Traverse the park’s grasslands on an elephant for an up-close view of its wildlife.
• Birdwatching: Look for rare species like the Bengal Florican and Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
• Tiger Spotting: While elusive, Kaziranga’s tigers can occasionally be spotted in the park’s thick forests.

Best Time to Visit:

• November to April: The dry season is the best time to spot animals, as they gather around water sources.

Entry Fees:

• Foreign Nationals: $15 (₹1,200)
• Indian Nationals: $6 (₹500)
• Elephant Safari: $40 (₹3,300)
• Jeep Safari: $35 (₹2,900)

2. Manas National Park: A UNESCO Treasure

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas National Park, lies at the foothills of the Himalayas and offers stunning landscapes and wildlife diversity. It is home to Bengal tigers, golden langurs, and pygmy hogs, along with various bird species.

Key Attractions:

• Bengal Tigers: Manas is a designated Tiger Reserve, offering a greater chance of tiger sightings.
• White-winged Wood Duck: A rare bird species found in the region’s wetlands.
• River Rafting: Take a thrilling ride along the Manas River to experience wildlife and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit:

• October to April: Ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

Entry Fees:

• Foreign Nationals: $15 (₹1,200)
• Indian Nationals: $5 (₹400)
• Jeep Safari: $30 (₹2,500)

3. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: Rhino Heaven

If Kaziranga’s popularity deters you, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary offers an alternative with a dense rhino population packed into a much smaller area (only 38 square kilometers). This makes rhino sightings almost guaranteed.

Key Attractions:

• Rhinos in Abundance: Pobitora boasts one of the highest densities of rhinos.
• Jeep and Elephant Safaris: These are the most popular ways to explore Pobitora.

Best Time to Visit:

• November to March: Ideal for spotting rhinos and enjoying the sanctuary’s peaceful surroundings.

Entry Fees:

• Foreign Nationals: $10 (₹800)
• Indian Nationals: $4 (₹300)
• Jeep Safari: $25 (₹2,000)
• Elephant Safari: $30 (₹2,500)

4. Nameri National Park: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Nestled along the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Nameri National Park is a haven for birdwatchers and trekkers. The park is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity zone, home to hornbills, eagles, and even the elusive clouded leopard.

Key Attractions:

• White-winged Duck: Nameri is one of the last strongholds for this rare bird.
• Trekking and River Rafting: Nameri is one of the few parks that allows guided walking safaris.
• Rafting on the Jia Bhoroli River: A tranquil rafting experience while spotting birds and wildlife along the riverbank.

Best Time to Visit:

• November to March: The weather is pleasant, and animals are more active during this period.

Entry Fees:

• Foreign Nationals: $10 (₹800)
• Indian Nationals: $4 (₹300)
• Jeep Safari: $25 (₹2,000)
• Rafting: $20 (₹1,600)

5. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: India’s River Island Sanctuary

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a unique river island sanctuary in Assam, located on the Brahmaputra. Known for its rich birdlife and feral horses, the park is a dream for nature lovers and photographers.

Key Attractions:

• Feral Horses: Dibru-Saikhowa is one of the few places in India where you can spot wild horses.
• River Cruises: Explore the park through river cruises, offering a peaceful way to observe wildlife.
• Birdwatching: Over 350 species of birds can be found here, making it a birding hotspot.

Best Time to Visit:

• November to March: The cool weather and active wildlife make this the best period.

Frais d'inscription :

• Ressortissants étrangers: 8$ (650₹)
• Ressortissants indiens: 3$ (250₹)
• Croisière fluviale: 40$ (3 300₹)

Conseils de voyage pratiques pour les sanctuaires de faune de l'Assam

• Vêtements: Portez des vêtements clairs de couleur neutre pour ne pas déranger la faune. Une bonne paire de chaussures de randonnée est essentielle.
• Permis: Vérifiez toujours les conditions d'entrée et obtenez les permis nécessaires à l'avance.
• Hébergement: La plupart des sanctuaires proposent des lodges et des maisons d'hôtes respectueux de l'environnement. Il est fortement recommandé de réserver à l'avance, surtout en haute saison.
• Guides et safaris: Embaucher un guide local ou participer à un safari est le meilleur moyen d'explorer ces sanctuaires en toute sécurité et d'acquérir des connaissances approfondies.

Comment s'y rendre

• Par avion: L'aéroport international Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi de Guwahati est le principal aéroport le plus proche et sert de porte d'entrée aux sanctuaires animaliers de l'Assam.
• Par chemin de fer: Les principales gares ferroviaires telles que Guwahati et Tezpur permettent d'accéder facilement à des sanctuaires tels que Kaziranga, Manas et Nameri.
• Par Road: L'Assam possède un bon réseau routier. Vous pouvez louer un taxi ou une voiture depuis Guwahati pour rejoindre les sanctuaires de faune.

Les sanctuaires fauniques de l'Assam offrent bien plus qu'une simple occasion de voir des animaux rares ; ils offrent un lien unique avec la nature. Qu'il s'agisse de suivre les majestueux rhinocéros de Kaziranga, d'observer des oiseaux rares à Nameri ou de naviguer sur les eaux sereines de Dibru-Saikhowa, l'Assam promet des expériences inoubliables.

Prêt à explorer la nature sauvage de l'Assam ? Laisse Bonjour Tours créez l'aventure animalière parfaite pour vous. Qu'il s'agisse de safaris personnalisés ou de lodges écologiques, nous ferons en sorte que votre voyage soit fluide et mémorable. Réservez dès maintenant et commencez votre voyage en Assam !

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