Orang National Park

If you are willing to spend some remarkable time amidst nature, the Orang National Park will surely amaze your soul with its rich scenic beauty and tranquillity. Located in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam, Orang National Park is popular for being the home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It is situated on the northern bank of the river Brahmaputra and that is one of the sole reasons behind the exotic serenity and harmony of this place.
Also, referred to as the ‘Mini Kaziranga Park’ for the similar scenery as that of the Kaziranga, this artistic piece of natural reserve has a lot to offer to its visitors than they can ever imagine. If you are thinking of heading to this beautiful natural park of Assam any sooner, read ahead and find out the complete details and attractions of the place as it will let you savour its spirit perfectly once you step in here.

History of the National Park

In the initial days, the Orang National Park was the home of a local tribe, Orang which seemed to have abandoned the area around 1900 because of an epidemic disease. Soon after, in the year of 1915, it was declared as a game reserve and its control was further given to the State Forest Department for fulfilling the demands of the “Project Tiger”.
The Orang Game Reserve was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year of 1985. The park was further renamed to Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in 1992 but had to remove it immediately due to the public strength against the renaming.
With a total area of 78.81 square km, the sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1999 and was officially renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park. As a result, it is quite often referred to as either Orang National Park or Rajiv Gandhi National Park as both the names are equally connected with the National Park after all the events.

Flora and Fauna in Orang National Park

The Orang National Park has been conserving and protecting a number of animals, birds and aquatic lives for years. This National Park is filled with dense greenery and forests and therefore, it is also known to be the home of a wide number of plants. The most dominant variety of species of flora and fauna which one can witness in this enormous National Park are:

Flora:

Orang National Park is filled with dense forests and is loaded with aged trees of different species as well as tall grasslands. There are several man-made ponds within the park and being located on the banks of the Brahmaputra river, this national park is known to be the haven of several aquatic plants too!
Some of the most- found plant species of the Orang National Park are:

• Zizyphus jujuba
• Enhydra flushians
• Bombax ceiba
• Litsaea polyantha
• Ipomea reptans
• Trewia nudiflora
• Arundo donax
• Dalbergia sisoo
• Imperata cylindrical
• Phragmites karka
• Sterculia villosa

Fauna:

The Orang National Park is widely popular for being home to the great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros and it also does witness the visit of several migratory birds among which the milky while pelicans are the most prominent ones! This place is known to have spotted more than 220 species of birds, making it an ideal place for birdwatching and it is also a vital breeding ground for various kind of fishes. Besides these, the other different species inhabiting in this well-reserved National Park are:

Mammals: Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Pygmy Hog, Wild water Buffalo, Wild boar, Maljuria Elephants, Rhesus macaque, Dolphins, Otters, different types of cat such as fishing cat, Jungle cat
Birds: Diversified range of water birds, Pintail Duck, Goose, Bengal Florican, Teal, Green Pigeon, Spot Billed Pelican, Brahminy Duck, Rudy Shelduck, Kingfisher, Black-necked Stork, Wooly-necked Stork
Reptiles: Different varieties of turtles and tortoise, Monitor Lizard, King Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Black Krait, Cobra

Things To Do At Orang National Park

The Orang National Park offers visitors an ample number of opportunities to explore the complete place in the best possible manner. From enjoying an elephant ride to clicking some amazing snaps of elegant butterflies and birds, one can spend their holidays amidst the wild in a number of exciting ways. Here are some of the suggestions you can opt for in order to cherish some amazing memories in the forests of the North-East.

Try out the guided wildlife tour

Even though the dense forests does not really offer a clear view of the long stretches of trees filled lands, opting for a guided safari tour in a jeep will provide you with the opportunity to see a wide range of vibrant coloured butterflies and birds belonging to extremely rare species.
If you visit during the early morning hours or at dusk, you can also get to spot a one-horned rhino, wild elephant, buffalo, deer and sometimes even a tiger! However, even if you end up to be not lucky enough to get a glance of any such animals, the trip through the lush green trees and high elephant grasses will surely boost up your spirit and will make you forget all your worries.

Enjoy some thrilling moments with an Elephant Safari

The most favourable way to get the complete essence of the trip is by grabbing the opportunity of an elephant ride. Organised by the forest department, these elephants are well-trained ones who will let you traverse through the places where the jeep or normal vehicle are incapable of reaching. There is also an elephant training camp located by the banks of the Pasnoi river where you can visit and spend some remarkable time by witnessing the daily chores and activities of those magnificent animals.

Go for birdwatching

The Orang National Park is the home to a huge variety of birds and many of them are of extremely rare species. If you are a nature or animal lover, you are definitely going to enjoy the act of birdwatching immensely.
The National Park is the smallest one when compared to the other National Parks of Assam. However, the variety of bird species which are available here is really a remarkable number. Besides that, a number of migratory birds visit this place every year at the different swamps of the jungle. Some of the birds which can be easily spotted here are Bengal Florican, Stork, White Pelican, Spot-Billed Pelican, etc.

Opt for a breathtaking cruising on the Brahmaputra

With the initiative of the Assam Bengal Navigation Luxury Cruise, the travelers are offered a completely unique way to explore the park from one end to another. Take the river cruise at the Brahmaputra River and get an enchanting experience like never before.

How to Reach the National Park

The ideal way to reach the Orang National Park is by boarding any of the public transports or by availing the taxi services that are available from both Guwahati and Tezpur.

By Air:

The nearest airport is located at Salonibari Village, Tezpur and it is 60 km from the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. A number of cab and bus services are available near the airport and one can easily opt for those to reach the National Park.

By Road:

All the major cities of Northeastern India and the nearby towns are well-connected by road and it is one of the most convenient ways to travel. Also, both government and private vehicles are available at regular intervals that travels to the Orang National Park.

By Railways:

The Saloni rail station is the nearest one to the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. However, one needs to take a cab or avail the government or public modes of transportation for reaching the National Park.

Distance from Nearby and Major Cities

Assam is well connected by roadways and that is what makes it to be a perfect fit for having an amazing road trip. It is connected with all the major cities of India and as a result, people from all over the country prefer to explore the Northeastern states via road. Here is a list of the distance between the major cities and the Orang National Park.

• Tezpur- 65 km
• Salonibari- 66km
• Mangaldai- 38km
• Guwahati- 109km
• Agartala- 648km
• Shillong- 202km
• Cherrapunjee- 251km
• Imphal- 486km
• Itanagar- 217km
• Kolkata- 1051km
• Gangtok- 576km
• Siliguri- 511km

Climatic Conditions

The summer season usually starts here from April and extends till mid-June. This National Park experiences extremely hot and humid weather conditions during the summertime as the temperature quite often can reach up to 30 degree Celsius whereas the nights are quite pleasant and soothing compared to the daytime.
The Orang National Park endures subtropical monsoon from the months of July to the starting days of October. Even though the natural appeal of the place looks astounding during the days of heavy rain, it becomes next to impossible to get done with the sightseeing activities during those days.
Whereas the Winter season which starts from the mid of November and stays till mid-March offers the most comfortable weather conditions which are perfectly fit for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The temperatures normally range between 12 to 21 degree Celsius during this time. Even though the nights might often get extremely chilly with the temperature falling to 5 degree Celsius, the weather conditions do not really end up being as harsh as that of the summer days.

Best Time to Visit Orang National Park

The winter months are the only time of the year that does not witness any harsh climate. Moreover, it offers calm and soothing weather for getting done with the sightseeing and other notable activities with ease. Therefore, the best time to visit the Orang National Park is from the mid of November to February.

Best Places to Stay near Orang National Park

The Orang National Park is located at an extremely remote location. That is why there is no such hotels or resorts located in close proximity of the forest except the lodges and dormitories of the forest department.
However, you can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the nearest cities. Here is a list of the best hotels and resorts located near the Orang National Park.

The Greenwood Hotel, Tezpur

Located in a premium location, this hotel is well-known for offering tourists a homely ambience. You can live in this place with ease and have an extremely comfy experience and enjoy all the modern facilities of the hotel.
Address: P.O. Dekargaon, Baruachuburi, Tezpur 784501 India

Hotel KRC Palace

Located in close proximity to the Orang National Park, this hotel offers quality amenities to its customers on an affordable budget. Spend an amazing vacation here and relish the great moments forever!
Address: J.N. Road Kacharigaon, Tezpur 784001 India

Brahmaputra Jungle Resort

Highly popular for providing a number of exciting sports activities for both kids and adults, this resort is located upon a hilltop which will let you enjoy a breathtaking experience.
Address: Near Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Guwahati 782402 India

The Guwahati Address by Centre Point

If you are willing to live in a cosy space with all the modern amenities and also want to enjoy a tranquil environment at the same time, this hotel is going to be the perfect choice for you.
Address: 45 / 46, R G Baruah Road Zoo Road Tiniali, Guwahati 781 024 India

Nearby Major Attractions from Orang National Park

The North-eastern states of India are having grand and vibrant cultural traditions and rich natural beauty. A number of charming tourist destinations are located near the Orang National Park which definitely deserves your visit. Here are the top ones which you should not miss out on any chance.

Bhairabkunda

Located on the border of Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Bhairabkunda is well-known as the merging point of the Bhairabi River and the Dhansiri River, a major tributary of the river Brahmaputra. The place also has a beautiful dam. You can comfortably take a stroll in the area with the help of a local guide.

Sualkuchi Village

This stunning village is located amidst lush greenery and mountains and is widely popular in the country for being the centre of Assam’s textile production. Commonly referred to as the Manchester of North-East, this weaver’s village is the habitat of the experts who specialise in two types of silk which are Muga and Pat. Besides its Handloom industry, this place has an enriching scenic beauty as well.

Madan Kamdev Temple

The Madan Kamdev Complex is an archaeological site which is spread over a huge area that has the vestiges of 13 temples. Commonly referred to as the Mini Khajuraho of Assam, this temple has a number of sculptures portraying erotic acts and expressions similar to those of the Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh.

Bamuni Hills

The Bamuni Hills of the Sonitpur district is famous for having intricate relics from the old times which will let you take a glimpse of the illustrious past of the area.The stone carvings and sculptures are awestrucking beautiful and will take you back to the Pala period of 10th to 12th century A.D.

Major nearby places of attractions are Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary,Khali Neoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Patharughat Swaheed Minar, Chitralekha Udyan and many more!

Other National Parks in Assam

Assam has a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries scattered at different areas of the state. Except for the Orang National Park, there are four other ones which include the Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park and the Dibru Saikhowa National Park.

Kaziranga National Park

The lush green jungles of Kaziranga National Park are famous all around the globe for being the home to the one-horned rhinoceros. Besides that, it also does have numerous rare species of birds, a huge range of avifauna including the Himalayan Griffon, Fishing Eagle, and numerous other animals such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, etc. From jeep safaris, boat tours to elephant safaris, Kaziranga offers travellers a number of options to choose from for how they are willing to explore the whole space of the park.

Manas National Park

Because of the rich biodiversity of this National Park, it has got its recognition as the World Heritage Site as it has the rare forested inclines of the Himalayas. Besides that, the regular shifting of courses of the Manas river is one of the major grantors of the beauty of this National Park. Located in the northeastern parts of Assam, the Manas National Park do share its border with Bhutan. This national park experiences a tropical monsoon-like climate all along the year and it is also the habitat of more than twenty-five endangered species of the world.

Nameri National Park

The major attraction of this national park is that it has a beautiful and well-maintained elephant reserve where the tourists are provided with the opportunity to interact with the grand creatures with ease. It is also home to some of the rarest species of birds and animals. However, another main attraction of the Nameri National Park is its breathtaking view of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas and the endless grasslands of orchids. The location of this national park is an extremely uncommon one and it does share a sharp boundary with Arunachal Pradesh and is kind of also merged with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary which enhances the elegance of this place immensely!

Dibru Saikhowa National Park

The swampy and damp wetlands of the Tinsukia district attracts more than 500 different species of migratory birds and is also home to a varied range of native ones. The major reason behind its stunning scenic beauty is that the majority of the portions of this national park is still present in pristine form and has different kinds of rare creatures living in its forests. Besides the jeep safari and birdwatching, the boat tour is also equally engaging as it offers the tourists the opportunity to spot the Gangetic river dolphins easily.

Travel Tips on Orang National Park

• ⦁ Do not forget to get a permit from the Divisional Forest Officer, Mangaldoi as you won’t be allowed to enter the National Park without it.
• ⦁ Try to carry a binocular if you want to spot some rare species of birds.
• ⦁ Make sure to maintain the quiet and calmness of the jungle as that would increase your chances to get to view animals and birds.
• ⦁ Do not litter the place with plastics and other waste materials which can be harmful to the animals.
• ⦁ In order to stay at the forest dormitory or tourist lodge of the forest department, you need to make prior reservations as both of them has a limited accommodation facility.

Useful Contact Details

⦁ For web-related matters, contact the Directorate of Tourism,
Government of Assam:
Phone Number: +91 -361-2547102/2542748
Fax: +91-361-2547102
Email id: directortourism1@gmail.com

⦁ Assam Tourism Development Corporation:
Phone Number: +91-361-2633654
Fax: +91-361-2547102
Email id: info@assamtourismonline.com
⦁ For RTI and Budget related matters, contact the Deputy Director of Tourism,
Gov. of Assam:
Phone Number: 99542-92052

⦁ For Grievance related matters, contact the Tourist Information Officer,
Gov. of Assam:
Phone Number: 9101253718

⦁ Office of the Deputy Director of Tourism, Kaziranga:
Phone Number: +91 3776-262423/ 94351-82451/
91010-72091/ 86387 – 92236

⦁ Kaziranga National Park Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +91 3776-262423/ +91 9954292052

⦁ Guwahati, Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +91 9854934904

⦁ Tezpur Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +86386-11883

⦁ Haflong Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +91-9678744347

⦁ Bhalukpong Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +9186386-11883

⦁ Pobitora Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +91-9707122492

⦁ Nagaon Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +9186383-44534/ 91270-60544

⦁ Sivasagar Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +91 81330-89993

⦁ Diphu Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +91 9854026100

⦁ Barpeta Road Tourist Information Office:
Phone Number: +91-9854049790

⦁ Dhubri Tourist Information Officer:
Phone Number: +91-99540-90770

⦁ Divisional Forest Officer, Mangaldoi Wildlife Division,
Mangaldai, Darrang
Telephone Number: 03713- 230022

⦁ Range Forest Officer, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Silbori
Telephone Number: 03712- 282379

Frequently Asked Questions