RAJIV GANDHI ORANG NATIONAL PARK:the nature strike back

It is hard to believe that till the year 1900,the most of the area under present Orang National Park was a densely populated village.The black fever struck and the village was abandoned.Very soon nature reclaimed the area as forest. It is really wonderful to witness the regenerative power of the natural forces.

         In 1915 it was declared as Game Reserve bearing an area of 80.54 sq. km. After the ban on hunting in 1972, the area was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985, and latter on upgraded to National Park in 1999.

          At present the park comprises an area of 78.82 sq. km and is famous for its natural scenic beauty an rich variety of flora and fauna.

       Location: The park is located in the northern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra, at the junction of Darrang and Sonitpur district of Assam. It is situated under longitude 92  15’ E and 92 27’ E and latitude 26 29’ N and 26 40’ N.

         Landscape: The park is famous for scenic beauty that snatches the attention of the tourists. The area on the whole is a flat land with few depressions and the terrain is gently sloped from north to south. Numerous streams are running from north to south.

      Flora: The floral wealth of the park is very significant. Planted forest, Natural forest, aquatic and non aquatic grass/plants are to be found among the microflora of the park. Planted forest patches are composed of species like Dalbergia sisoo,Bombax ceiba, Acacia catechu, Terminalia myriocarpa, Anthrocephalus kadamba, etc.

       The natural forest species are like bombax ceiba, Dalbergia sisoo, Sterculia villosa, Trewia nudiflora, Zizypphus jujuba, Litsaea polyyantha, etc.

    Among the non aquatic grassland species the prominent are phragmites karka, Arundo donax, Imperata cylindrical Saccarum spp. Etc.

     The aquatic grass/plants species are Andropogon spp., Ipomea reptans, Enhydra flushians, Nymphia spp., Wichormia spp. Etc.

          Animals: The park has a very dense population of tiger . The great Indian One Horned Rhino is the flagship species of the park.

   Among other mammals Asiatic Elephant,Hog Deer, Wild Boar,Indian pangolin, Porcupine, Fox, Small Indian Civet, otter, Leopard cat, Fishing cat, Rhesus Macaque, Blind Gangetic Dolphin are to be noted.

                   Birds: The Avian fauna of the park is very rich. Important avifauna are Bengal Florican, spot-billed pelican black-necked stork, Greater Adjutant stork, Wooly-necked stork, Rudy shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Pintail, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle and number of others including forest and grassland birds.

      Reptiles:  Among reptiles Monitor lizard, Indian Rock Python, Viper, Krait, Cobra and 9 species of turtles are known till now.   

            Amphibians: Amphibian diversity is very high in the park. 19 species of amphibians have been identified so far.

           Climate: The area enjoys typical subtropical monsoon climate and major precipitation occurs during the period from May to September.

            Best time to visit:  The park remains open  for tourists from October to June. The best time to visit Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park is November to May.

          Facilities Available for Tourists:  Elephant rides, Jeep safari available .

 

     Others Facilities Available for Tourist: India-Bhutan border visit, The Most Beautifull Tea Garden visit and many more .

 

 Accommadation: Accommadation Wise the park has very good facility. “Prashaanti Tourism Complex” at Silbori (Behind the park) by ATDC is really a nice place to relax.

    It has 8 double rooms (including 4 AC rooms) and 2 cottage (AC) Dormitory facility is also available.

    The complex also has a coferenceroom for about 100 person.

The complex is very nicely maintained with 24 hour hot and cold running water and power backup system. Food is delicious. The ng for you from down to dusk.

 

Access: By Air: Nearest airport is Borjhar,Guwahati.

BY Rail: The nearest railhead is Rongapara (Tezpur).

However Guwahati may be more convenient for people coming from outside Assam.

By Road: Orang can be approached from Dhansirighat and Dalgaon (on NH15). It is about 50 km from Tezpur, and 120 km from Guwahati.The park is 15 km off the national highway(Dalgaon and Dhansirighat).

Booking of Accomodation: contact for accommodation: +919085889178, +919706641135

balcony has a nice view of the park where numerous different varieties of birds sing for you from down to dusk.

Access: By Air: Nearest airport is Borjhar,Guwahati.

BY Rail: The nearest railhead is Rongapara (Tezpur).

However Guwahati may be more convenient for people coming from outside Assam.

 

By Road: Orang can be approached from Dhansirighat and Dalgaon (on NH15). It is about 50 km from Tezpur, and 120 km from Guwahati.The park is 15 km off the national highway(Dalgaon and Dhansirighat).