Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Guwahati

Location :Sonitpur District, Assam
Coverage area : 175-sq-kms
Main attraction : Elephant & Indian Bison
Best time to visit :November to March
Nearby excursions :
Nearby cities :Tezpur

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is the pride of Assam, which has received vital acknowledgment as one of the major wildlife hubs of this region. Extending along the Great Himalayan foothills, it is the most prominent one among the eighteen wildlife sanctuaries and six national parks in Assam. It is considered as a jewel in the state of Assam, and for reasons justified. Nature has bestowed with its best of flora and fauna, and the total ambience lies

in the lap of lush greenery which adds charm, excitement and thrill to this lifetime experience.

The area was declared as a sanctuary in 1998 by the Department of Environment and Forests, Assam to protect the vegetation, animals and birds. Not only for its most famous one-horned rhinoceros, Indian bison and elephant, the region is also immensely popular for its picturesque scenic surrounding which attracts tourists from all over the country.

Location of Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Guwahati

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is located 52 km from Tezpur town and 193 km away from Guwahati. Spread over an area of 220 sq km, the core area covers 175 sq km extending over the foothills of the Himalayan range.

Climatic conditions

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary experiences a sub-tropical type of climate with hot and humid summers, with heavy summer rains often causing flood and river overflows. The average temperature during summer is 29 degree Celsius. The winters are cold and dry with an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. The sub-tropical climate gives rise to the rich vegetation for which the region is exclusively famous.

Best time to visitSonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Guwahati

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March when the temperature is cool and pleasant. One can avoid rains and floods during monsoons if travelling during the winters.

Animals that inhabit the sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuary is famous for Indian bison, elephant and one-horned rhinoceros which are the main attractions of the region. If you are lucky enough, get ready to spot some rare species of cats. Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary houses tiger, barking deer, hog deer, leopard, wild boar, squirrel, wild pig, gaur, fox, pygmy hog, swamp deer to name a few.

The avifauna is equally rich with some of the residential birds like pelican, white slender-billed vulture, white-winged wood duck and rufous-necked hornbill swarming the region with their vibrant hues throughout the year. Migratory birds from Siberia and Mongolia fly down to join the bunch to make the region more beautiful. Reptiles like Russel?s viper, python, Indian krait etc. are some of the major reptiles species found in the region.

The flora of Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is worth mentioning with captivating landscapes rich in natural vegetation covering the entire region. Some of the exotic species of plants and trees with medical values are found exclusively here. The floristic combination is rare with many herbs, rosewood, teak and sandal commonly traceable.

Distance of Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Guwahati from major cities:

Tezpur, 52 km
Guwahati, 159 km
Dispur, 167 km
Jorhat, 235 km
Shillong, 252 km
Silchar, 419 km
Kolkata, 1075 km
Lucknow, 1427 km
Delhi, 1985 km
Hyderabad, 2461 km
Chennai, 2656 km
Mumbai, 2752 km
Bangalore, 3050 km

How to reach the National park ?

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Airways

Salonibari airport is the nearest airport located 45 km from the sanctuary.
One can avail regular bus and taxi services directly from the airport to the sanctuary.

Railways

Rangapara is the nearest railway station, at 60 km away from the sanctuary.
Bhalukpong railway station, at 130 km, is another option which is well-connected with the major cities of the country.
Taxi services are available from both the stations to reach the sanctuary directly.

Roadways

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected with Guwahati, Sonitput and other major cities of Assam via road.
Frequent government buses as well as private tour operating buses are available at affordable rates from Tezpur bus stand, located 90 km from the sanctuary.

Accommodation facilities

Forest Inspection Bungalow at Tezpur can be a good option, you need to contact the Divisional Forest Officer for accommodation permission. Private hotel ranging in budget and facilities are also available at Tezpur along with rest houses set up by Assam Forest Department.

Things to do

Spot the attractions !

Indian bisons, elephants, one-horned rhino and several rare species of cats ? how many could you spot? Don?t forget to keep your eyes and cameras ready.

The migratory birds joining the residential species

The count is huge when the birds from Siberia and Mongolia migrate to join the residential birds. Get enthralled by the activities of two winged bird species, which is exciting especially for the bird lovers.

Divulge in the scenic beauty

Assam and its appealing hills and luxurious landscapes, presents a visual treat for your eyes. The captivating landscapes affluent in natural vegetation showcases a rare combination of flora which is unique and distinct to this place and hard to find anywhere else close by.

Conclusion

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect example of the rich flora and fauna that Assam has to offer to the world. It stands as a pride for the state with its immense natural excellence that tops up with the right dose of fauna and avifauna.