Trip To Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary With Family

Tucked away in the pristine hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its diverse ecosystem, vibrant flora, and rare fauna, this sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking an escape into the heart of nature. Situated in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh, near the Assam border, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary remains one of the most unexplored and tranquil gems in Northeast India.

In this guest post, we’ll take a closer look at why Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for those passionate about wildlife, birdwatching, and ecotourism.

Location and Accessibility

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, around 60 kilometers from the town of Bomdila and about 100 kilometers from Tezpur in Assam. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from both Bomdila and Tezpur, with well-maintained roads leading to the entrance of the sanctuary. While public transportation options are limited, hiring a private vehicle or using local taxis is the best way to reach the sanctuary.

The nearest airport is Tezpur in Assam, which is about 100 kilometers away, while the closest railhead is also in Tezpur. After reaching these cities, visitors can travel by road to the sanctuary, which will take approximately 3-4 hours.

A Rich Biodiversity Haven

Spanning over 217 square kilometers, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, offering an incredible array of flora and fauna. The altitude of the sanctuary varies between 500 meters to 3,200 meters, making it an ideal habitat for numerous species that thrive in varying climatic conditions.

Flora: The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species, ranging from tropical and subtropical to temperate and alpine types. The lower altitudes are covered by lush evergreen forests, while the higher altitudes feature temperate and alpine vegetation. The forest types found here include tropical broadleaf forests, subtropical pine forests, and temperate coniferous forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of species.

Fauna: Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of animal species, including some that are rare and endangered. Among the animals found here are tigers, leopards, wild boars, elephants, goral, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears. The sanctuary is also home to several species of primates, such as the

Hoolock gibbons, the only ape species found in India.

Birdwatching Paradise

One of the main attractions of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is its incredible birdlife. The sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds recorded, including both migratory and resident species. The sanctuary’s varied elevations and rich vegetation types create perfect conditions for a wide array of bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in India.

Some of the key bird species found in the sanctuary include:

West Himalayan Bird: Known for its unique appearance and vibrant plumage, this species can be found in the upper reaches of the sanctuary.

Eagle species: The sanctuary is named after the numerous species of eagles that inhabit the region. Visitors may spot the Steppe eagle, Mountain eagle, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle.

Pygmy Blue Flycatcher: This small, brightly colored bird is a popular sight among birdwatchers.

Black-headed Shrike: A striking bird, easily recognizable by its distinctive black and white feathers.

Rufous-necked Hornbill: This magnificent bird is a rare sight and a major attraction for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The best time for birdwatching at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is during the months of October to April, when the weather is pleasant, and migratory birds can be spotted in the sanctuary.

Activities at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

While Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is best known for its rich birdlife, there are several activities that visitors can enjoy during their stay:

Birdwatching: As mentioned, birdwatching is the main activity for most visitors to the sanctuary. With an experienced guide, visitors can hike through the forest trails, spotting various species of birds along the way. The sanctuary is home to several bird hides and watchtowers, which provide excellent vantage points for birdwatching.

Trekking: The sanctuary offers several trekking trails that lead visitors through dense forests, along rivers, and up to stunning viewpoints. The treks vary in difficulty, catering to both beginners and experienced trekkers. One of the most popular trekking routes leads to the Eaglenest Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the sanctuary and surrounding valleys.

Photography: With its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a photographer’s dream. The sanctuary provides ample opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography, especially during the early morning hours when the light is perfect for capturing the misty forest and active wildlife.

Wildlife Safari: Although Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary does not have a formal safari system, visitors can enjoy jeep rides through the sanctuary to observe wildlife from a safe distance. This is particularly useful for spotting larger animals like tigers and elephants.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April. During this period, the weather is cool and dry, making it perfect for trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, should be avoided as heavy rainfall makes the trails slippery and inaccessible, and wildlife is harder to spot.

How to Reach Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air: The nearest airport to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is in Tezpur, Assam, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Tezpur, you can hire a taxi or take a private vehicle to reach the sanctuary.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Tezpur, which is well-connected to other parts of Assam and Northeast India. From Tezpur, you can continue your journey to the sanctuary by road.

By Road: The sanctuary is well-connected by road to nearby towns like Bomdila (60 kilometers) and Tezpur (100 kilometers). Private taxis or local buses can be used to reach the sanctuary from these towns.

Accommodation

While Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a remote destination, there are a few basic accommodation options available near the sanctuary. Visitors can stay at forest rest houses managed by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, which are located within or close to the sanctuary. These rest houses offer basic facilities, but they provide an immersive experience in the wilderness. For more comfortable options, visitors can stay in nearby towns like Bomdila and Tezpur and commute to the sanctuary for day trips.

Conclusion

If you’re a wildlife lover, birdwatcher, or nature enthusiast, a visit to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. The sanctuary’s incredible biodiversity, serene environment, and spectacular views make it one of the best places to experience the untouched beauty of Northeast India. Whether you’re exploring the rich flora and fauna, capturing stunning photographs, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary promises an unforgettable experience in one of India’s most pristine wildlife sanctuaries.