Top 5 National Parks Around Shillong For Wildlife Safaris
Shillong serves as the capital of Meghalaya while its “Scotland of the East” nickname indicates that it lies beneath lush green hills that connect to dense forests and pristine waterfalls. This section combines natural attractiveness with an abundant ecosystem collection. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who visit Shillong have an exceptional chance to investigate various plant and animal species within its nearby national parks. The following list includes the best national parks near Shillong that provide ideal conditions for wildlife safaris.
1. Nokrek National Park
Located in the West Garo Hills district at 120 kilometers from Shillong stands the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Nokrek National Park. The park serves as habitat for endemic species of Red Panda categorized as the iconic species. The park contains a large number of Asian Elephants together with Hoolock Gibbons and numerous bird species including the Rufous-necked Hornbill. The tropical rainforests of Nokrek National Park expose visitors to the pristine nature of Meghalaya through its dense forest pathways.
2. Balpakram National Park
The South Garo Hills section of the Balpakram National Park sits 300 kilometers south of Shillong with features that make people compare its characteristic deep gorges to the Grand Canyon. This park maintains its eternal wind conditions and holds various wild creatures like Indian Bison (Gaur) and Leopard along with Sambar Deer and Wild Boar in its territory. The Garo tribes consider the park sacred territory because it holds cultural importance to them. Tourists who join guided tours at this location will receive both natural and cultural knowledge about the region.
3. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary
Despite being classified as a wildlife sanctuary instead of a national park, Siju Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors an ideal experience next to Balpakram. During winter seasons the Simsang River provides shelter to migrating birds. The main draw of Siju is its series of limestone caves including the famed Siju Cave that provides exceptional value to safari excursions. The Barking Deer and Slow Loris along with various primates can be observed in this wildlife area. Birdwatchers visiting Siju can observe hornbills and kingfishers and eagles along with other wildlife as they reside in their natural environment.
4. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
The Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 50 kilometers north of Shillong within its 29 square kilometer extent while remaining accessible for one-day visits from Shillong. Birdwatchers find pure paradise within this sanctuary because of its exceptional diversity of bird species. This natural habitat supports the existence of more than 200 bird species which include Great Hornbill together with Himalayan Monal and Ward’s Trogon. Clouded Leopards together with Golden Cats and Binturongs have their habitat boundary located within the sanctuary. The sanctuary can be explored through jeep safaris and trails which reveal spectacular sights of sloping hills buried by dense vegetation.
5. Balphakram-Baghmara Tiger Reserve (Proposed)
The South Garo Hills administrative area known as Baghmara Forest Range remains a contender for tiger reserve designation because of its strong capabilities for conservation work. The site exists within the extensive Balphakram ecosystem where tigers coexist with leopards and different carnivorous species. Despite the lack of formal safari options tourists can participate in eco-tourist activities that direct them through supervised visits throughout nearby areas. Tiger reserve designation for this region has become crucial because conservationists aim to defend its delicate ecological systems.
Wrapping Up
The national parks and wildlife sanctuaries near Shillong provide distinct chances for wildlife enthusiasts to experience the beauty of nature. Visitors experience ecological richness and cultural respect through the magnificent Red Panda population at Nokrek and the mystical limestone caves of Siju. Visitors who follow sanctioned rules at these parks promote Meghalaya’s unique biodiversity protection while building memories that will endure forever.
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