Nameri National Park is also covered in our Nameri guide, which is the main page for it: Nameri National Park in the Nameri guide.
The short answer
Nameri National Park: what visitors should know first
A strong day trip if you like rivers and birds. Rafting suits beginners, while forest walks need permission and a guard. Go between November and April, start early and book through the forest office or a camp.
History and context
The story behind Nameri National Park
Wikipedia gives the park as established in 1978, covering about 200 square kilometres in Sonitpur district, in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. Together with Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary across the border, the protected area exceeds 1,000 square kilometres.
Assam Tourism gives the area as 212 square kilometres and notes its status as a tiger reserve. Figures vary slightly between sources.
Useful facts
Nameri National Park facts at a glance
- Location
- About 35-45 km north of Tezpur (sources vary)
- Experience type
- Forest reserve with river rafting and guided walks
- Known for
- Jia Bhoroli rafting, birds, white-winged wood duck
- Established
- 1978
- Best season
- November to April
Why it matters
Why Nameri National Park is worth your time
Nameri is part of a larger forest landscape that, together with Arunachal Pradesh's Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, covers over 1,000 square kilometres. It was established in 1978, and the Assam Tourism page describes over 300 bird species along with elephants and a declared tiger reserve.
The white-winged wood duck, a critically endangered bird, is among the species recorded here. For a Tezpur visitor, it turns a heritage-and-temples trip into something broader, with river, forest and birdlife within a morning's drive of the town. Rafting on a hill stream also gives a gentler experience than the better-known wildlife parks.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Jia Bhoroli rafting
A beginner-friendly river run of a few hours through forest and riverbank scenery.
- 02
Birdlife
Hundreds of species are recorded, including the rare white-winged wood duck.
- 03
Guided forest walks
Walks need prior permission and forest-guard accompaniment, which makes them safe and informative.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Start early. The park is about 35 to 45 km north of Tezpur, depending on the source, and the last stretch of road can be bumpy. Hours at the gate have been reported as early morning until early afternoon, so confirm before leaving. A local driver or camp that knows the route is worth having.
Rafting on the Jia Bhoroli is the signature activity. The stretch described in travel writing is around 13 to 18 km and takes roughly two to three hours, with gentle rapids suitable for beginners. Permits come through the range office, and the eco camp at Potasali arranges trips. Forest walks require prior permission, and guards accompany you.
Bring binoculars, wear muted colours rather than bright red, and use sturdy shoes because leeches are common in wet weather. You can include a half-day trip to the orchid centre at Tippi in Arunachal Pradesh if you stay overnight.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early; allow time for the bumpy access road
- Confirm fees, hours and permits with Assam Tourism or the forest office
- Wear muted colours and sturdy shoes
- Carry binoculars and insect repellent
- Plan for November to April
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Sonitpur district, about 35 to 45 km north of Tezpur, near the Arunachal border
- Time needed
- Half to full day
- Best time
- November to April; February to March for wildlife
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The access road is bumpy and the park involves uneven ground, leeches in wet months and boat or raft transfers. Older visitors can enjoy a river raft ride or a short guided walk, but should avoid long treks.
- Tickets and access
- Entry fees, forest-guard fees and rafting permits are charged separately, and walking in the forest needs prior permission. Confirm current fees, hours and booking through Assam Tourism or the forest office.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Nameri National Park
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The access road is bumpy and the park involves uneven ground, leeches in wet months and boat or raft transfers. Older visitors can enjoy a river raft ride or a short guided walk, but should avoid long treks.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Nameri from Tezpur?
Sources give about 35 to 45 km, depending on the route. Allow around 1.5 hours by road.
When is the best time to visit?
November to April. February and March are described as best for wildlife.
Is rafting safe for beginners?
Travel writing describes the Jia Bhoroli run as gentle, with permits issued by the range office. Follow guide instructions.
Sources and further reading
- Assam Tourism: Nameri National Park
- Wikipedia: Nameri National Park
- Outlook Traveller: Nameri, Where the Wild Things Are
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
