The park boasts remarkable faunal diversity with over 1,400 animal species. It is the only reserve in India to harbor four big cat species: tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards. Other significant mammals include red pandas, Asian elephants, hoolock gibbons, and Asiatic black bears. The park supports over 425 bird species, including the rare hornbills and the white-winged wood duck. Additionally, numerous butterfly species, reptiles, and amphibians contribute to its rich biodiversity.
Namdapha hosts an exceptional diversity of plant life with over 150 timber species and more than 1,000 floral species recorded. The vegetation transitions from tropical moist forests at lower elevations through subtropical and temperate forests to alpine meadows at higher altitudes. Notable species include the Hollong tree, orchids (over 100 species), rhododendrons, ferns, and medicinal plants. The park is also home to numerous endangered plant species and serves as a vital repository of the Eastern Himalayan region's botanical diversity.
The park's dramatic landscape was shaped by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, resulting in its characteristic steep terrain and varied elevations. The area features metamorphic rock formations, primarily consisting of gneisses and schists, along with more recent alluvial deposits in valley regions. The Patkai-Bum hills, an extension of the Eastern Himalayas, form the backbone of the park's topography. Multiple river systems, including the Noa-Dehing and Namdapha, have carved deep valleys and created diverse geological features throughout the reserve.
Namdapha was initially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, then elevated to Tiger Reserve status in 1983. The area has deep cultural significance for local Lisu and Chakma communities who have traditionally inhabited the region. Named after the Namdapha river flowing through its heart, the park represents one of India's oldest protected areas in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Its strategic location along the Indo-Myanmar-China tri-junction has historically made it an important biological corridor for species movement between these regions.
Namdapha stands out for being India's third-largest national park and the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Its unique altitudinal variation from 200m to 4,571m creates one of the few places worldwide where tropical to alpine vegetation exists within a single protected area. The park contains pristine rivers, numerous waterfalls, and sacred peaks. Its location at the biogeographic junction of the Indian, Indo-Malayan, and Indo-Chinese realms makes it an exceptional site for species diversity and ecological research.
Namdapha experiences a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers (April-September) are warm and wet with heavy rainfall, while winters (October-March) remain cool and relatively dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C in winter to 35°C in summer, with annual rainfall exceeding 2,000mm. The park's varied elevation (200-4,571m) creates multiple microclimates, with snow occurring at higher altitudes during winter months. The best time to visit is between November and April when weather conditions are most favorable for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
India
27.5000°, 96.5000°
1983
1985
Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. The park spans a wide altitudinal range from lowland forests to snow-capped mountains. It is home to four big cat species and numerous rare and endangered species.