Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife & National Parks

Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds”, is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. The state is home to rare species, dense forests, stunning waterfalls, and exotic birds, making it one of India’s top destinations for eco-tourism and wildlife exploration.

Here are the best places to experience Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity.

1. Nokrek National Park – Home of the Red Panda & Wild Orchids

 Location: West Garo Hills (Near Tura)
 Area: 47.48 sq. km
✅ A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for Red Pandas, Asian Elephants & Hoolock Gibbons.
✅ Home to rare citrus plants (Meghalaya’s wild orange trees).
✅ Dense forests with hidden waterfalls & scenic trekking trails.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April (Cool & dry season for trekking & safaris).

 Wildlife You Can Spot:
 Hoolock Gibbons – India’s only ape species.
 Clouded Leopards & Wild Cats.
 Great Hornbills & Exotic Birds.

2. Balpakram National Park – Meghalaya’s Grand Canyon

 Location: South Garo Hills
 Area: 220 sq. km
✅ Known as the "Land of Spirits", featuring deep gorges, river canyons & ancient myths.
✅ Home to leopards, wild bison, marbled cats & rare orchids.
✅ A trekker’s paradise with scenic viewpoints & remote wildlife trails.

 Best Time to Visit: November – March (Best for safaris & trekking).

 Wildlife You Can Spot:
 Elephants & Gaur (Indian Bison).
 Leopards & Golden Cats.
 Rare owls & migratory birds.

3. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary – Meghalaya’s Birdwatching Paradise

 Location: Garo Hills
 Area: 5.18 sq. km
✅ Home to the Siju Caves ("Bat Cave"), one of India’s longest cave systems.
✅ A birdwatcher’s dream, with rare species like the Grey Hornbill & Peacock Pheasant.
✅ Dense rainforests with butterflies, flying squirrels & jungle cats.

 Best Time to Visit: October – March (Best for birdwatching).

 Wildlife You Can Spot:
 Hornbills & Rufous-necked Laughingthrush.
 Thousands of Bats inside the Siju Caves.
 Macaques & Slow Loris.

4. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary – Meghalaya’s Offbeat Safari Spot

 Location: Ri-Bhoi District
 Area: 29 sq. km
✅ One of the least explored wildlife parks in Northeast India.
✅ Home to Royal Bengal Tigers, Himalayan Black Bears & Leopards.
✅ Features hilly terrain, grasslands & rich biodiversity.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April.

 Wildlife You Can Spot:
 Tigers & Clouded Leopards.
 Himalayan Black Bears.
 Hornbills & migratory birds.

5. Doyang River (Nagaland Border) – Amur Falcon Migration Hotspot

 Location: Wokha District (Near Meghalaya-Nagaland Border)
✅ A migratory bird paradise, visited by thousands of Amur Falcons every year.
✅ Best for birdwatching, photography & eco-tourism.
✅ Offers boat rides & camping along the riverbanks.

 Best Time to Visit: October – November (Peak migration season).

 Birds You Can Spot:
 Amur Falcons (October-November).
 Ruddy Shelducks & other migratory waterbirds.

6. Mawphlang Sacred Forest – Meghalaya’s Ancient Biodiversity Reserve

 Location: East Khasi Hills (Near Shillong)
✅ A 1,000-year-old sacred forest, protected by the Khasi tribes.
✅ Home to rare orchids, medicinal plants & ancient trees.
✅ Offers nature walks, cultural storytelling & spiritual experiences.

 Best Time to Visit: October – April.

 Flora & Fauna Highlights:
 Rare orchids & pitcher plants.
 Exotic butterflies & birds.
 Small mammals & jungle cats.

7. Baghmara Reserve Forest – A Hidden Jungle Retreat

 Location: South Garo Hills
✅ Best for spotting wild elephants in their natural habitat.
✅ A dense subtropical forest with hidden waterfalls & jungle trails.
✅ Home to slow lorises, barking deer & rare birds.

 Best Time to Visit: November – March.

 Wildlife You Can Spot:
 Elephants & Wild Boars.
 Night Birds & Slow Loris.