Remember Kichi, the adorable red panda from The Jungle Book animated series? What if we told you that you could spot this rare creature on your next Meghalaya trip ? The state’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are hidden treasures of Northeast India, home to an incredible mix of flora and fauna including the Red Panda, Hoolock Gibbon, Clouded Leopard, and even the fascinating Pitcher Plants.
But a visit here isn’t just about rare wildlife. Meghalaya is a land of breathtaking natural wonders, cascading waterfalls, mysterious limestone caves, and the iconic living root bridges that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Keep reading for all the details—timings, entry fees, highlights, locations, and the remarkable wildlife you can encounter in the best national parks in Meghalaya.
1. Balpakram National Park
Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya is a famous national park located in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. Known as the "Land of Eternal Winds" and believed to be the resting place of departed souls by the local Garo tribe, it is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, including deep gorges, forested hills, and stunning cliffs, making it a popular destination for adventure activities in Meghalaya. The Mahadeo Gorge, known locally as Kundulop, drops over 600 meters, while the Chitmang peak, resembling a bullock hump, rises to 1023 meters.
Exploring these features and other things to do in Balpakram National Park allows nature lovers to spot rare wildlife and immerse themselves in the park’s unique biodiversity, making it a top national park in Meghalaya.
Balpakram National Park is home to many mysterious natural features that defy scientific explanation. Several mystical sites, such as Boldakmatchukaram and Goncho Dare, are believed to have spiritual significance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman took a lifesaving herb for Laxamn from here during the Ramayana, leaving behind a canyon where he broke off a hilltop.
- Area: 220 sq km
- Timings: Summer (March to May): 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Winter (November to February): 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indian citizens, ₹200 for foreign nationals
- Location: Approximately 167 km from Tura in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. This national park of Meghalaya is one of the best places to visit in Tura.
- Highlights: Balpakram is shrouded in local myths and is often compared to the Grand Canyon of the USA due to its spectacular scenery. The park is rich in medicinal plants and serves as a vital habitat for many endangered species. Its combination of spiritual significance and biodiversity makes it truly unique.
- Notable Flora and Fauna: Balpakram National Park is home to rare species like the red panda and the golden cat. Other notable wildlife in this national park of Meghalaya include elephants, tigers, and Indian bison (gaur). The park is also known for its carnivorous pitcher plants and a variety of orchids. Birdwatchers can spot hornbills, eagles, and other exotic birds, while reptiles like pythons and monitor lizards also thrive here.
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Nokrek National Park is one of the top national parks in Meghalaya, located in the West Garo Hills district. It is a part of the UNESCO-listed Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and plays a key role in conserving Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity.
This national park in Meghalaya is known for its dense tropical forests and is home to several endangered species. The park is especially famous for being the habitat of the red panda and is vital for the conservation of rare plants and wildlife, making it one of the best national parks in Meghalaya. It is one of the top places for a jungle safari in Meghalaya.
- Area: 47.48 sq km
- Timings: Summer (April to September): 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Winter (October to March): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indian citizens, ₹100 for foreign nationals
- Location: About 45 km from Tura, in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
- Highlights: Nokrek National Park is a top national park in Meghalaya due to its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is also home to Citrus Indica, believed to be the ancestor of all citrus fruits, which holds significant research value. Visiting this national park of Meghalaya is one of the best things to do in Tura because of its rugged hills, caves, and unique biodiversity.
- Notable Flora and Fauna: The park is home to rare animals like the red panda, Asian elephants, and the Himalayan black bear. Unique plants, including wild citrus and medicinal species, thrive here. Bird lovers can spot hornbills, while reptiles like pythons and monitor lizards are also common in this best national park in Meghalaya.
3. Baghmara Reserve Forest/ Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary
Baghmara Reserve Forest, also known as Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary, is a unique wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya, located near the town of Baghmara in the South Garo Hills district.
This national park of Meghalaya is well known for being one of the few places in India where the rare carnivorous pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana, thrives. This small yet significant sanctuary is an important conservation area, protecting both rare flora and fauna. Its rich biodiversity and serene environment make it one of the best natural attractions for visitors in the region.
- Area: 0.02 sq km (specifically for the Pitcher Plant Sanctuary)
- Timings: 24 Hours a day
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
- Location: This Meghalaya Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Baghmara town, around 4 km from the Bangladesh border in South Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
- Highlights: The sanctuary’s most unique feature is the rare pitcher plant, a carnivorous species that traps insects. This national park in Meghalaya is one of the few places where this plant grows in abundance. The surrounding reserve forest is also home to diverse wildlife, including elephants and gibbons.
- Notable Flora and Fauna: Besides the famous pitcher plant, the forest is home to tropical plants and medicinal species. Wildlife includes animals like the hoolock gibbon, elephants, and deer. Bird species such as hornbills and kingfishers can also be spotted in this top national park in Meghalaya, along with various reptiles like snakes and lizards.
4. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya, located in the Ri-Bhoi district. It is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, making it one of the most important conservation areas in Northeast India.
Though not a national park, this sanctuary is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Meghalaya. It protects a wide range of rare and endangered species. Known for its dense subtropical forests, Nongkhyllem is a prime location for nature lovers and birdwatchers, offering a tranquil experience surrounded by unspoiled wilderness.
- Area: 29 sq km
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indian citizens, ₹100 for foreign nationals
- Location: The Meghalaya Wildlife Sanctuary is situated approximately 55 km from Shillong, in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
- Highlights: Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is significant for protecting critically endangered species like the Bengal tiger and clouded leopard. It is also a top destination for birdwatchers, offering sightings of rare birds like the black-breasted parrotbill and Rufous-necked hornbill. The sanctuary’s dense forests are a critical habitat for wildlife and plant conservation in Meghalaya.
- Notable Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary is home to large mammals like Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, and Himalayan black bears. Bird species such as the wreathed hornbill and the black-breasted parrotbill are common here. Its subtropical forests are rich with orchids, medicinal plants, bamboo, and dense vegetation, making it a vital wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya for flora and fauna conservation.
Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Meghalaya is renowned for its rich diversity of bird species, including several migratory ones. Located along the banks of the Simsang River in the South Garo Hills, it is one of the oldest and most significant bird sanctuaries in the region.
Though not a national park in Meghalaya, Siju is a top destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The sanctuary’s dense subtropical forests, diverse birdlife, and proximity to the Siju Caves make it a unique spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Area: 5.18 sq km
- Timings: No specific timings, but it's best visited during daylight hours.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee is required.
- Location: The Meghalaya Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 130 km from Tura, in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
- Highlights: Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Meghalaya is famous for being a haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter months. It is home to the rare grey hornbill and peacocks, as well as other exotic bird species. The sanctuary's location near the famous Siju Caves adds to its charm, offering both biodiversity and a scenic, mysterious landscape.
- Notable Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary is home to various bird species, including the rare grey hornbill, Siberian ducks, and peacocks. The nearby subtropical forests are rich in diverse plant species, including bamboo and wild banana trees. While primarily a bird sanctuary, Siju also shelters small mammals and reptiles, making it a must-visit among the best wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya for nature lovers.
6. Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary
Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is a prominent Meghalaya wildlife sanctuary, located in the East Jaintia Hills. Known for its lush subtropical forests and rich biodiversity, it serves as a vital conservation area for many endangered species. Although not a national park in Meghalaya, Narpuh is considered one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in the state.
The sanctuary is home to rare wildlife, including elephants and leopards, and is important for protecting the natural ecosystem of the region. It is one of the best destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts looking for offbeat spots in Meghalaya.
- Area: 59.9 sq km
- Timings: No specific timings, but early morning visits are recommended for wildlife sightings.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Location: This national park of Meghalaya is situated in the East Jaintia Hills district, about 100 km from Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Highlights: Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is vital for its conservation of endangered species like the clouded leopard and elephants. Its dense forests are rich with medicinal plants and a wide variety of flora. The sanctuary also protects several water sources and is home to numerous caves, adding a sense of mystery to the landscape.
- Notable Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary is home to mammals such as elephants, leopards, and barking deer. Bird species like the black-breasted parrotbill and hornbills are frequently spotted. The dense forests also host a variety of plants, including bamboo, orchids, and rare medicinal species. Reptiles like monitor lizards and pythons can also be found here, making it one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Meghalaya for diverse flora and fauna.
7. Garo Hills Elephant Reserve
The Garo Hills Elephant Reserve is a special wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya. It was established to protect the declining population of elephants in this region. Known for its lush greenery and hilly terrain, the reserve plays a vital role in wildlife conservation, especially for the Asian elephant.
This reserve is one of the best national parks in Meghalaya, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The stunning landscapes and dense forests here provide a peaceful habitat for many species, showcasing the beauty of the state's biodiversity.
- Area: 3,500 sq km
- Timings: No specific timings available, usually open for visits during daylight hours
- Entry Fee: No fixed entry fee, as it’s primarily a conservation reserve
- Location: Located in the Garo Hills region of western Meghalaya
- Highlights: The Garo Hills Elephant Reserve is famous for its efforts to conserve the endangered Asian elephant. The reserve’s large, undisturbed forests make it one of the best national parks in Meghalaya. Its remote location and dense vegetation add a mysterious charm, while also sheltering many species.
- Notable Flora and Fauna: Some unique flora include the rare wild citrus plants and dense bamboo groves. Notable fauna includes the Asian elephant, hoolock gibbons, clouded leopards, and hornbills, making this national park of Meghalaya a biodiversity hotspot.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Meghalaya! Exploring Meghalaya national parks is a must-do for any nature lover. From the rare pitcher plants in Baghmara to the majestic elephants in Garo Hills, you'll discover a world of wonder. Don't miss the chance to see the red panda, just like Kichi from "The Jungle Book"!
Remember, these national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are not just tourist attractions, but also important conservation areas. So, let's explore responsibly and help protect the unique biodiversity of Meghalaya.
So, what’s the plan? Which national park in Meghalaya are you going to explore first?
