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Total Coverage Area: 78.81 sq
kms/78810 ha.
Established In: 1985 as a sanctuary
1999 as a National Park
Location: Orang National Park is spread over two
districts of the state of Assam -- Darrang and Sonitpur --
on the north bank of the Brahmaputra.
Description:
The area comprises the alluvial flood plains of the
Brahmaputra. Two distinct alluvial terraces, the lower
portion of mere recent origin along the Brahmaputra and
older upper portion to its north, are separated by a high
bank cutting through the national park from east to west.
The national park on the whole is a flat land. The
altitude ranges from is 45m to 70 m. The southern and
eastern boundaries of the park comprise channels, and
islands of the Brahmaputra.The western boundary is an
artificial boundary demarcated by a trench from villages.
The villages almost from its all sides surround the entire
area. Even in the southern side, the riverine islands are
now inhabited by human habitation and the national park is
under constant biotic pressure. The area comprises
alluvial flood plains of the Brahmaputra. The park on the
whole is a flat land and the terrain is gentle slope from
north to south. The area enjoys typical subtropical
monsoon climate and major precipitation occurs during the
period from May to September.
Visiting Season:
November to May.
Access :
By Air: Tezpur is the nearest airport to Orang. However
Guwahati has better connections with almost all the major
cities to India.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Rongapara Both Tezpur and
Guwahati are connected very well by the rail network of
India.
By Road: Orang can be approached from NH 52 through gravel
roads running from Orang town and Dhansirimukh. It is
about 65km from Tezpur, 127 km from Guwahati. The
sanctuary is 15 km off the national highway near Orang
town (Dhansirimukh). The distance between Guwahati and
Dhansirimukh is 127 km.
Temperature :
Months Morning Afternoon
October-March 5-15º Celsius 20-25 º Celsius
April 12-25 º Celsius 25-30º Celsius
May-June 20-28 º Celsius 30-32º Celsius
Average annual Rainfall 3000mm
Park Safari Timings:
Visitors can enter the area only in the mornings or
afternoon preferably on elephant back.
Accommodation and facilities: Orang offers two resthouses
and one dormitory facility for visitors.
Wildlife:
Flora:
The floral wealth of the park is very significant. The
Natural Forest species are like Bombax ceiba, Dalbergia
sisoo, Sterculia villosa, Trewia nudiflora, Zizypphus
jujuba, Litsaea polyantha, etc. Among the non aquatic
grassland species the prominent are Phragmites karka,
Arundo donax, Imperata cylindrical, Saccarum spp. etc. The
aquatic grass/plants species are Andropogon spp., Ipomea
reptans, Enhydra flushians, Nymphia spp., Wichornia spp.
etc
Mammals:
Apart from the greater Indian one-horned rhinoceros
(Rhinoceros unicornis), which is the dominant species of
the national park, the other key species sharing the
habitat, are the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris),
Asiatic elephant (Elephas maxima), hog deer (Axis percinus),
wild boar (Sus scrofa). Besides, there are other small
mammals like civets, leopards, hare, and porcupines. There
are more than 50 species of fish. Among reptiles, turtles
like Lissemys punctata, Kachuga tecta, and among snakes
pythons and cobras are known to frequent these areas.
Birds:
Orang National Park is rich in avifauna. According to
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), after Manas
National Park, it is Orang which is the most important
habitat of the Bengal florican in Assam. The estimated
population is about 30-40. BN Talukdar, and P Sarma have
prepared a checklist of other species of birds in the
national park. Important avifauna are Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis
bengalensis), Spot-billed Pelican (Pelicanus philippensis),
Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Greater
Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius), Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos
javanicus), Wooly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), Rudy
Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), Gadwall (Anas strepera),
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Pintail (Anas acuta),
Pallas's Fishing Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) and a
number of others including forest and grassland birds.
Tiger Den Resort has 20 air-conditioned double bed rooms
built in cottages style along with a multi cuisine
restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Chinese. Other
facilities include, Park Safaris, folk dances and
campfires. Each airconditioned bedroom has private
bathroom with bath and/or shower and toilet.
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