BalphakramThe Balphakram National Park is located in the district of West Garo Hills, of the state of Meghalaya.Steep gorges rivers and hills constitute the topography of the park. As the altitude extends from 50 m to 1026 meters, the vegetation in the park is diverse. It comprises of evergreen and moist deciduous forests along with bamboo, scrub and grasslands.Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Capped Langur, Black Bear, Leopard Cat, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and The Hoolock Gibbon represent the fauna in the 339 sq. km park.
The recommended period for visiting this park is Oct. - May. Entry to the park is restricted. In fact, prior permission has to be obtained for visiting even the state of Meghalaya. Nearest town is Shillong and the nearest railway station is Guwahati. The nearest airport is also at Guwahati. As the accommodation is limited, it is advisable to book it in advance.
The rainfall experienced at the park is prodigious (6136 mm).
State District Area Year of Notification Topography Rainfall Period for Visit Altitude Latitude Nearest Town Nearest Railway Station Nearest Airport Accommodation Wildlife Authority Valuable References- State Tourist Office Shillong (Meghalaya).
- Tourist Information Centre Opposite police bazaar.
- Tourist Information Office of Govt. of India Nearby, G.S. Road, Police Bazaar.
- Sheba Travels, Police Bazaar point Shillong.
NokrekIn the year 1985, an area of 6801 hac. in Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, was notified as a National Park. This park is located in the Tura Range, and is an important watershed area of a number of rivers and streams, which join the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers.
The climate can be classified as tropical. The winters are mild while temperature during the summer season varies from 250 c to 30.40c. This park receives heavy rainfall in summers, especially during the months of June and July.
The altitude within the park extends from 600 m to 1412 m. The climate and the range of altitude support varied vegetation. There are some evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and bamboo forests. Citrus plants also grow in abundance.
Fauna and Avian fauna are well represented here by the Sloth Bear, Asiatic Black Bear, Small Indian Civet, Large Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Tiger, Gaur, Bintorang, Jackal, Indian Elephants, Kalij Pheasant, Common Pheasant, Grey Peacock Pheasant, And Hill Partridge.
The park enjoys special status as a biosphere reserve.
The park offers limited accommodation, so it is advisable to book in advance. Entry to the park is restricted especially for foreigners who have to obtain special permits to visit the park.
The nearest town is Tura. The nearest railway station is at Guwahati and the nearest airport is at Shillong.
State District Area Year of Notification Vegetation Altitude Latitude Longitude Special Status Nearest Town Nearest Railway Station Nearest Airport Accommodation Wildlife Authority Valuable References- State Tourist Office Shillong (Meghalaya).
- Tourist Information Centre Opposite police bazaar.
- Tourist Information Office of Govt. of India Nearby, GS Road, Police Bazaar Shillong.
- Sheba Travels, Police Bazaar point.
- Secretary Forests and Wildlife Govt. of Meghalaya Shillong.