Orang National Park is a national park in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam. It is on the northern banks of the River Brahmaputra. In 1992, this wildlife sanctuary was renamed Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park. The public protested against the name change. Up against this, the government reverted the name change. Finally, It became a national park on the 13th of April 1999. Incidentally, It has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1985.
This park is at an altitude of 45 meters (148 feet) to 70 meters (230 feet). There are two islands on the south and east sides of the national park as boundaries.
Flora and Fauna
Orang Park is rich in flora and fauna and biodiversity because of the alluvial flood plains of the many rivers that flow through it. Some of the animals found in this park include the Royal Bengal tigers, Bengal porcupines, the Great one-horned Indian Rhinoceros, pygmy hogs, Asian elephants, Indian pangolins, Indian foxes, civets, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, and wild water buffalos.
Incidentally, Indian Rhinoceros are seen only on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra.
This national park’s rivers and other water bodies have fifty fish species. Hence, BirdLife International has listed this park as part of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA). Seven turtle and tortoise species are there, along with many snake species.
Unlike some other national parks, this park is human-inhibited. Therefore, Human-wildlife conflict is a severe problem. As a result, some of the wildlife species face threats. Critically endangered Pygmy Hog is one such animal that faces extinction. As a result, Orang Park has reintroduced more than 150 Pygmy Hogs.
Ideal Season to Vist the Park
November to April is the ideal time to visit this park. May to September is the rainy season. Other climates experienced here are summer and winter.
How Do I Go to Orang National Park?
You can reach Orang Park from Tezpur, about 59 kilometers away from the park. There is a railway station in Tezpur town.
Nagaon is another nearby town, 123 kilometers away. The railway station code for Nagaon railway station is NGAN. Guwahati, the capital of the state of Assam, is yet another major city. It is at 133 kilometers distance from this wildlife park. There is a railway station and airport in this city.