Rainforest · Assam
Dehing Patkai National Park
Assam's largest lowland rainforest, upgraded to a national park in 2021, home to hoolock gibbons.
Quick facts
- Best season
- November – March
- Duration
- 1–2 days
- Altitude
- 120–300 m
- Nearest town
- Jeypore / Digboi / Margherita (Dibrugarh & Tinsukia)
- Permit
- No permit; forest entry and guide fees apply.
About Dehing Patkai National Park
Dehing Patkai is often called the 'Amazon of the East'. Stretching along the Dehing river at the foot of the Patkai hills in Upper Assam, it protects one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland tropical rainforest in India. Long a wildlife sanctuary, it was upgraded to a national park in 2021.
Towering hollong (Assam's state tree) and mekai trees form a dense canopy that shelters hoolock gibbons, slow lorises, capped langurs, elephants, and several cat species including the clouded leopard. Birdwatchers come for hornbills, the white-winged wood duck and a long list of forest specialists. Trails around Jeypore and Soraipung, and boat trips on the Dehing, are the main ways to explore.
The surrounding area is full of history: Digboi has Asia's oldest operating oil refinery (1901) and an oil museum, Margherita and Ledo were key points on the World War II Stilwell Road, and Tai Phake and Singpho villages nearby welcome visitors with tea and traditional food. We often combine Dehing Patkai with Dibru-Saikhowa for an Upper Assam rainforest and river trip.
How to reach Dehing Patkai National Park
Jeypore is about 60 km (1.5 hours) from Dibrugarh airport. Digboi and Margherita are nearby towns with stays.
Tours that include Dehing Patkai National Park
Things to do
Places near Dehing Patkai National Park
National ParkDibru-Saikhowa National ParkRiverine island park in Upper Assam known for feral horses, river dolphins and rare birds.
HeritageSivasagarFormer Ahom capital with the Rang Ghar pavilion, Talatal Ghar palace and Shivadol temple.
National ParkNamdapha National ParkVast tiger reserve near Myanmar spanning lowland rainforest to snow peaks, with four big cats.
Dehing Patkai National Park FAQs
Why is Dehing Patkai called the Amazon of the East?
Because it is one of India's largest stretches of lowland tropical rainforest, with a dense multi-layered canopy and very high biodiversity.
Can I see hoolock gibbons in Dehing Patkai?
Yes. Their whooping calls are heard most mornings, and guided walks often find family groups in the canopy.
When did Dehing Patkai become a national park?
It was notified as a national park in 2021, upgraded from a wildlife sanctuary.
Facts checked against: en.wikipedia.org · assamtourism.gov.in. Conditions change — verify timings and permits before travel.