A guarded forest walk in Nameri
Nameri National Park covers forested foothills on the Assam–Arunachal border, joined to Pakke Tiger Reserve across the state line. Unlike Kaziranga, it is mostly tall semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forest, and much of it is explored on foot. The entry point is at Potasali, about 45 minutes from Wild Mahseer, where a boat crosses the Jia Bhoroli to the park side.
The walk follows forest trails and riverbanks for two to three hours. An armed forest guard accompanies every group, as wild elephants are present and occasionally encountered. Great hornbills and wreathed hornbills fly overhead with a loud whoosh of wings, and the forest pools are one of the last strongholds of the white-winged wood duck, a shy and endangered species.
The pace is slow and the experience depends on quiet. We keep groups small, wear muted colours and set out at dawn. Sightings of large mammals are not guaranteed, but the sense of walking through a true lowland forest, with fresh elephant signs on the path, is rare in India.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Can you walk in Nameri National Park?
Yes. Nameri is one of the few national parks in India where visitors can walk on designated trails, always with an armed forest guard. Walks usually last two to three hours from the Potasali side, after crossing the Jia Bhoroli by boat. Rules can change, so check current status before you travel.
What wildlife can I see in Nameri?
Nameri is best for birds, including great and wreathed hornbills, the white-winged wood duck, kingfishers and raptors. Elephants, gaur, sambar and barking deer live in the forest, and tigers and leopards are present but rarely seen. Signs of elephants are common on trails.
How far is Nameri from Wild Mahseer?
About 45 minutes by road to Potasali, the entry point on the Jia Bhoroli. An early start lets you complete a morning walk and return for lunch. Nameri can also be combined with a river float in the same morning.
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