Northeast India
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Tucked in the western bend of
Arunachal Pradesh, the Eaglenest
Sanctuary is draped in tropical,
subtropical and temperate
forests. It is believed that the
sanctuary acquired its name from
the Indian Army regiment called
Red Eagle, stationed here in the
1950s to make a road to access
the India-China border.
The eastern half of Eaglenest is
drained by the Tippi Naala (Tippi
river) which joins the Kameng
river at Tippi village on the
Bhalukpong–Bomdila highway.
Several smaller streams including
Buhiri Nadi and Dihung Nadi in
the western half of the area flow
At a glance
District: West Kameng
Nearest Railhead: Bhalukpong
(130 kms)
Nearest Airport: Tezpur (190 kms)
Best time to visit: Nov-May
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down to join the Brahmaputra
separately.
The park came into prominence
in 2006, when renowned
ornithologist Ramana Athreya
discovered a new species of
babbler, which he named Bugun
Liocichla. Besides this rare bird,
Eaglenest has over 450 species of
avifauna, including cormorant,
heron, black stork, and oriental
white (black-headed) ibis. Bird
Life International has designated
Eaglenest an important Bird
Area, with Blyth’s tragopan
identified as a vulnerable species.
The sanctuary can be reached
by bus or taxi via the Tawang-
Tezpur road. The unpaved road
that begins from the base of the
sanctuary runs through the Eagle
Nest Pass (2,800 m).
ABOVE: A hornbill (left) is oft seen in
the dense forests of Eaglenest
Major fauna: Red panda, golden
cat, clouded leopard, black stork,
oriental white ibis
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Where to stay: CTB rest houses
and private accomodation
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