Meghalaya is known for its lush greenery, rolling hills, and unique landscapes. Meghalaya has 2 designated national parks.
1. Nokrek National Park
- Nokrek National Park is located in the West Garo Hills district of the Indian state of Meghalaya.
- It is situated about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Tura Peak.
- In 1986, Nokrek National Park was established.
- In 1988, the Government of India officially declared Nokrek National Park as a biosphere reserve.
- In 2009, Nokrek National Park was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Area: It covers an area of approximately 47 square kilometers (18 square miles).
- The highest point in Nokrek National Park is the Nokrek Peak, which has an elevation of 1,412 meters (4,633 feet) above sea level.
- Hills:
- Garo Hills
- Nokrek Range
- River: The prominent rivers that flows through Nokrek National Park:
- Simsang River
- Ganol River
- Dareng River
- Nitai River
- Bhugi River
- Tribe: Nokrek National Park is home to the Garo tribe.
- Garo Tribe
- Flora: Sal, Teak, Hollock, Gamari, Bamboo Groves, Orchids, Grasslands etc.
- Fauna: Western Hoolock Gibbon, Asian Elephant, Indian Bison (Gaur), Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Red Panda, Stump-tailed Macaque, Great Indian Hornbill , Rufous-necked Hornbill , Oriental Pied Hornbill, Indian Rock Python, Bengal Monitor Lizard, Green Vine Snake , Asian Forest Tortoise etc.
2. Balphakram National Park
- Balphakram National Park is located in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India.
- In 1987, it was established as a protected area.
- Area: It covers an area of approximately 220 square kilometers (85 square miles).
- It is situated at an altitude of about 910 meters (3,000 feet).
- Hills: The park is located in the southern part of the Garo Hills.
- River: One of the prominent river that flow through the park is Simsang River (Goneshwari River or Someshwari River).
- Siju-Dobkhakol Cave located near the park.
- Tribe: The park is primarily inhabited by the Garo tribe.
- Flora: Tropical Deciduous Trees (sal, teak, and garjan), Subtropical Vegetation, Grassland (Themeda spp., Chrysopogon spp., and Saccharum spp.), Bamboo Forest, Carnivorous Plants (Pitcher plants and sundews) etc.
- Fauna: Marbled Cat, Wild Water Buffalo, Red Pandas, Asian Elephant , Indian Bison, Asian Golden Cat, Stump-tailed Macaque, Chital Deer, Hornbills, Babblers, Python etc.