Borail Wildlife Sanctuary Assam: Complete Travel Guide, Wildlife, Safari And Best Time To Visit

The sanctuary's landscape ranges from 55 meters to 1500 meters above sea level, creating diverse habitats of tropical moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. These forests receive heavy rainfall of 2500 to 4000 mm annually, with temperatures ranging from 9.2'C to 36.2'C, supporting dense vegetation, flowing streams, and secluded waterfalls. Due to its altitude variations and intact forest cover, Borail Wildlife Sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving the ecological balance of southern Assam and protecting rare Himalayan foothill species.

Wildlife and Biodiversity of Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is among the richest wildlife zones in the Barak Valley and is particularly famous for its high diversity of primates and carnivores. Mammals commonly recorded here include Chinese pangolin, slow loris, hoolock gibbon, capped langur, Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, stump-tailed macaque, Himalayan black bear, Malayan sun bear, yellow-throated marten, hog badger, jungle cat, leopard cat, marbled cat, clouded leopard, leopard, wild pig, sambar, barking deer, serow, giant squirrel, and porcupine.

The sanctuary is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species documented. Notable birds include Lesser Adjutant Stork, White-backed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, White-cheeked Hill Partridge, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Kaleej Pheasant, Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, and Austen's Brown Hornbill.

Among reptiles, Borail is well known as a stronghold of the King Cobra, along with Burmese rock python, Asian leaf turtle, brown hill tortoise, and monitor lizard. The sanctuary also shelters rare plant species such as Ornithochilus cacharensis, Larsenianthus assamensis, Diospyros cacharensis, and Alseodaphne keenanii, many of which are endemic to Northeast India.

History and Conservation Importance

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary consists primarily of the North Cachar Reserved Forest and Barail Reserved Forest, which were identified for conservation during the 1980s before being officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 2004. The forest corridor forms a crucial ecological link between the Barak Valley and the hill ecosystems of southern Assam.

Because the sanctuary lies in a relatively remote region, its ecosystems remain largely undisturbed, making Borail one of Assam's most significant yet underexplored conservation zones. It also supports indigenous communities living around the forest fringes whose cultures remain closely tied to the landscape and its natural resources.

Things to Do at Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitors to Borail Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy:

• Wildlife spotting and birdwatching, especially early mornings and late afternoons

• Trekking through forest trails, streams, and hill paths

• Exploring waterfalls and river valleys hidden inside dense forest zones

• Nature photography, particularly of birds, orchids, and rare mammals

• Learning about indigenous cultures living in villages near the sanctuary

The sanctuary is ideal for eco-tourism, research expeditions, and nature lovers seeking peaceful forest escapes without commercial crowding.

How to Reach Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air: The nearest airport is Silchar (Kumbirgram) Airport, located approximately 40 km from the sanctuary.

By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Silchar Railway Station, well connected to Guwahati and other towns of Assam and Northeast India.

By Road: Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is around 40 km from Silchar town and 40 km from Karimganj. Taxis, shared vehicles, and buses are available from Silchar to nearby access points of the sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

The best season to visit Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, forest trails are accessible, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Monsoon months bring heavy rainfall, slippery terrain, and restricted forest movement, making travel difficult.

Where to Stay Near Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourist accommodation is best arranged in Silchar town, as areas around the sanctuary lack proper tourist infrastructure and security.

Recommended options include:

• Prasanti Tourist Lodge (ATDC), Silchar

• Circuit House, Silchar

• Dak Bungalow, Silchar

For bookings, travelers may contact the Tourist Officer or Deputy Commissioner, Silchar. Staying inside or very close to the sanctuary is generally discouraged due to limited facilities.

Whom to Contact for Visiting Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

• D.F.O. Karimganj Division: +91 - 3843 273455

• Range Forest Officer, Kalain: +91 - 3845 283535

• D.F.O. Cachar Division: +91 3842 - 2262647 / 2245648

• Range Forest Officer, Udharband: +91 3842 - 2281472

Why Borail Wildlife Sanctuary Is Special

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary stands apart due to its:

• Location in Assam's only hill range

• Presence of rare primates like slow loris and hoolock gibbon

• Stronghold population of the King Cobra

• Over 300 bird species, making it a birding hotspot

• Rich orchid and plant diversity unique to Northeast India

• Minimal tourism pressure, offering an untouched forest experience

For travelers looking to explore Assam beyond famous parks like Kaziranga and Manas, Borail offers a rare opportunity to experience dense hill forests, wildlife corridors, and remote natural beauty.

Quick Info Table on Borail Wildlife Sanctuary 

FAQs on Borail Wildlife Sanctuary 

1. Where is Borail Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Cachar district of southern Assam, within the Barak River Valley, about 40 km from Silchar town.

2. What is Borail Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity, rare primates, king cobras, dense hill forests, waterfalls, and birdlife with over 300 recorded species.

3. What is the best time to visit Borail Wildlife Sanctuary?

The best time to visit Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are better.

4. How big is Borail Wildlife Sanctuary?

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 326.24 sq km, making it one of the largest protected forests in southern Assam.

5. How can I reach Borail Wildlife Sanctuary from Silchar?

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is around 40 km from Silchar and can be reached by taxi or road transport from Silchar town and airport.

6. Are safaris available inside Borail Wildlife Sanctuary?

There are no commercial jeep safaris yet. Entry is regulated and visits are usually arranged through the Forest Department for trekking and nature exploration.

7. What animals can be seen in Borail Wildlife Sanctuary?

You may spot elephants, leopards, clouded leopards, hoolock gibbons, slow lorises, Himalayan black bears, sambar deer, king cobras, and many bird species.

8. Is Borail Wildlife Sanctuary good for birdwatching?

Yes, Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is excellent for birdwatching, with hornbills, pheasants, vultures, partridges, and many rare forest birds.

9. Where should tourists stay when visiting Borail Wildlife Sanctuary?

Tourists are advised to stay in Silchar town at ATDC lodges, Circuit House, or private hotels, as facilities near the sanctuary are limited.

10. Is Borail Wildlife Sanctuary safe for tourists?

Yes, with proper permissions and guided visits through forest officials, Borail Wildlife Sanctuary is safe for eco-tourism and trekking activities.