Choose a different road

Out of GUWAHATI (214km)

Catch a glimpse of fantastic birds in Nameri National Park, Assam

irders from all over head to Assam’s Nameri National Park to witness the fastest living creature – the peregrine falcon – move at speeds of up to 389kph. But they’re even more excited to spot the white-winged wood duck, a species officially considered endangered by the IUCN Red, a jute-like plant that’s a favourite with elephants. Your biggest challenge would be a strained neck as you peer through tall branches at hornbills, nuthatches, lorikeets, minivets, and woodpeckers. Nameri also offers a more leisurely option for birding, on a raft on the Kameng River; the bonus is the addition of a completely different set of species on the water. The most striking of the lot are the ibisbill and prized golden mahseer. Fish or fowl, Nameri is the spot for you.