How to be Treated Like a King in a Jungle | Go to Nameri Wild Life Eco-Camp Home Stay-Assam

I was in Tezpur Assam to deliver a lecture. After a hectic day and while enjoying late evening tea in silence, Mr Barua, the organizer of my lecture who was with me commented
“ would you like experience exotic wilderness home stay in remoteness to rejuvenate your body and soul?”
For a moment, I was speechless. Didn’t know what to say. Just looked at him blankly. Mr Barua with a twinkle in his eyes smiled and continued...
Within one hour I got the itch to go and was ready to embark upon what I had never experienced in my life- to stay in Eco tourism tent, a home stay in wilderness amidst incredible bird and mammal life, especially in the nights when elephants routinely cross very nearby to the camps.
Place?

Nameri Eco-Camp in Nameri National Park

Potasali Nameri Eco-Camp in Nameri National Park

This national park is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur District of Assam, India, about 35 kilometers from Tezpur
Mr Barua, with his contacts made all the arrangement quickly and next day, early in the morning we headed for this remote and hidden adventure.
Wow!
Northeast India is not one of those destinations found in every traveler’s list. This is mostly because of the region’s remoteness, closeness to sensitive international borders and absence of proper infrastructure. Call it godsend niche tourism in wilderness homestay which acts as a safeguard to the region’s rich but delicate environment and cultures.
As we were enjoying the drive through beautiful landscape, I thought myself to be lucky as few percentage of travelers who do manage to stumble into the blissful land of the seven sisters (name given to 7 north east states).
We were on Tezpur-Bomdila highway, passing through the quaint town of Balipara. After about an hour+ drive we were there.

Our Eco camp tent

Another type-cottage

Inside of a tent

The Organic Eco Camp

My goodness! What a wilderness! It seemed that there would be many surprises. Nameri Eco-Camp was a delightful deluxe cottage and camp styled property which is run by the Assam Angling Association and as we scanned, we found that the camp was surrounded by the thick forests of Nameri National Park. It was indeed a wonderful collection of permanent tents and cottages. Our accommodation was arranged in a tent.

Treated Like a King

There was a warm welcome by the manager. The tent was spacious, clean, had warm beds, a dressing room, and a clean bathroom, though not luxurious. The tents also had a lovely sit-out where we sipped tea after settling down. The highlight of the resort, though, was the restaurant. It was quaintly designed in all wood. The staff was courteous and really caring. They took extra care to meet even our odd demands. Surprisingly, most of them spoke English well!
It was totally an organic eco wild life camp. However, If are not comfortable staying the tents, you can opt for the small huts in the place.

In the afternoon after sumptuous local lunch, we headed for the nearby river.

Jia-Bhoroli River

Rafting
The water was crystal clear, almost a rarity in many parts of India, and cold enough to refresh the most tired soul, was just what we needed. The river served as a border to the park, and we could see the thick forest with tall trees to the other side of the river. We took a camp organised rafting, which was easy and delightful with great views.
Angling
This park being full of rivers, fishing is the famous activity which we undertook though were not lucky to catch Masheer fish which was famous in these region and can grow to 3-9 feet, also known as "Tiger of the Himalayan rivers"

In the night, courtesy Mr. Barua and his coordinated efforts with camp authorities, a special dinner meal cooked from scratch over a campfire by the banks of on ice-cold river was something this travel writer will never forget.

A path in the forest

Trekking
I got up early in the morning with chirping of birds and monkeys around the camp. I walked alone on a lonely lane close to our camp, leaving behind Mr. Barua who was still asleep. The short walk was heavenly and took my stress, tension and worries of living this life away, leaving me rejuvenated.
Later, we trekked nearby forest of the park with a camp guide and let me tell you, it was easy and exotic with and of course with occasional sighting of wild animals
This was followed by a visit to Pygmy Hog conservation centre next to the camp.

Nameri National Park Local Tourism Information

The best time to visit Nameri National Park is from November to April when the weather is cool, moist and pleasant for the in-house Wildlife.
In case you want to visit other Wildlife Sanctuaries along with Nameri National Park then do note that Nameri National Park is about 16 kms west of Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary; 50 kms east of Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary; 48 kms north of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary; 103 kms northeast of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary; 107 kms east of Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary; 125 kms northwest of Kaziranga National Park; 160 kms northeast of Manas National Park in Assam among the others which are more than 300 kms away.
http://www.assamtourism.org/nameri.php

•Directorate of Tourism - Govt. of Assam
Station Road, Guwahati 781001 Assam, India.
Phone: +91-361- 2547102 / 2542748
Fax: +91-361-2542748

For visit to Nameri National Park contact:
•Divisional Forest Officer, Western Assam Wildlife Division, Dolabari, Tezpur - Telephone 03712-268054 & 268003.
•Nameri Wildlife Range, Potasali Telephone - 03714-270558.
•Government Operated Tourist Lodges near Nameri National Park:
•Assam (Bhoroli) Angling & Conservation Association, Tezpur Station Club, Tezpur, Pin-784001, Tel.-03712-220854, E-mail:Assamangling@Yahoo.Com
•Nameri Eco Camp, Potasali Village, Tarajan, P.O. Gamani, Dist.: Sonitpur, Pin- 784103
Camp Director, Tel. 094351-45563/094352-50025.
•Wild Mahseer, Balipara, Tel.- 094351 97650.

Precautionary Measures

When you visit a wildlife terrain which is far from organized cities, you must carry your own first aid kit and your medicines.
Pack hand sanitizer, sun screen lotion, sun glasses and a hat. Wear colours that will blend into the forest theme and not stand out. Choose khaki coloured clothes and not bright red or yellow. Refrain from wearing revealing clothes.
Keep your binoculars and camera handy.
Carry small portions of dry snack like Energy Bars and not an elaborate picnic basket. Pack drinking water.
Do not litter or light fires - not even a cigarette is allowed. This is a no-plastic zone. Respect that and dispose plastic bottles and packets outside the Park.