Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary

General information

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  Ideal Duration:

  1 to 2 Days (For comprehensive wildlife viewing and trekking)
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  Place Type:

  Wildlife Sanctuary, Nature Reserve, Eco-Tourism Sp
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  Entry Fees:

  Basic Entry Charges: The Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary does levy a minimal entry fee, which is typical for protected areas in India. This fee varies for Indian nationals and foreign tourists. The revenue generated from these fees is crucial for the ongoing conservation, ...

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  Basic Entry Charges: The Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary does levy a minimal entry fee, which is typical for protected areas in India. This fee varies for Indian nationals and foreign tourists. The revenue generated from these fees is crucial for the ongoing conservation, maintenance, and protection efforts of the sanctuary, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat management. Details on the exact amount should always be confirmed with the Assam Forest Department or the local range office in Diphu before a visit, as fees are subject to periodic revision.
  
  Vehicle and Camera Fees: In addition to the person entry fee, visitors usually have to pay separate charges for bringing a vehicle inside the designated zones, such as a Jeep for a safari. There are also distinct fees for carrying professional or high-end cameras (DSLRs with long lenses, video cameras) as these are used for commercial or extensive photography. The purpose of these fees is to regulate the impact of tourism and ensure the carrying capacity of the park is not exceeded. These additional charges should be factored into the overall cost of the trip.
  
  Guide and Permit Charges: It is mandatory and highly recommended to hire an authorized local guide, especially for trekking or deep forest exploration. The fees for guides are separate from the entry tickets and are vital for both visitor safety and enriching the experience with local knowledge. Furthermore, specific activities or restricted zones may require special permits, which also involve a charge. All payment details, which are usually cash-based at the entry gate, should be verified locally.

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  Timing:

  Regular Operating Timings: Based on available information, the Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary has quite extended operating hours, generally cited as 4 AM to 10 PM daily. However, it is essential to note that these hours often apply to the ability to enter/exit the general ...

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  Regular Operating Timings: Based on available information, the Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary has quite extended operating hours, generally cited as 4 AM to 10 PM daily. However, it is essential to note that these hours often apply to the ability to enter/exit the general area and the official timings of the forest gates. Wildlife viewing activities, such as safaris and nature walks, are strictly regulated and typically limited to the early morning and late afternoon/evening hours, for instance, from 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, as these are the times when animals are most active and visible.
  
  Ideal Visit Time for Wildlife Viewing: The ideal visit time during the day is unequivocally the early morning, specifically from dawn until around 9:00 AM. During this cool, quiet period, mammals are often on the move, returning from or heading out to feeding grounds. The light is also excellent for photography. The second-best time is the late afternoon, from about 3:30 PM until sunset, as the animals start moving again. Midday visits are generally discouraged because the heat and stillness make wildlife spotting much less likely.
  
  Best Season for a Visit: The best season to visit is during the winter months, from November to April, as the weather is cool, pleasant, and highly conducive to outdoor activities like wildlife spotting and trekking. The dense monsoon growth also subsides, making it easier to see animals.

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  Special Events:

  Wildlife Census and Monitoring Activities: While not a public 'event' in the traditional sense, the sanctuary is periodically involved in critical ecological activities like wildlife censuses, particularly for the Asiatic Elephant and Tiger, and other monitoring programs. T...

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  Wildlife Census and Monitoring Activities: While not a public 'event' in the traditional sense, the sanctuary is periodically involved in critical ecological activities like wildlife censuses, particularly for the Asiatic Elephant and Tiger, and other monitoring programs. These are vital times when researchers and forest officials intensely survey the area. Although general tourist access might be restricted during such sensitive times, the sheer volume of ecological activity and the presence of dedicated conservationists highlight the sanctuary's crucial role in Assam's conservation efforts. For a visitor interested in conservation, the mere knowledge of this ongoing work makes a visit to the interpretation center or a conversation with a local guide a special, insightful experience.
  
  Local Karbi Festivals and Cultural Events: The Karbi Anglong district, where the sanctuary is located, is rich in indigenous culture. Major Karbi festivals, although held in Diphu town or nearby villages, often have a profound connection to the forest and nature. The Karbi Youth Festival, usually held annually in February, is a prominent event showcasing the tribe's traditional music, dance, and arts. A visit coinciding with such a festival transforms the trip into a cultural as well as a wildlife experience. These festivals act as a special, vibrant complement to the peaceful nature of the sanctuary, giving visitors a complete view of the region's heritage.

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  Best Photo Spots:

  The Forest Edge and Water Bodies: The areas where the dense forest meets natural clearings or the banks of the Jamuna River and other seasonal water pits are prime photographic locations. Animals, especially the Asiatic Elephant and various deer, frequently visit these spot...

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  The Forest Edge and Water Bodies: The areas where the dense forest meets natural clearings or the banks of the Jamuna River and other seasonal water pits are prime photographic locations. Animals, especially the Asiatic Elephant and various deer, frequently visit these spots to drink, making them ideal for wildlife close-ups and action shots. Early morning, when the mist is lifting and the light is soft, provides a mystical backdrop for capturing silhouettes and the atmospheric beauty of the jungle. Patience is key here to capture the perfect moment of an animal interaction.
  
  The Trails and Canopy Views: The dense forest trails themselves, especially those with an arching canopy, offer excellent opportunities for abstract and detail-oriented photography. Focus on capturing the texture of tree barks, the vibrant colors of orchids, the intricate patterns of fungi, or the light filtering through the leaves ('dappled light'). For bird photographers, scanning the upper canopy layers is crucial. Capturing a Hoolock Gibbon swinging through the branches is a challenging but highly rewarding photo opportunity unique to this region. Using a tripod for long exposures on nature trails can also yield stunning results. Views from Elevated Points (Near Singhason Peak) Although the peak itself is outside the sanctuary, the approach roads and nearby elevated points provide magnificent panoramic views of the entire Karbi Anglong landscape, with the sprawling green expanse of the Marat Longri forest in the foreground. These spots are perfect for capturing wide-angle landscape shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. The golden hour light dramatically illuminates the hills and valleys, offering a breathtaking scene for professional and amateur photographers alike. The surrounding nature of Diphu is truly stunning.

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