Meghalaya is an Indian state situated in the northeastern region of the country. The entire state is covered with lush green forests. Pines, sals, and bamboo trees are found in abundance in this state. Meghalaya houses animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, wild pigs, snakes, and many more species. Birds like peacocks, pigeons, hornbills, parrots, and mynas are found all over the state. Due to the remarkable diversity among plants and animals, Meghalaya comprises many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 

Nokrek National Park 

Nokrek National Park is located about 45 kilometres from Tura in Meghalaya. It is famous for housing unique and rare species of animals like Hoolock gibbons, the only ape in India. This national park in Meghalaya is known to be ‘the land of ape-man’. 

Nokrek National Park is also well known for its well-kept forest tracks. It shelters various species of plants that are useful to humans and also features ancient limestone caves. The other features of this national park are:

• It was registered as a world heritage site in 2009 by UNESCO.
• The park covers an area of 820 km.
• The optimum time to visit this national park would be between October and May. 

Balpakram National Park 

The Balpakram National Park, established in the year 1989, has a vast archaeological and geographical value. The term ‘Balpakram’ means ‘a place with perpetual winds’. This national park in Meghalaya houses animals like pandas, bison, serows, water buffalo, etc. It also breeds endangered and rare species of animals like leopards, boars, golden cats, and red pandas. 

Apart from animals, this park is home to many medicinal plants. The climate around this national park is quite pleasant as it is filled with deciduous forests. The additional features of this park are: 

• This national park in Meghalaya is situated about 167 kilometres from Tura. 
• The park is placed at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level. 
• The optimum time to visit this park would be between October and March. 

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary

The Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Simsang river in Meghalaya. As the name of the park suggests, it houses a diverse range of over 400 rare and endangered birds. No other sanctuary is entirely devoted to birds like the Siju Bird Sanctuary. It also protects grey hornbills and peacock pheasants. 

Many birds migrate to this sanctuary during different parts of the year, including the Siberian ducks. This wildlife bird sanctuary is perfect for people who love to observe and look at birds. The other features of this wildlife sanctuary are: 

• It is located in the South Garo Hills of Meghalaya, about 450 km from Shillong.
• It is the first wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya.
• The best time to visit this place would be during the onset of winter.

Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary 

Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary is located in the district of Ri-Bhoi in Meghalaya. This park houses a diverse group of animals like Bengal tigers, black bears, leopards, etc. Apart from animals, birds like the necked hornbill and brown hornbill that are on the verge of extinction are protected here. 

The Nongkyllem wildlife sanctuary is also a biodiversity hotspot because it shelters many endangered and rare species. There are over 630 different species of plants sheltered in this wildlife sanctuary. The other features of this wildlife sanctuary are:

• This sanctuary spreads over 25 square kilometres. 
• It is known for breeding rare species of reptiles, birds, and animals. 
• The best time to visit this sanctuary is either in March or April. 

Conclusion

Meghalaya is home to many endangered and rare species of animals and plants. As a result, this northeastern state has many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The four prime national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are Nokrek National Park, Balpakram National Park, Siju Bird Sanctuary, and Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary.