Hoolangapar - Home of Indian Gibbons

Known as the Knowledge city of Assam – Jorhat is a small town in the NorthEast India with a unique distinction of sheltering India’s only population of Apes – the Gibbons. Hoolangapar Gibbon Sanctuary spreads across an area of about 21 km sq and is named after Hoolock Gibbons. Not just the Gibbons, it also houses 7 species of monkeys out of total 15 species that are found in India, varied species of birds, spiders and squirrels.

A morning walk inside the Hoolangapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Gibbons are the Apes and are differentiated on smaller size, lower sexual dimorphism, no nesting habits from the Greater Apes. Hoolock gibbons are the second largest of the gibbons and spread from NE India to Myanmar, with smaller populations in Bangladesh and China. Hoolangapar Sanctuary provides an unparalleled opportunity to meet these gibbons in their natural habitat. Also, the sanctuary has India’s only population of nocturnal primates – the Slow Loris. With distinctive large eyes, every species of Slow Loris has been identified either Vulnerable or Endangered.

Spiders represent the other attraction for macro-hunters, with large webs and colorful tentacles – they naturally attract their victims as well as photo-enthuiasts.

Gasteracantha dalyi - the Spiny Orb- Weaver

Nephila pilipes - the Golden Silk Orb - Weaver

How to reach?

Jorhat is well connected by rail, road and air transportation modes. Jorhat has daily connecting flight to Kolkata and can also be reached by train. Mariani (MXN) is the main station, situated some 17kms from the Jorhat town. A very well managed NH 37 connects the town to Dibrugharh (~140 km, 2 hours) and Guwahati (~300 km, 5 hours). There are many Budget to 3 Stars hotels in town.

Sanctuary is located at about 5-10 minutes’ drive from Mariani station.

Best Time?

October to February is generally suggested as best time, though the park can be visited anytime except during Monsoon.

Take Aways

Jorhat is a small well connected town in Assam.
Hoolangapar Gibbon Sanctuary has an unique distinction to house India’s only population of Gibbons and Slow Loris; and it offer a very high bio-diversity in a very small area.
Best time is October to February.
Take your camera, capture and bring back the memories.
Be responsible and Don’t litter.

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