Murlen National Park

Murlen National Park is a protected area in India.

Murlen National Park at a Glance

Location
Northeast Frontier, India, South Asia
Coordinates
23.609585, 93.288120
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Murlen National Park

Nearest airport: হযরত শাহজালাল আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর (DAC), 295 km away.

Nearest international airport: হযরত শাহজালাল আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর (DAC), 295 km away.

Weather & Climate in Murlen National Park

The warmest temperatures in Murlen National Park occur in July, averaging 18.6°C (up to 23.1°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 9.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 8.8mm. Average humidity: 59.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 9.9°C (rainfall: 19.4mm)
  • February: 11.4°C (rainfall: 8.8mm)
  • March: 15.6°C (rainfall: 15.8mm)
  • April: 18.3°C (rainfall: 47.1mm)
  • May: 18.2°C (rainfall: 133.3mm)
  • June: 18.4°C (rainfall: 264.3mm)
  • July: 18.6°C (rainfall: 259.7mm)
  • August: 18.1°C (rainfall: 278.8mm)
  • September: 18.3°C (rainfall: 198.7mm)
  • October: 16.9°C (rainfall: 151.2mm)
  • November: 14.1°C (rainfall: 49.0mm)
  • December: 11.3°C (rainfall: 21.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Murlen National Park

The best months to visit Murlen National Park are February, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 9.93°C, rainfall 19.4mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 64.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 11.36°C, rainfall 8.8mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 59.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 15.58°C, rainfall 15.8mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 56.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 18.25°C, rainfall 47.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 62.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 18.22°C, rainfall 133.3mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • June: Poor, temperature 18.36°C, rainfall 264.3mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 88.9%
  • July: Poor, temperature 18.63°C, rainfall 259.7mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 89.9%
  • August: Poor, temperature 18.15°C, rainfall 278.8mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 91.3%
  • September: Poor, temperature 18.28°C, rainfall 198.7mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 89%
  • October: Poor, temperature 16.94°C, rainfall 151.2mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 86.8%
  • November: Good, temperature 14.1°C, rainfall 49mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 76.1%
  • December: Good, temperature 11.35°C, rainfall 21.8mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 68.9%

Wildlife in Murlen National Park

Home to 20 recorded species including 11 iconic birds, 5 birds of prey, 2 waterbirds, 1 reptiles, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Murlen National Park

Based on average temperature of 15.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 16°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Murlen National Park

4 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Northeast Frontier

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Murlen National Park FAQs

What is the best time to visit Murlen National Park for wildlife viewing, and what unique species might I encounter?

The ideal time to visit Murlen National Park is during the dry season, from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and visibility for wildlife spotting is generally better. Visitors have the unique opportunity to search for elusive species like the Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, Goral, and various rare birds such as Mrs. Hume's Pheasant and several hornbill species within its dense forests.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Murlen National Park, given its specific terrain?

Murlen National Park offers a distinct safari experience characterized by its dense sub-tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, rather than open grasslands. Safaris typically involve guided jeep drives or treks through winding forest trails, focusing on tracking wildlife and appreciating the rich biodiversity in a relatively undisturbed environment. Expect a more intimate and quiet encounter with nature, far from the crowds of more popular parks.

What are the typical accommodation options and travel logistics for reaching Murlen National Park?

Accommodation near Murlen National Park is generally limited to basic forest rest houses or guesthouses in nearby villages, emphasizing an authentic, rustic experience. The park is quite remote, with the nearest major airport being Aizawl, requiring further travel by road which can be long and challenging, so pre-arranged transport and bookings are highly recommended.

Are there any specific safety guidelines or park regulations visitors should be aware of when exploring Murlen National Park?

Visitors to Murlen National Park are required to be accompanied by a local guide for all safaris and treks to ensure safety and adherence to park regulations. It is crucial to stay on designated paths, avoid littering, and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, as the park aims to preserve its pristine ecosystem. Always follow your guide's instructions for a safe and enriching experience.

What are the estimated costs associated with a safari trip to Murlen National Park, including entry fees and guide services?

The costs for a safari trip to Murlen National Park are generally more affordable compared to India's more famous tiger reserves, reflecting its less developed tourism infrastructure. You can expect to pay modest entry fees, charges for safari vehicles (usually jeeps), and mandatory guide fees, which are typically paid directly to the local community. It's advisable to confirm current rates with local authorities or tour operators prior to your visit.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.