There are about 100 species of animals living within the Jaintia hills wildlife sanctuaries. Some of these are endangered species like tiger, clouded leopard and pygmy hog etc. The animals like elephants, bison (gaur) barking deer, wild pig, slow loris and sambar can also be seen in this region.
More than 200 species of birds and animals and 1000 plants make their habitat in the Jaintia Hills Wildlife Sanctuaries. Some of the birds include a black eagle, great pied hornbill, kalij pheasant, blood pheasant etc.
The most dangerous reptiles found here are Russel's viper and banded krait. But they are not so much in number so you do not have to worry about them much during your visit. Pythons can also be seen in these hills but they are generally non-venomous. They do feed on small mammals & rodents though.
Jambila Sanctuary
Jambila Sanctuary is also known as Sohra Central Forest Tract. It's situated in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. The total area covered under this sanctuary is around 38sqkm and the best time to visit the place is between October to June. One can easily find Gray Langurs, Phayre's leaf monkeys and Hoolocks gibbons here sitting in trees and making loud noises. The main attraction for wildlife lovers is Hoolock gibbon, Pig-tailed macaque, Binturong, Capped langur etc.
Siju Wildlife Sanctuary
Siju is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries in Meghalaya that is home to several endangered species of animals. The major attraction here is the hoolock gibbons that you can spot here. If you want to have an experience of a lifetime, then this sanctuary is one among those where you should spend some time. You can also spot wild buffalo and mithun (Indian bison) here.
Phangrei is situated in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya at an altitude of 1240 m.
Shamrock Eco-Tourism & Nature Park
Shamrock is a picturesque tourist spot in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
Nongkhnum Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Nongkhnum Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 32 km away from Jowai, which is one of the major towns in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
The Jadukata Eco-Tourism Park is situated in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
Kyrdemkulai Eco-Tourism Park
Kyrdemkulai Eco-Tourism Park is situated in the East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya.
A part of these wildlife sanctuaries is the home to the head-hunters even today. Headhunting was a tradition that existed in this place some time ago whereby they used to take away the heads of people belonging to some other tribes.
These wildlife sanctuaries are the abode of the endangered species of animals like clouded leopard, elephant shrews, pygmy hog etc.
A part of these wildlife sanctuaries has been declared as UNESCO world heritage site too named Jaintia Hills by UNESCO in July 2011.
From October to June is the best time to visit these wildlife sanctuaries when you will be able to spot animals in large numbers without much effort.
It's a known fact that there have been several cases of leopard attacks on people which have resulted in death too. So, it becomes a bit difficult for people to visit these wildlife sanctuaries for tourism purposes. That is why this area has been declared as a no-go area for visitors and tourists for the security of the people visiting here.
These sanctuaries are famous due to their rich bio-diversity which comes under threat from environmental pollution and deforestation.
The best way to reach there is by air as there are a couple of airports situated nearby. Both Shillong and Guwahati have international airports from where you can easily fly to any destination across the globe.
East Jaintia Hills boasts of a couple of wildlife sanctuaries that are protected by the forest department. The forests in East Jaintia hills have been home to several endangered species some of which you can spot during your visit.
Wildlife sanctuaries in Jaintia Hills provide an opportunity for those people who love wildlife and want to explore the beauty of the flora and fauna. It's a place that is full of adventure, fun and knowledge as it will enable you to explore the culture and tradition of the tribal people who still reside in those areas.
The Jaintia Hills is also the only place in India where you can find these golden langurs. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during winter when these langurs come down from the upper ridges to lower hills areas.
You can also spot other animals like the tiger, leopard and elephant in this wildlife sanctuary. Moreover, you can find several species of gaur and barking deer here.
The main source of attraction for tourists is a bird called the Crested serpent eagle which has a very small population in India. Sighting this bird is a rare opportunity for bird watchers. Other birds include the Himalayan griffon vulture and the White-bellied Heron etc.
There is a lot to explore in Meghalaya and the places we mentioned in this article are just a few of the famous tourist attractions here. Enjoy your trip!