Kitchen of the World: Dehing Patkai

Dehing Patkai is a rain forest in Assam spanning across the districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Charaideo

It is the only patch of virgin rainforest in Assam whcih is interspersed with lush green and semi-evergreen flora that are deciduous in nature

Dehing or Dihing Patkai primarily consists of three parts: Jeypore, Upper Dihing River and Dirok rainforest

The forest is often referred to as the ‘Amazon of the East‘ owing to its expanse and the thick forest

The Dehing Patkai forms the largest stretch of tropical lowland rainforests in India. The climate of the region is mostly tropical with an annual rainfall of more than 4,000 mm

Several exotic species of orchids, abundant ferns, epiphytes, wild banana, arums, climbers and lianas are found in this forest habitat. Important tree species such as: Mekai, Dhuna, Udiyam, Nahar, Sam kothal, Bheer, Hollock, Nahor, Au–tenga (elephant apple), different species of Dimoru etc. envelope the forest.

Several exotic species of orchids, abundant ferns, epiphytes, wild banana, arums, climbers and lianas are found in this forest habitat. Important tree species such as: Mekai, Dhuna, Udiyam, Nahar, Sam kothal, Bheer, Hollock, Nahor, Au–tenga (elephant apple), different species of Dimoru etc. envelope the forest.

The rich biodiversity of Dehing Patkai include about 46 species of mammals, 283 species of birds, 276 species of butterflies, 70 species of fish, 71 species of reptiles and 70 species of dragon flies that are found scattered within the sanctuary

The sanctuary is the heaven for entomologists and lepidopterologists, as it hosts a wide range of butterfly species that are extremely rare

Butterfly species found at Dehing Patkai

Exotic bird species found at Dehing Patkai