Kaziranga National Park has reopened to tourists for the 2026-27 season, bringing visitors back to Assam's famed wildlife destination. The reopening was formally marked on Saturday at the Kohora Range by Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah in the presence of Forest Department officials, Minister Atul Bora and MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa.
Jeep safaris have resumed with the reopening, while elephant safaris will take a little longer to return. According to Mallabaruah, elephant rides are expected to restart within the next 10 to 20 days, depending on the completion of preparations.
Tourist numbers expected to rise
The Assam government is expecting a strong tourist season, with booking trends showing encouraging signs. Mallabaruah expressed hope that visitor numbers would surpass those recorded last season.
The government is also looking to expand the experience beyond the usual safari circuit. The Forest and Tourism departments plan to work together on improving infrastructure, upgrading existing facilities and developing new attractions.
Plans are also being considered for tourism circuits connecting Kaziranga with nearby destinations. The idea is to encourage visitors to spend two to four days in the region instead of making Kaziranga a short stop on their itinerary. The expansion is also expected to create more opportunities for local communities to participate in tourism-related activities.
Rhinos, elephants and tigers among key attractions
Located along the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga stretches across Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Nagaon districts. Its grasslands, wetlands, forests and beels provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
The park is particularly known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. Visitors can also spot Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, tigers and fishing cats.
Kaziranga offers guided jeep and elephant safaris, along with observation towers at Sohola, Mihimukh, Kathpara, Foliamari and Harmoti.
Tourism push beyond the park
The region has also added attractions outside the traditional safari experience. The Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park at Durgapur village has more than 500 orchid species, besides local varieties of fruits, vegetables, cane, bamboo and fish.
As tourism expands, the Assam government is seeking to balance greater visitor activity with the protection of Kaziranga's ecological environment. Mallabaruah also highlighted government efforts that he said have helped reduce rhino poaching in the region.