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Rhino Haven Reopens: More Safaris, New Attractions
14 Oct
Summary
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam reopened for the 2026-27 season.
- Safari vehicles increased to 36; elephant safaris to start in November.
- Sanctuary boasts one-horned rhino density of 16 animals per square km.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam's Morigaon district, officially opened its gates for the 2026-27 tourist season on Tuesday, October 14, 2026. The state forest department significantly expanded safari capacity, increasing the number of available vehicles from 20 to 36 to cater to a growing influx of visitors.
Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah inaugurated the sanctuary's reopening, also unveiling a new wildlife museum and a souvenir shop. He announced that elephant safaris are planned for introduction in November, aiming to position Pobitora as a premier wildlife tourism hub.
With Pobitora's reopening, all three major wildlife tourism destinations in the region – Manas, Kaziranga, and Pobitora – are now accessible to tourists for the season. Manas reopened on October 2, and Kaziranga followed on October 3.
The sanctuary is renowned for its exceptional conservation success, housing one-horned rhinos at a density of approximately 16 animals per square kilometer. Minister Baruah commended the forest department and local communities for their role in achieving zero rhino poaching in Assam.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary spans 38.85 square kilometers and is home to 108 rhinos, over 500 wild buffaloes, around 385 species of migratory birds, and numerous deer, making it a significant attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
