Assam Wildlife Tourism Reopens
Assam wildlife parks begin phased reopening for the new tourism season this October.
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Key Points
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Manas will reopen with a special programme at its second main entrance and remain open until further orders under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Assam Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 1997.
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Kaziranga permits can be obtained through the Assam Sewa Setu portal and the park’s official booking system.
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Ahead of the season, 81 guest houses affiliated with the Kaziranga Hotel Association were renovated and refreshed, while tourism operators had begun taking advance bookings.
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Kaziranga recorded 468,147 visitors in the 2025–26 tourism cycle, including 30,474 foreign tourists—about 15% more visitors than the previous year.
Assam's three major wildlife parks are reopening for the 2026–27 tourism season after their annual monsoon closure. The Print reported that Manas National Park opens October 2, followed by Kaziranga National Park on October 3, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary on October 13. The reopenings mark the start of peak wildlife viewing season in one of India's most important natural reserves.
Kaziranga recorded 468,147 visitors last season, including 30,474 foreign tourists—about 15% more than the year before. News18 reported that Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah formally reopened Kaziranga and expects record-breaking visitor numbers this year. Tourism operators and 81 newly renovated guest houses are already taking advance bookings.
Kaziranga's Phased Reopening With Limited Safari Routes
Kaziranga will not open all its ranges at once. Asian News International stated that jeep safaris will initially run only in the Kohora and Bagori ranges with morning and afternoon slots. Other ranges will reopen in phases throughout the season. Elephant safaris remain suspended through October and restart November 1.
Manas and Pobitora Open With Visitor Preparation Needed
Manas National Park will operate under a special program at its second main entrance and remain open indefinitely under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Newsable reported the reopening follows the annual monsoon season. Visitors to Manas should check weekly range closure schedules before planning trips, as individual areas close on rotation for maintenance.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary opens last on October 13. Together, these three parks form Assam's core wildlife tourism infrastructure. Permits for Kaziranga are available through the Assam Sewa Setu portal and the park's official booking system, making advance planning easier for tourists.
Tourism Industry Expects Strong Season After Monsoon Break
Local tourism businesses have been preparing for the reopening since the monsoon closure began. The Print reported that 81 guest houses linked to the Kaziranga Hotel Association completed renovations ahead of the season. Tourism operators began taking advance bookings weeks in advance, signaling confidence in strong visitor demand.
The reopening will support hundreds of tourism workers and local communities that depend on park revenue. Last season's 15% jump in visitors showed growing interest in Assam's wildlife. Officials expect the phased reopening strategy will distribute visitor pressure evenly across ranges while protecting sensitive habitats during the vulnerable post-monsoon period.
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