Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam’s compact yet celebrated stronghold of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, threw open its gates on Monday for the 2026-27 tourism season, marking a welcome return of visitors after the annual monsoon closure. Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah formally inaugurated the season in the presence of forest officials, police personnel and local residents, signalling the restart of jeep and elephant safaris that have long drawn nature lovers from Guwahati and beyond.
Spread across approximately 38 square kilometres in Morigaon district, Pobitora punches far above its weight. Though modest in size compared with Kaziranga or Manas, it is renowned for one of the highest densities of one-horned rhinos in the world. Recent estimates place the rhino population at around 106 to 107 animals, alongside wild buffaloes, wild boars, a variety of deer and a rich avian diversity that makes every safari a rewarding experience. The sanctuary’s proximity to Guwahati—roughly 50 kilometres away—has made it a favourite day-trip destination for city dwellers and a convenient stop for tourists exploring the broader Northeast circuit.
Preparations for the reopening were thorough. Forest department teams completed repairs to internal roads and pathways to ensure smooth movement of safari vehicles. A fleet of about 30 jeeps has been arranged to operate during the season, while elephant safaris are also on offer, though some reports indicated the latter may scale up fully in the coming weeks. Entry windows and booking systems have been streamlined, with authorities urging visitors to plan ahead as festive footfall is expected to rise.
The timing could hardly be better. With Durga Puja just around the corner, local communities living on the fringes of the sanctuary are pinning their hopes on a strong tourist season. Homestay operators, jeep owners, guides, tea stall vendors and handicraft sellers all stand to benefit from the influx of visitors seeking a dose of wildlife before or during the festive holidays. In previous seasons, Pobitora has recorded steady growth in arrivals. Last year alone it welcomed more than 42,000 domestic tourists and 763 foreign visitors, generating meaningful revenue for the local economy and the forest department.
Minister Mallabaruah, speaking at the inauguration, highlighted the sanctuary’s dual role as a conservation success story and a tourism asset. Officials noted that the phased reopening of Assam’s major wildlife destinations—Manas National Park on October 2, Kaziranga on October 3, and now Pobitora—reflects careful planning after the monsoon rains. The department has stressed responsible tourism practices, urging visitors to stick to designated routes, avoid littering and respect the animals’ space.
For many in Morigaon and neighbouring areas, the reopening is more than a seasonal routine. It represents livelihood security in a region where eco-tourism has emerged as a vital alternative to traditional occupations. The state government has been encouraging registered homestays and local entrepreneurship through incentives, and Pobitora’s accessibility makes it an ideal testing ground for such initiatives. Locals expressed optimism that the festive season, combined with improved infrastructure, could push visitor numbers higher still.
Conservation remains at the heart of operations. Pobitora’s high rhino density in a relatively small area brings both pride and challenges, including the need for careful habitat management and community involvement in protection efforts. The sanctuary has benefited from sustained anti-poaching measures and habitat improvement works over the years. Authorities continue to monitor elephant movement and human-wildlife conflict in the surrounding landscape, an issue that farmers in nearby villages confront regularly by erecting temporary watchtowers.
As the first jeeps rolled out and visitors began arriving, the mood was one of quiet optimism. For Assam’s wildlife tourism circuit, the reopening of Pobitora completes the early-season trio and sets the stage for a busy winter. Whether it is the thrill of spotting a rhino at close quarters, the call of birds at dawn, or simply the chance to escape the city for a few hours, Pobitora once again stands ready to welcome nature enthusiasts.
Tourists are advised to check the latest safari timings and booking protocols through official channels. With the monsoon behind and the festive calendar ahead, the little sanctuary with the big reputation is back in business.