Record Tourist Footfall at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve

Kaziranga: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) have witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist footfall during the 2023-24 season, marking a historic milestone for the renowned wildlife sanctuary.

Famed for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, including the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga has emerged as a top destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

This year, the park recorded its highest number of visitors since its inception, with a total of 3,27,493 tourists exploring its vast expanse. Among them, 3,13,574 were domestic visitors, while 13,919 hailed from international destinations.

Comprising three administrative divisions—the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, and the Nagaon Wildlife Division—KNPTR experienced a surge in tourism across all divisions, indicating the growing popularity of non-conventional tourist sites.

Key attractions during the tourism season included Jungle Safari and Elephant Safari options. Moreover, the introduction of cycling trails in Karbi-Anglong, along with trekking routes in the Panbari forest range and Chirang, further enriched the visitor experience.

Ethnic restaurants, led by community representatives, gained popularity among tourists, adding to the culinary diversity of the region. Notable mentions include Choran-Ahem (Karbi) and Ajun Ukum (Mising), as well as Bwisag-Na (Bodo), a women-led restaurant at Burachapori.

To enhance the tourism experience, new routes for dolphin watching through Boat safaris, as well as jeep and cycling safari circuits in Panpur and Burachapori, were introduced, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide.

Comparing visitor statistics from the previous year, significant growth was observed across all divisions. The Eastern Assam Wildlife Division welcomed 3,20,961 visitors compared to 3,10,458 in the previous season. Similarly, the Nagaon Wildlife Division saw an increase from 2,610 visitors to 3,484, and the Bishwanath Wildlife Division witnessed a rise from 1,728 visitors to 3,048 during the same period.

Financially, the park witnessed substantial revenue generation, with Rs 8,59,48,351 earned in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Rs 6,24,000 in the Nagaon Wildlife Division, and Rs 16,11,810 in the Biswanath Wildlife Division during the 2023-24 season.