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Guwahati: The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve this year has recorded the highest number of visitors since its inception, government officials said.
According to government data, 3.37 lakh tourists visited the park during the last financial year (2023-24). While 3.13 lakh tourists who visited Kaziranga during this period were Indians, 13,919 of the tourists hailed from other countries. The visitors earned park authorities Rs 8.81 crore in revenue. Last year, 3.14 lakh tourists visited the park.
Of the three divisions of the park, the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division accounted for the highest footfall and revenue. However, the two other divisions - Bishwanath Wildlife Division and Nagaon Wildlife Division – also witnessed an increase in tourists “indicating the popularity of non-conventional tourism sites”, noted the release.
"We have worked very hard with the local communities to create new attractions", Kaziranga Nation Park director Sonali Ghosh told Business North East, sharing her excitement. "We further want to popularise new destinations in the buffer zones such as in Burachapori-Laokhowa and Bishwanath Wildlife Division."
“Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and iconic inhabitants like the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga has emerged as a top-choice destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts”, said the official release announcing the development. The park is most notable for being home to the largest population of one-horned rhinos anywhere in the world.
What are the major attractions at Kaziranga?
According to the officials, jungle safari and elephant safari were the key attractions during the tourism season post-monsoon last year. A cycling trail in Karbi-Anglong, and trekking routes in the Panbari forest range and Chirang were also popular. Ethnic restaurants Choran-Ahem (Karbi) Ajun Ukum (Mising) and Bwisag-Na (Bodo) on the premises also made their mark.
What is new in Kaziranga?
Beginning this year, the park has introduced tea tourism: meaning, it would allow visitors to take a stroll in the lush green tea garden around it and visit tea factories to witness how Assam's CTC, orthodox, or green tea are organically grown and prepared. They will also be able to sip the famous brew in the lap of nature. Last month, the state government approved the setting up of a 'tourist police' force in the state to bolster security. Expect to see teams of this dedicated force in Kaziranga anytime soon.
Why was Kaziranga in the news recently?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his last visit to the Northeast Indian region last month, highlighted the immense potential for tourism in the park. For a day, the Prime Minister, who rode atop an elephant and took a jeep safari, became an unofficial mascot of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
