Staff Reporter
Guwahati: Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) has achieved a record in becoming the 3rd most visited Park in the country, with a footfall of 4,43,636 tourists in the park between October 1 and May 18, 2025.
The surge in tourist numbers at Kaziranga is driven by a combination of new and diverse tourism activities, improved infrastructure and connectivity, high-profile visits, effective marketing, successful wildlife conservation, economic benefits, and the park’s intrinsic natural appeal.
According to the Director of KNPTR, Sonali Ghosh, the footfall indicates an overall increase of over 35% in the total number of visitors since last year. Especially notable was the number of 1,84,63 foreigners, indicating an increase of 25% of such visitors, boosting Kaziranga’s position as a symbol of wildlife conservation and a top-choice destination for families and wildlife aficionados. She also revealed that the park collected revenue amounting to over Rs 11 crore in this tourist season.
Spread over 1,300 sq km in 4 districts, Kaziranga, with its diverse ecosystems, including tigers, elephants, and countless bird species, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. Kaziranga boasts several wetlands and comprises two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) recognized for their importance to waterbirds.
Compared to 1,32,943 tourists visiting KNPTR in 2014-15, the footfall registered in the park was 4,43,636 in 2024-25.
According to Director Ghosh, the key reasons behind the surge in tourist numbers at Kaziranga are: (i) Introduction of new tourism activities— Kaziranga has diversified its offerings with new attractions such as bird watching, trekking, boat tourism, dolphin viewing, cycling tracks, and safaris in adjacent reserves. These activities have broadened the park’s appeal to both nature lovers and adventure seekers, enriching the overall visitor experience; (ii) Improved infrastructure and facilities— Significant upgrades in infrastructure, including better roads, eco-friendly accommodations, and enhanced visitor amenities, have made the park more accessible and comfortable for tourists. Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kaziranga has rightfully earned its place among the global tourism destinations, with the New York Times recently ranking Assam and Kaziranga as one of the top ‘Must See’ destinations. Further, the Assam government has prioritised eco-friendly tourism in Kaziranga and has announced the incentivisation of EV safari vehicles in the recent budget; (iii) High-profile visits and international recognition— Visits by prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and over 60 Heads of Mission along with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during Advantage Assam 2.0 in Feb 2025 have boosted Kaziranga’s visibility. International media coverage has further elevated the park’s status as a must-visit destination; (iv) Effective marketing and government initiatives— Aggressive marketing campaigns and government-led initiatives have promoted Kaziranga as a premier wildlife tourism destination. Hosting major events such as the International Tourism Mart from November 26 to 29, 2024, has also increased its global appeal; (v) Conservation success and unique wildlife— The park’s success in conserving the iconic one-horned rhinoceros and other rare species continues to draw wildlife enthusiasts. The thriving populations of rhinos, tigers, elephants, and diverse birdlife are major attractions; (vi) Economic and community benefits— The surge in tourism has stimulated the local economy, creating jobs and supporting businesses in hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. Proactive efforts from the Park authority have led to the promotion of off-beat tourism activities in the buffer areas. Be it cycling at Laokhowa amidst the flowering of silk-cotton trees or the surreal boat safari across the Brahmaputra, and promoting specialised birding trails, the overall aim has been to focus on wellness and outdoor tourism. One major breakthrough was the establishment of unique eco-shops that offered Kaziranga-related memorabilia and souvenir items. Operated by the Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society, it helped provide a ready market for eco-friendly products, especially those prepared by eco-development committees. (vii) Seasonal appeal and natural beauty—Kaziranga’s lush landscapes, rejuvenated after the monsoon, and its peak tourist season (October to May) coincide with optimal wildlife viewing opportunities, attracting large numbers of visitors.
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