Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: The Kaziranga National Park (KNP) recorded the highest-ever footfall of tourists from October to December in 2024. As many as 1.64 lakh tourists, including 6,429 foreign tourists, visited the national park during this period.
According to official sources, during this period the national park earned Rs 4.32 crore in the form of entry fees. The situation at the national park is such that many tourists have to go back without experiencing the taste of elephant safari and jeep safari. Over 600 jeeps have been plying for visitors, but the massive rush of tourists has created a scarcity of jeeps and elephants in the national park. As many as 30,058 tourists visited the park in October, 53,367 in November, and 81,211 in December in 2024.
According to sources, the introduction of new tourism activities such as bird watching, trekking, and cycling has played an active role in wooing more tourists. These incentives have enriched the tourists' experience, drawing nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
In his New Year interaction with the media on January 1, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Visits to the KNP by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck have put the park on the global tourists' map. Their visits had the effect that tourism ambassadors do to a tourist spot. As many as 75 lakh tourists visited Assam last year."
According to official sources, the successful hosting of the 12th International Tourism Mart at the KNP from November 26-29, 2024, with worldwide participation, has also boosted the footfall of tourists.
The business activities of small-time local traders have also received a boost, let alone those of bigger ones like hoteliers. For instance, an eco-shop near the Bagori Range that promotes 70 different wildlife-themed products sold products worth over Rs 47 lakh in the past three months.
KNP Director Sonali Ghosh said that the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve remains committed to providing world-class facilities while ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. The record-breaking season underscores the park's status as a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world.
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