In a recent development, the Divisional Forest Officer of Mangaldai Wildlife Division issued a notice stating that all tourist activities within the Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve of Assam are now closed. Prior to this announcement, the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve had already declared the closure of elephant safaris on May 1, followed by the suspension of jeep safaris on May 16.
Starting from May 15, 2024, the jeep and elephant safaris will be temporarily suspended for the tourist season of 2024-25 in the wildlife reserves of Assam until further notice. This decision is in accordance with the customary conclusion of the tourist season.
It must be noted that the Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve authorities have temporarily suspended safari activities to prioritise visitor safety and environmental conservation. In Assam, the tourist season for all national parks and wildlife sanctuaries typically begins in October and ends in mid-May of the following year. This schedule aligns with seasonal changes and wildlife migration patterns.
During the 2023-24 season, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) experienced an unprecedented surge in tourism, with the highest number of visitors since its establishment. The recorded data for this period totalled 327,493 visitors, including 313,574 Indian tourists and 13,919 international visitors. The park is well-known for its iconic one-horned Rhinoceros and has become a popular destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
In the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, there was a significant increase in both Indian and international tourist arrivals throughout 2023-24. Similarly, the Nagaon Wildlife Division and the Bishwanath Wildlife Division also experienced noteworthy growth in tourism and revenue during the same period.
The main attractions during the tourism season included jungle safaris and elephant rides, which began after the monsoon season in October 2023. Additionally, tourists engaged in activities such as cycling in the Karbi-Anglong area, observing dolphins through boat safaris, and trekking in the Panbari forest range and Chirang. The heightened tourist footfall also drew attention to many local restaurants and food joints, promoting eco-tourism in the region.