Kaziranga National Park and Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve closing dates announced

As per the latest latest development, the Divisional Forest Officer of Mangaldai Wildlife Division has issued a notice regarding the closure of tourist activities in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve of Assam. As per the release, effective May 15, 2024, the jeep safari and elephant safari will be suspended for the 2024-25 tourist season until further notice. This decision aligns with the conclusion of the tourist season, as customary for wildlife reserves in Assam.

Furthermore, the authorities of Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve added that the temporary closure of both jeep safari and elephant safari starting May 15, stressing the importance of visitor safety and environmental conservation.
Read more: 10 most common reasons why visas get rejected

Prior to this announcement, the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve had already declared the closure of elephant safari starting May 1, followed by the suspension of jeep safari from May 16.

It's a recurring pattern in Assam that the tourist season for all national parks and wildlife sanctuaries typically commences in October and concludes in mid-May of the subsequent year, aligning with seasonal changes and wildlife migration patterns.

Reports add that during the 2023-24 season, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) saw record-breaking influx of tourists, marking the highest number of visitors since its establishment. The recorded data for this period totaled 327,493, comprising 313,574 Indian tourists and 13,919 international visitors. Renowned for its iconic one-horned Rhinoceros, the park has become a favoured destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Read more: Iconic locations in Delhi to see light and sound shows

In the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, there was a notable surge in both Indian and international tourist arrivals throughout 2023-24. Similarly, the Nagaon Wildlife Division and the Bishwanath Wildlife Division also witnessed significant increases in tourism and revenue during the same period.

The main attractions during the tourism season included jungle safaris and elephant rides, which commenced post-monsoon in October 2023. Additionally, tourists had the opportunity to engage 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 brought attention to many local restaurants and food joints, promoting eco-tourism in the region.