"Kaziranga has seen its highest tourist influx this year": Assam Minister Atul Bora
Guwahati, July 14
Assam Minister Atul Bora on Monday said that Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has witnessed a record influx of tourists this year, attributing the surge to growing global interest and high-profile visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
"A record number of tourists are visiting Kaziranga this time, not just from within the country but from abroad as well. There is a lot of interest because our Prime Minister, the President, and even the King of Bhutan visited the place. We have observed the annual trends, and this year has seen the highest influx of tourists," Bora told ANI.
Highlighting the government's efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure, Bora said the state has decided to develop additional accommodation facilities.
"Given this, there was a need for hotel accommodation there. Consequently, the Assam Government decided to build two hotels, one Hyatt and one Taj," he said.
The minister also said the state has developed new tourist attractions to enhance visitors' experience.
"We developed an International Orchid Park, which our Chief Minister inaugurated. It has now become a major tourist attraction in Kaziranga. The government, likely through the Labour Welfare Department, also decided to establish three tea museums in tea gardens," Bora added.
According to official data, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve recorded a significant rise in tourist arrivals during the 2025-26 tourism year, with 5,48,319 visitors, including 32,765 foreign tourists, visiting the park between April 1, 2025, and May 28, 2026.
Official records show that tourist arrivals at the UNESCO World Heritage Site stood at 1,55,107 in 2016-17, reflecting a steady increase over the years.
The park authorities attributed the rise in footfall to several new tourism initiatives, including bird safaris in Panbari, cycling in Kohora, jeep and boat safaris in Biswanath, and the "Kaziranga Beyond National Park" programme.
Community-run eco-shops, local souvenir initiatives, and new attractions such as trekking at Hemtap Hill in Silimkhowa village have also contributed to increased tourist interest while boosting the local economy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see more tourists discovering Kaziranga. But building Hyatt and Taj hotels? Honestly, we don't need luxury chains. Local homestays and eco-lodges would benefit local communities more while preserving the area's character. The tea museums idea is clever though - Assam's tea gardens are a story in themselves. Let's hope the government also focuses on better road connectivity for safe travel.
I visited Kaziranga last year with my family - it was breathtaking! The rhino safari at sunrise was magical. But during peak season, the jeep safaris get overcrowded. Need better management of visitor numbers. The "Kaziranga Beyond National Park" initiative sounds intriguing - cycling and bird safaris could reduce pressure on the core area. Assam tourism is really stepping up! 🐘🌿
Impressive numbers! I've been to Kaziranga twice - it's one of the best wildlife destinations in the world. The rhino population recovery is a conservation success story India should be proud of. However, I'm a bit concerned about the infrastructure push. Let's hope the hotel projects follow sustainable practices and don't encroach on protected areas. The orchid park is a nice addition - gives visitors more to do.
Honestly, as a local, this news makes me both happy and anxious. Happy because more tourists means more income for our community - my cousin runs a small shop near the park and business has doubled. Anxious because I've seen how overtourism affects places like Goa or Manali. The government needs strict rules - no plastic, no loud music, strict waste management. The "community-run eco-shops" mentioned in the article are a step in the right direction. But the luxury hotels worry me - they might price out local businesses.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.