India’s wildlife sanctuaries close during the monsoon to protect animals during their breeding season and to allow natural habitats to recover after the dry months. This pause supports ecological balance and long-term conservation. Kaziranga National Park, spread across the Brahmaputra floodplains, shelters the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, along with tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and over 500 bird species. Normally shut from May to October due to monsoon floods, Kaziranga is set to reopen early in 2025, ahead of Durga Puja—a move obviously aimed at attracting festival-season tourists. The announcement came during Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Numaligarh, where he reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled inauguration of the Bio-Ethanol Plant on September 13.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Assam’s top tourist attractions, typically reopens to visitors in November after the monsoon season. This annual closure aligns with a crucial period in the wildlife calendar, as the monsoon marks the breeding and nesting season for many species, including tigers, elephants, and birds. Shutting the park during this time helps reduce human disturbance, allowing animals to raise their young in a safe and undisturbed environment.
The abundant vegetation brought by the rains creates ideal nurseries for young wildlife, and the absence of tourist activity supports habitat regeneration, ensuring the long-term health and balance of the ecosystem. This year’s decision to reopen the park early to attract festival-season tourists risks disrupting a critical period for wildlife breeding and habitat recovery—potentially undermining the very conservation efforts the seasonal closure is meant to support.
The recent surge in tourist numbers has raised growing concerns around safety, infrastructure, and environmental impact. According to a March 2025 report by Northeast Live, Kaziranga National Park has seen a “massive tourist turnout,” with over two lakh visitors recorded in the last five months of the 2024–25 season—surpassing previous years’ figures.
While tourism boosts the local economy, such high footfall can lead to habitat degradation, with increased vehicle movement and human activity disturbing the park’s fragile ecological balance. Experts warn that sensitive habitats within protected areas must be approached with caution to prevent disruption to wildlife. Visitors should be thoroughly briefed on the terrain, safety protocols, and potential animal encounters before entering these zones.
What makes Kaziranga a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It protects the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses and diverse wildlife, showcasing rich biodiversity.
Why is the park reopening early this year?
It’s reopening early ahead of the Durga Puja festival to attract more tourists.
What problems does the park face due to more tourists?
The administration is overwhelmed, and heavy visitor traffic strains the ecosystem and wildlife.
How does tourism harm Kaziranga’s environment?
Tourism pressure is a key threat, adding to habitat loss, invasive species, floods, and highway pollution. Habitat loss from siltation, invasive plants, flooding, and heavy highway traffic also threaten the park.
How can overtourism be managed?
Limiting visitors, educating tourists, and protecting sensitive areas are crucial to reduce impact.