Kaziranga Becomes India's Third Most-Visited National Park; Kerala's Periyar Takes Top-spot

As a testament to its evergreen popularity, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has recorded an increase of over 35 per cent in visitor numbers from October 1, 2024 to May 18, 2025. This makes it the third most-visited national park in India behind Periyar National Park in Kerala, and Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.

Rise In Tourists Visiting Kaziranga National Park

Sonali Ghosh, Park Director of Kaziranga National Park, said that 4,43,636 people visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site during that period compared to 3,28,305 visitors during the preceding year. Of the 4,43,636 visitors, 18,463 were foreign tourists.

The increase in tourists reflects Kaziranga’s status as a symbol of wildlife conservation and a top-choice destination. The park’s lush landscapes, which are rejuvenated after the monsoon, and its tourist season from October to May coincide with optimal wildlife viewing opportunities that attract a large number of visitors.

“The surge in tourist numbers at Kaziranga is driven by a combination of new and diverse tourism activities, improved infrastructure and connectivity, high-profile visits, effective marketing, successful wildlife conservation, economic benefits and the park’s intrinsic natural appeal,” Ghosh said while speaking to media.

New Initiatives At Kaziranga National Park

Spread over 1,300 sq km across four districts, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is a cornerstone of India’s wildlife heritage. It is the home of the Indian rhinoceros, and wild water buffalo. It even has a designated Important Bird Area, according to BirdLife International.

In recent years, the national park has diversified its offerings with new attractions such as birdwatching, trekking, boat tourism, dolphin viewing, cycling tracks, and safaris in adjacent reserves. These activities have broadened the park’s appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers, enriching the overall visitor experience.

Furthermore, significant upgrades in infrastructure, including improved roads, eco-friendly accommodations and enhanced visitor amenities, have made the park more accessible and comfortable for tourists.

“Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kaziranga has rightfully earned its place among global tourism destinations, with ‘The New York Times’ recently ranking Assam and Kaziranga as one of the top must-see destinations. Furthermore, the Assam government has prioritised eco-friendly tourism in Kaziranga and announced incentives for EV safari vehicles in the recent budget,” Ghosh said.

She also highlighted that visits by prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and over 60 Heads of Mission, along with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during the “Advantage Assam 2.0” mega business summit in February 2025, have significantly boosted Kaziranga’s visibility.

Ghosh added that the surge in tourism has stimulated the local economy, creating jobs and supporting businesses in hospitality, transport and handicrafts. Proactive efforts by park authorities have also promoted offbeat tourism activities in the buffer zones.

“From cycling at Laokhowa during silk-cotton tree blooms to boat safaris across the Brahmaputra and specialised birding trails, we’ve focused on wellness and outdoor experiences. A key initiative was establishing eco-shops operated by the Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society, providing markets for eco-friendly products from local Eco Development committees,” Ghosh said.

The park closed for tourists on May 19. It will reopen after the monsoon season.

(With inputs from multiple reports)