Guide To Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary In Assam

The humongous one-horned Indian rhinoceros is one of the most exquisite creatures on earth, and one place where you can find them in great numbers is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, a lesser-known jewel tucked away in the northeastern state of Assam. The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is an equally humongous park that covers an area of about 38.8 sq kms. It is also frequently referred to as Little Kaziranga owing to its abundant wildlife and unbridled rhino population. Nestled about 50 kms from Guwahati, Pobitora qualifies with flying colours as a must-see destination for a gamut of travellers including adventure-seekers, nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, birders and more. While slightly eclipsed by Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora's smaller size allows for ample close-up encounters with wildlife, where guests can likely see rhinos and other species in their native environment.

History And Significance

The history of Pobitora as a protected area sees its onset in the early 1980s. In 1987, it was conferred an official designation declaring it a legitimate wildlife sanctuary. Local communities mostly used the area for agriculture and grazing prior to this declaration. To save the declining number of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, however, conservation efforts resulted in the creation of the sanctuary. Since then, it has been essential to rhino conservation, helping establish Assam as a major habitat for this threatened species. Over time, the sanctuary has turned into a vital component of India's conservation landscape owing to its anti-poaching efforts and the preservation of sustainable habitat for its species.

Flora And Fauna

A remarkable variety of plants and animals can be found in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Wetlands, grasslands and isolated forests make up the majority of the vegetation, which offers a variety of species a suitable home. The Indian one-horned rhinoceros thrives in the swampy environment, and with more than 100 of them living in the park, tourists are nearly certain to see one. In addition to rhinos, Assamese macaques, wild boars, leopards, and barking deer can be found in Pobitora. With more than 200 kinds of birds identified, including migratory birds like pelicans, greater adjutant storks, and bar-headed geese, the sanctuary is a birdwatcher's dream. For these avian guests, the wetlands transform into a thriving haven during winter, making it an excellent location for birdwatchers.

Safari Experience

For a close-up look at the animals, visitors can take exhilarating vehicle safaris and elephant rides at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The jeep safari offers a fantastic opportunity to see rhinos, deer, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat as it travels along authorised park paths. On the other hand, the elephant safari offers a unique experience by enabling guests to explore areas of the grasslands that are inaccessible to jeeps, giving them a closer look at the wildlife.

The elephant rides cost about INR 1,000 per person for Indian nationals and INR 2,300 for foreign nationals. The jeep rides, on the other hand, cost INR 3,400 for Indian nationals and INR 6,000 for foreign nationals. The elephant rides are active from 6:30 am, 7:30 am and 2:30 pm while the jeep safaris go on from 7 am to 3 pm.

Things To Do Around Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Though without a doubt the wildlife refuge is the biggest draw in the area, tourists may also explore a number of other attractions and sites in the region. The Brahmaputra River, which is only a short drive from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, provides picturesque boat trips where visitors may see river dolphins and take in the stunning sunset views. You can also head out to the settlement of Mayong, formerly known as the "Land of Black Magic", located only a few kilometres from Pobitora.

Mayong boasts a fascinating museum devoted to its enchanted past and is rich in mythology and mysticism. In addition, you can also explore the capital city Guwahati, and check out some of the city's well-known attractions, such as the Assam State Zoo, Kamakhya Temple, and Umananda Island.

Best Time To Visit

November through March is the ideal time of year to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, when the weather is salubrious and wildlife sightings are at their highest. The sanctuary is still verdant and open throughout these months, making it a great place to explore the natural world and take pictures. Avoid the monsoon season, which runs from June to September, as excessive rains can cause waterlogging and render some areas impassable. Even though the summers can be very hot, safaris in the early morning and late afternoon still provide excellent chances to see animals.

How To Reach

Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, roughly 80 kms away, is the nearest airport to Pobitora.

Rail: Jagiroad Railway Station, roughly 30 kms away, is the closest to the sanctuary.

Road: The park is well connected to nearest cities and you can easily find your way from the Mayong Bus Stop in Mayong Bazar, Morigaon.