A trip to Kaziranga National Park is as much about its landscape as it is about its wildlife. Located in Assam, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, but its grasslands, tropical forests, and wetlands are also home to Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and several other species. With the park now open for the safari season, travellers can once again explore this rich wilderness.
However, a visit to Kaziranga is not just about what you see on a safari. The surrounding landscape and the communities that live alongside it are an important part of the experience. As wildlife habitats face pressure from human activity and seasonal flooding, conservation efforts and responsible tourism play an important role in protecting the region.
Where you stay can also shape your trip. From riverside lodges to retreats set amid tea gardens and organic farms, several properties around Kaziranga combine comfortable accommodation with practices that aim to reduce their environmental impact and support local communities. Here are five properties to consider for your next visit.
Diphlu River Lodge
Set beside the Diphlu River, Diphlu River Lodge is known for bringing together the comforts of a high-end safari stay and a strong connection with its surroundings. Its 12 raised cottages draw inspiration from traditional Mishing architecture, using materials such as bamboo, timber and thatch. The design feels rooted in Assam rather than separated from it, while private wooden verandas offer a quiet place to watch the changing landscape. With the river and paddy fields nearby, the lodge makes it easy to slow down between wildlife excursions.
Its conservation efforts extend beyond the architecture. According to the property’s stated practices, five per cent of every booking supports the ABN Foundation, which works on rural community development and wildlife conservation. The lodge also avoids single-use plastics, recycles greywater into a central pond and serves organic rice and vegetables grown on the premises. The absence of perimeter fencing is another notable feature, allowing the property to remain more connected to its natural surroundings. For travellers seeking an immersive jungle experience with attentive hospitality, this is a compelling option.
The Information
Address: Kaziranga National Park, Near Bagori Police Outpost, Kuthari, Assam - 782136
Tariff: INR 24,900 per adult per night on twin/double sharing basis (inclusive of taxes); INR 33,900 per night for solo guest (incl. taxes); Supplement cost for river-facing cottage is INR 4,000 per cottage per night (incl. taxes).
Contact: +91 92092 00013; sales@assambengal.in
Website: diphluriverlodge.com
Irroi Kaziranga
For a more contemporary take on sustainable hospitality, Irroi offers a stay centred on permaculture and a connection with the local landscape. Located around three kilometres from the Kohora Range, the property is spread across 3.5 bighas of vegetated land, with more than 260 varieties of regional flora reported across the grounds. Its 22 rooms combine modern comforts with a setting shaped by greenery, while the outdoor pool offers a place to unwind after a morning safari. The property also arranges regional wildlife excursions and guided walks through nearby tea gardens.
Food and community form an important part of Irroi’s approach. Its farm-to-table philosophy draws ingredients from the on-site Baari permaculture garden and suppliers within an approximately 30-kilometre radius. The resort also reports that 85 per cent of its workforce comes from the surrounding area, creating opportunities for local employment and skills development. Its stated focus on reducing plastic waste and working towards net-zero operations adds another layer to the experience. Travellers who enjoy contemporary design but want their stay to remain connected to Assamese food, people and nature may find Irroi worth considering.
The Information
Address: Geleki Chariali, Bokakhat, Golaghat, Assam 785609
Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 6,000 per night; rates can vary depending on room category and season.
Contact: +91 70990 20364 | irroihotels@gmail.com
Website: irroi.in
Kathoni
Kathoni offers a more intimate alternative to the larger resorts around Kaziranga. With just two expansive suites overlooking a lake, the boutique property is suited to travellers who prefer privacy and a slower pace. Its bamboo roofing and local woodwork bring Assamese craftsmanship into the design, while the surrounding organic farm provides a natural backdrop. Rather than relying on elaborate landscaping, the property allows the existing environment to shape the experience, creating a stay that feels closely connected to rural life.
The farm also influences what guests eat. Kathoni focuses on farm-to-table meals, traditional Assamese cooking and efforts to minimise food waste. Experiences can include village walks, interactions around Bihu traditions and evenings spent dining by a campfire. The property received the TOFT India John Wakefield Memorial Award in 2025, recognising its work in responsible tourism. For couples or small groups looking for a quieter stay, Kathoni offers an opportunity to experience the countryside around Kaziranga while supporting a model of hospitality built around local food, culture and the land.
The Information
Address: #1, Dergoya Pam, Diffloo Pathar, P.O. Borjuri, Bokakhat, Assam – 785612
Tariff: Approximately INR 12,000–INR 18,000 per night; rates may vary depending on the season and package.
Contact: +91 98451 70829; hello@kathoni.com
Website: kathoni.com
Borgos Resort & Spa
Travellers who prefer a full-service resort may want to consider Borgos The Wild Haven, located near the Kohora safari entry. Its larger footprint offers a different kind of jungle holiday, with spacious rooms, private balconies, an outdoor pool, a spa and fitness facilities. The architecture incorporates wood panelling, bamboo structures and natural finishes, drawing on regional design elements. Its location is particularly convenient for guests hoping to organise early-morning safaris without spending too much time travelling to the entrance.
Borgos also highlights its efforts to preserve the landscape around the property. These include retaining existing banyan trees and forest canopies, sourcing locally where possible, using energy-efficient water-heating systems and managing wastewater. Such measures are worth considering when choosing a larger resort, where water use, energy consumption and landscaping can have a considerable environmental footprint. While travellers should check the details of its current sustainability practices before booking, Borgos provides an option for those who want premium facilities alongside easy access to Kaziranga’s wildlife experiences.
The Information
Address: Kaziranga National Park, No. 2 Sildubi, Kohora, 785609, Assam
Tariff: Starting from approximately INR 7,500 per night; rates may vary depending on the season and room category.
Contact: +91 73990 41193, +91 73990 41194; borgos@kazirangaborgos.com
Website: kazirangaborgos.com
IORA The Retreat
Spread across approximately 20 acres of tea gardens and landscaped greenery, IORA The Retreat offers a comfortable base for exploring Kaziranga. Its grounds feature native trees, flowering plants and tea shrubs, giving the property a garden-like atmosphere away from the safari trails. The resort has spacious accommodation and facilities suited to families, including an outdoor pool, a wellness spa and dedicated children's areas. Two specialty restaurants add variety to the dining experience, with regional cuisine providing an opportunity to explore flavours from Assam.
IORA's sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting, a sewage treatment plant, energy-saving electrical systems and efforts to reduce single-use plastics in its rooms and dining areas. These infrastructure choices are important in a destination where responsible water and waste management can help reduce pressure on the local environment. Its larger facilities also make it a practical option for families or groups who want to combine wildlife excursions with time to relax at the property. Before booking, travellers can ask about current conservation initiatives, local sourcing and how the resort measures its environmental impact.
The Information
Address: Bogorijuri, P.O. Kohora, Kaziranga National Park, Golaghat, Assam 785609
Tariff: Approximately INR 6,500–INR 12,500 per night for Luxury and Supreme rooms; suites cost extra.
Contact: +91 99540 00444, +91 99540 00555; iora@kazirangasafari.com
Website: iorahotels.com
FAQs
1. When does the safari season begin at Kaziranga National Park?
Kaziranga's safari season typically begins in autumn, after the monsoon, with opening dates and access varying by season and park authorities' decisions. Travellers should check the latest official announcements before planning a visit.
2. Where should I stay when visiting Kaziranga National Park?
Options include Diphlu River Lodge, Irroi Kaziranga, Kathoni, Borgos The Wild Haven and IORA The Retreat. They offer different settings, from riverside cottages and farm-focused stays to full-service resorts.
3. Which are the best stays near Kaziranga for nature lovers?
Diphlu River Lodge offers a riverside setting, Irroi Kaziranga focuses on permaculture and regional sourcing, while Kathoni offers a small-scale stay connected to an organic farm.
4. Are there eco-friendly stays near Kaziranga National Park?
Some properties describe practices such as reducing single-use plastics, harvesting rainwater, treating wastewater, sourcing ingredients locally and supporting nearby communities. Travellers can ask individual properties about current initiatives and measurable outcomes.
5. What wildlife can I see at Kaziranga National Park?
Kaziranga is renowned for the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Its habitats also support Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer and numerous bird species, though sightings depend on conditions and luck.
