Pobitora National Park Travel Guide – The Bharatpur of the East (2024)
When talking about the North Eastern state of Assam, it is well–known throughout the country of India for housing a plethora of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Out of the whole lot, Pobitora National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary holds a significant place in the hearts of travellers. Located in the Morigaon district in Assam, Pobitora National Park is one of the three main wildlife reserves of the state after Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. Boasting of being home to the densest population of one–horned rhinos in the entire world, Pobitora also houses a rich diversity of bird species. In fact, owing to its wildlife collection, the place is also commonly referred to as the ‘Bharatpur of the East’.
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Located close to the city of Guwahati, the sanctuary receives a lot of travellers throughout the course of the year. Sprawled over an area of about 38 square km, Pobitora National Park located by the side of the mighty river Brahmaputra is a small but almost heavenly getaway destination, especially for all the nature and wildlife lovers. If you wish to witness the raw wilderness and true natural greenery, then there is no better tourist place for you to visit in Assam than the Pobitora National Park. Continue reading!
History of Pobitora National Park
Nestled at a distance of about 50 km from the city of Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Assam. You may not know but the Pobitora National Park lies in close proximity to the Mayong village which is also known by the name of ‘Black Magic Capital of India’. The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is well – known for being the home to one – horned rhino and draws thousands of travellers from all over the country, especially photographers, nature lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts.
Located by the side of the mighty river Brahmaputra, the wildlife sanctuary of Pobitora was initially popular as a reserved forest in the years between 1971 and 1987. It was after this period that the place finally got the recognition as a Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. If the rumours circulating behind the name of the sanctuary are to be believed, it is said that the place was given the name of Pobitora by the king of Mayong after his daughter who had died as a child.
Wildlife of Pobitora National Park
When it comes to its rich and diverse wildlife, the Pobitora National Park is not only a well – known tourist attraction in Assam but also quite famous throughout the country. The place is mainly famous for being a home to the one – horned rhinoceros. Other than that, some of the other animals that one can spot here include wild boar, wild buffalo, leopard, barking deer, etc. Apart from animals, the sanctuary also boasts of a significant bird area as it is a home to about 2000 migratory birds as well as reptiles.
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Popular Things To Do At The Pobitora National Park
Acting as a home to the Indian one – horned rhinos, wild buffalos, host of migratory birds, leopards and barking deer, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction in Assam state. If you are thinking that exploring the wildlife is the only thing for you to do at this wildlife sanctuary, then you are mistaken.
- Excursions: There are a series of excursions that one can undertake from Pobitora. For instance, you can go for a trip to Sualkuchi which is also popularly known by the name of weavers’ village. Another nearby place is Hajo which is a well – known pilgrimage centre in the state of Assam.
- Boating: If you are done with all the safari and wildlife exploration, then boating is another exciting activity that you can undertake at the Pobitora National Park. The best part about this boating ride is that it allows the visitors to admire the magical natural beauty, witness the stunning sunset views and even spot dolphins.
- Trekking: Thanks to the fact that the Pobitora National Park is well surrounded by many mighty hills, the adventurers love to go for a nice trek when visiting this national park. There are several trekking opportunities available in the nearing hills. You can go with a local guide for a better route navigation.
- Visit The Nearby Assamese Communities: Since Pobitora is a landlocked sanctuary, interested visitors can also visit the Assamese communities residing nearby. Visiting these peculiar and exciting Assamese communities is going to give you a true taste of their local culture and lifestyle.
- Go on Jeep and Elephant Safaris: You will also be pleased to know that the Pobitora National Park offers multiple jeep as well as elephant safari rides within its premises. These safaris will allow you to witness several wild animals including deer, wild buffalo, etc., beautiful paddy fields, surrounding grasslands and migratory birds from up close.
- Duration of Safari: Both the jeep as well as elephant continue for a duration of an hour.
- Timings: For the elephant safari, the timings are between 6.30 AM and 7.30 AM in the morning and at 2.30 PM in the noon, while the jeep rides can be taken anytime throughout the day. The first jeep safari starts at 7 AM and the last one at 3 PM. After that there is a break of one hour from 12 PM till 1 PM.
- Prices:
- Jeep Safari: For a group of six people the cost of jeep safari is Rs. 1300 (including the cost of toll, guide as well as security). Hence, if you are on a solo trip, it is recommended that you join a group of travellers, so that your price gets shared and you don’t have to pay for a single jeep. However, you must know that this is the rate for a specific route tour. There is also an option where visitors can choose to spend the whole day inside the park. The price for the same for Indian travellers is Rs. 200, while foreign tourists have to pay Rs. 2000.
- Elephant Safari: The cost of elephant safari for Indian travellers is Rs. 500 per person and for foreign nationals the cost increases to Rs. 1000 per person.
- Photography: Please know that you can’t do photography inside the Pobitora National Park and if you wish to do so, then you will have to pay an additional charge of Rs. 50.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Pobitora National Park?
The Pobitora National Park witnessed visitors from all over the country off and on throughout the course of the year. However, if you are someone who is looking forward only to the best experience, then the best time for you to plan your trip to this top tourist attraction in Assam would be in between the months of November and February. During this period, the climate is quite pleasant during the day which allows visitors to have a great sightseeing and exploring experience, while the nights are a bit chilly giving the travellers the perfect chance to enjoy a bonfire experience. Just remember to carry along adequate woollens for a warm and cozy time.
How to Reach the Pobitora National Park?
You can pack and leave all of your worries about reaching this popular tourist place in Assam, right at your homes. Since the Pobitora National Park is well – connected with almost all means of transport, you can reach it pretty easily. Some of the ways you can reach here are:
- By Air: The nearest airport to reach the Pobitora National Park is located in Guwahati. No matter, in whichever state you located throughout the country, all of the major domestic airports of India provide multiple regular flights to the city of Guwahati. Once you reach the airport, you can easily take a cab or hire a taxi to reach the Pobitora national park.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach the Pobitora National Park is located at Jagiroad. This railhead is very well – connected to the city of Guwahati and many other nearby cities of Assam. Once you reach the Jagiroad railhead, you can easily take any of the public buses or hire a cab to reach the Pobitora National Park.
- By Road: The journey from Guwahati city to Pobitora National Park takes approximately 2 hours via a narrow road. Other than hiring a taxi or using a personal vehicle, you can also travel by bus. There are several buses available from Adabari Bus station in Guwahati till Chamta from where you can catch a public bus for Kolangpur. From Kolangpur, the national park is just an auto ride away. Another bus alternative is to take a bus till Morigaon from Guwahati and then from Morigaon, take a bus till the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary.
If you are a true nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, then Pobitora National Park is one of the top tourist places to visit in Assam for you.
FAQ’s For Tourists Visiting Pobitora National Park
Q1. Is There A Hanging Bridge In Pobitora?
Ans. Yes, right opposite to the entrance of the Pobitora National Park, there is Haduk Hanging Bridge.
Q2. Is There A Provision for Elephant Or Jeep Safari In Pobitora National Park?
Ans. Yes, you get to enjoy the facility for both here.
Q3. Should I Visit Pobitora During The Monsoon Season?
Ans. Avoid travelling to Pobitora National Park during the monsoon season as the region is quite prone to flash floods and moreover the road condition is quite poor during this time.
