Tourist footfall, revenue earning rise at Kaziranga National Park 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 3, 2024

Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) experienced a significant upsurge in tourist footfall in the last fiscal. 

Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and iconic inhabitants like the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga has emerged as a top-choice destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The year has recorded the highest number of visitors to the Park since its inception.  

Of the total 3,27,493 tourists who visited the park throughout the year, 3,13,574 are Indian tourists and 13,919 are foreign tourists.

The park earned a total of Rs 8.81 crore from tourists throughout the year.

Of the three forest divisions of the national park, East Assam Wildlife Division recorded 3,20,961 tourists compared to 3,10,458 tourists in 2022-23.

Nagaon Wildlife Division recorded 3,484 tourists in 2023-24 compared to 2,610 tourists in 2022-23 while Biswanath Wildlife Division recorded 3.048 tourists compared to 1,728 in 2022-233 fiscal.

“Tourism in all the three divisions has increased indicating the popularity of non-conventional tourism sites,” said Sonali Ghosh, director, KNPTR.  

“The key attractions during the tourism season that re-opened post-monsoon in mid-Oct 2023 were the Jungle safari and elephant safari options. Added opportunities for a cycling trail in Karbi Anglong, trekking routes in Panbari forest range and Chirang added to the attractions,” she said.

“Choran-Ahem (Karbi) and Ajun Ukum (Mising) ethnic restaurants led by community representatives have gained popularity, whereas Bwisag-Na (Bodo), a women-led restaurant at Burachapori also made modest beginnings. New routes under Boat safari for dolphin watching and the Panpur and Burachapori jeep and cycling safari circuits were also made operational in the last fiscal 2023-24,” she added.

KNPRT authorities said over 1.7 lakh tourists visited the UNESCO World Heritage site from October to January.

Local businesses have also benefited from the increased tourist flow with hotels, restaurants and shops reporting a surge in activity, they added.

Exploring rich biodiversity: Modi rides elephant in jungle fatigue, enjoys jeep safari in Kaziranga