Kaziranga National Park partially reopens for jeep safaris ahead of schedule

The Bagori (western) range of Kaziranga National Park in Assam has reopened for tourists on September 25, amid Durga Puja holidays, with jeep safaris permitted along a restricted nine-kilometre route. Park authorities told PTI that the limited 9-kilometre stretch will be accessible initially, while other circuits will continue remain shut for breeding season.

Located in the Nagaon district, the western range has been opened earlier than usual this year to accommodate the influx of visitors expected during the festive season. The reserve was reopened in a ceremonial event by Kaziranga Lok Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa. He was joined by BJP Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia, Kaziranga National Park Director Sonali Ghosh, Nagaon District Commissioner Devashish Sarma, and senior forest officials.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the park, tributes were paid to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19. His contribution to Assamese culture was acknowledged as part of the opening ceremony.

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The park had been closed to tourists since May, ahead of the breeding and monsoon season. This early reopening of the western range is part of a broader initiative by the Assam government to boost tourism during the festive period. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier announced the move, stating, "The park is being reopened for tourists early this year to enhance their puja celebration experience. We invite all to celebrate the season amid the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of Assam's pride, Kaziranga."

Kaziranga is internationally renowned for its dense population of one-horned rhinoceroses, and is home to tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, four species of deer, and a wide array of birds, aquatic life and butterflies.

The central or Kohora range, located in Golaghat district, is expected to reopen in the second week of October. The popular elephant safaris, are scheduled to resume from November 1.