Assam Opens Manas and Kaziranga Parks as Wildlife Tourism Season Begins

DISPUR — Assam’s wildlife tourism season began on 2 October 2026 with the reopening of Manas National Park, followed by Kaziranga National Park the next day. The move, announced by the state government, is part of a broader effort to revive eco‑tourism after a two‑year pause caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and conservation work.

Reopening after a Pandemic Pause

Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Kaziranga‑Manas Biosphere Reserve, had been closed to visitors since March 2020. The closure was initially imposed to curb the spread of the virus and to allow wildlife to recover from the disruptions caused by tourism. The Assam government’s decision to reopen the park on 2 October follows a review of the park’s ecological health and a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at sustainable visitor management.

Sequential Reopening of Kaziranga

Kaziranga National Park, home to the largest population of the Indian one‑horned rhinoceros, is scheduled to open on 3 October. The park’s reopening is timed to coincide with the start of the monsoon‑to‑autumn wildlife season, a period that traditionally sees increased animal activity and higher visitor numbers. The government has announced that entry will be limited to a daily quota of 500 visitors to reduce human impact on the fragile ecosystem.

Tourism Season Framework

The Assam Tourism Department has issued a circular that outlines the operational framework for the season. Entry fees will be set at ₹1,200 for adults and ₹600 for children, with a mandatory 30‑minute guided tour for all visitors. The circular also mandates that all visitors must be accompanied by a licensed guide and that no photography is allowed in the core wildlife zones.

Conservation Measures and Monitoring

In a statement released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, officials said that the parks will be monitored by a joint team of forest officials and wildlife scientists. The team will conduct daily patrols and use camera traps to track animal movements and detect any signs of poaching or illegal activity. The government has also increased the number of ranger posts in both parks to ensure better coverage.

Impact on Local Communities

Local communities in the districts surrounding Manas and Kaziranga have expressed optimism about the reopening. The Assam government has pledged to support community‑based tourism initiatives that provide employment opportunities for residents while preserving the ecological integrity of the parks. The tourism season is expected to generate an estimated ₹50 crore in revenue for the state, according to the department’s preliminary projections.

Visitor Guidelines and Safety Protocols

Visitors are required to book their entry through the official Assam tourism portal and to carry a valid ID. Health and safety protocols, including mandatory mask usage in certain areas and a 1.5‑meter social distance rule, remain in force. The parks will also provide free sanitisation stations at entry points and along major trails.

Future Outlook

The Assam government has announced that the wildlife tourism season will run until 31 December 2026, after which a review will be conducted to assess the impact on wildlife and visitor satisfaction. The government also plans to introduce a “no‑entry” policy for the core zones during the breeding season of key species such as the Indian rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger.