Kaziranga National Park Achieves Record Tourist Influx of Over 4.06 Lakh in 2024-25

Guwahati, April 2 (NationPress) Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has achieved an unprecedented milestone with a total of 4,06,564 tourists, including 17,693 international visitors, in the fiscal year 2024-25, as reported by officials on Wednesday.

KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh noted that the total number of visitors to Kaziranga has surged fourfold over the past decade.

“The increase in foreign visitors, now at 4.5 percent of the total, is particularly noteworthy,” she stated. “Kaziranga is experiencing a significant uplift in tourism, driven by the success of innovative initiatives.”

Ghosh highlighted a 21.19 percent increase in revenue for the recently concluded fiscal year (2024-25) compared to the same period last year (2023-24).

Spanning several districts in Assam—including Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Biswanath—the park generated over Rs 10.90 crore in 2024-25, compared to over Rs 8.81 crore in 2023-24.

According to the KNPTR Director, while the record number of 4,06,564 tourists visited the World Heritage site in 2024-25, the previous year saw 3,27,493 visitors, including 13,919 foreigners.

The official tourism season for KNPTR generally runs from October to mid-May, as the park is closed during the monsoon months due to flooding.

Ghosh mentioned that the park has seen a remarkable boost in tourism, thanks to successful initiatives such as the bird safari in Panbari, cycling in Kohora, Panpur jeep safari, and the boat safari in the Biswanath Wildlife Division. These efforts promote local culture and heritage, making Kaziranga a must-visit destination.

The Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society operates Eco-Shops that feature curated souvenirs and community products, creating lasting memories for visitors.

The senior Indian Forest Service officer noted that local businesses have also thrived due to the influx of tourists, with hotels, restaurants, and shops experiencing increased activity.

The success of these initiatives has fostered new opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors, contributing positively to the local economy.

Renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga has become a favored destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Ghosh added that in the past two years, Kaziranga National Park proudly hosted King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, marking a historic event. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on March 9, 2024, being the first Prime Minister to visit since the park's designation in 1974.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with 60 Heads of Mission from various nations, visited the park on February 24 as part of the Advantage Assam 2.0, highlighting its global significance.

Under the guidance of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kaziranga has gained recognition as a global tourism destination, with the New York Times ranking Assam and Kaziranga among the top must-see locations. Additionally, the Assam government has emphasized eco-friendly tourism in Kaziranga and has introduced incentives for EV safari vehicles in the recent budget.

Kaziranga shone on the international stage by hosting the 12th International Tourism Mart from November 26 to 29 last year, underscoring the park's role in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation on a global platform. The KNPTR is divided into three divisions: the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division in Bokakhat, the Bishwanath Wildlife Division in Biswanath Chariali, and the Nagaon Wildlife Division in Nagaon.