All About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

December 16, 2023

All About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary : How to reach, safari booking, ticket price, best time to visit Pobitora, activities, hotels and resorts near Pobitora.

When we think of Assam, we think of Kaziranga National Park and its world-famous one-horned Rhinoceros. But, do you know that Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam has the highest density of one-horned rhinoceros in the world. So much so that many rhinoceros have been relocated from this reserve forests to other national park area. Even though it is known as the miniature version of Kaziranga or mini-Kaziranga, many people are not aware this natural paradise. In this blog, we will discuss everything about Pobitora reserve forest, its location, main attractions of the sanctuary and you will learn how to explore Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Morigaon district of Assam covering an area of 38.85 sq. km. The wildlife sanctuary holds the record of habitating largest population of one-horned rhinoceros in the world. Just like Kaziranga National Park, it is located on the southern bank of river Brahmaputra. The area surrounding Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is covered hills and small rivers, but the central area is characterised by grassland and wetland. It is the grassland and wetland of pobitora that supports large array of fauna and avian species.

What is Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is famous for its one horned rhinoceros. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary holds one of the largest Indian rhinoceros populations in Assam. In addition to this, Pobitora boasts 22 mammal species, 27 reptile species, 80 butterfly species, 9 amphibian species, and 8 turtle species. It is a natural paradise for bird photographers and ornithologists. More than 400 species of birds visit Pobitora wildlife sanctuary. Because of the hospitable terrain of Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, it is more favourable to wildlife photographers than Kaziranga National Park.

wildlife photography at pobitora wildlife sanctuary

Why is Pobitora called mini Kaziranga?

Areawise, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is one-third of Kaziranga National Park. The fact is that both Pobitora and Kaziranga share similar terrain, ecological conditions and flora and fauna. Just like Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora is full of grasslands and wetlands. Both reserved forests common attractions like one horned rhinoceros, water buffalo, deer, elephants etc. Once you are inside, you would hardly notice any difference in terrain. That is why, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is called as mini Kaziranga. As a matter of fact, in ancient times, whole area on the southern bank of Brahmaputra was part of a single forest comprising both Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park.

Main Attractions of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

One Horned Rhinoceros

One Horned Rhinoceros at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Like Kaziranga National Park, the show starter and show stopper for the Pobitora is the majestic Rhino, the state animal of Assam. You would see numerous rhinos grazing in the grasslands of the area with beautiful birds perched on their body. You need not carry a binocular to see them as there are as many as 110 rhinoceros in Pobitora wildlife sanctuary i.e. around 3 rhinos per sq. kilometer. Words can’t describe the feeling of watching this jurassic era animal up close.

Birds, Birds and More Birds

bird watching at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

As mentioned earlier, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers. There are more than 300 species of birds at any point of time in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition to this, Pobitora is visited by more than 100 speies of migratory birds every year. The bird species of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary are classified into four groups- aquatic, woodland, native and migratory species. Some of the iconic birds of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary are Golden backed woodpecker, Black hooded oriole, Green Barbet, Brown Shrike, Greater adjutant stork, Eurasian Wigeon, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Purple heron etc.

Activities in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many things you can do in Pobitora wildlife sanctuary to explore its natural beauty and take home a blissful natural experience with you when you return. These include jeep and elephant safari, river cruise, boat safari, birdwatching, camping, wildlife photography, nature walk, picnic etc.

Jeep / Elephant Safari in Pobitora

Elephant safari in Pobitora wildlife sanctuary

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary caters to the diverse preferences of wildlife enthusiasts with two distinctive safari options: Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari. It’s a unique experience to witness the majestic one-horned rhinoceros from atop an elephant, immersing yourself in the jungle’s untamed rhythms. Arrangements for safari is done by the forest authority. You can book safari in advance. There are two shifts for jeep safari: Mornings (7.30 AM to 10 AM) and Afternoon (1.30 PM to 3 PM). Elelphant safaris are conducted during two fixed time slots: 5 AM to 6 AM and 6 AM to 7 AM. Jeep safari price is around Rs. 2500 per jeep (maximum 4 persons) and elephant safari price starts from Rs. 800 per person.

River Cruise and Boat Safari in Pobitora

boat safari in pobitora wildlife sanctuary

Boat safari is one of the unique activities to do Pobitora wildlife sanctuary. Boat safari is not available in Kaziranga and Manas national park. The boat safari route of pobitora starts from the outskirts of the pobitora to the river Brahmaputra. Boat safari in Pobitora is famous for the sighting of riverine dolphin in river Brahmaputra. The cost of boat safari is Rs. 3500 per boat. You can book for boat safari at the entrance of Pobitora.

Birdwatching Tour

bird watching Pobitora wildlife sanctuary.

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is a heaven for bird lovers and ornithologists. If you want to click unique and exotic birds, Pobitora is the right place for you. There is a dedicated bird watching tour arranged by forest authorities at Pobitora. The tour is run by well informed photographers and ornithologists, so that you can have an amazing bird watching experience. It costs around Rs. 3000. Even if you don’t take the services of birs watching tour, you can spot numerous birds at the interior areas of Pobitora.

Camping, Nature Walk and Picnic

Camping, Nature Walk and Picnic at Pobitora wildlife sanctuary

There is no point in visiting wildlife sanctuary or national park, if you don,t indulge yourself in rejuvenating yourself. Camping, nature walk and picnic are such activities that spices up your trip. Though such activities are not allowed inside the wildlife sanctuary area, there are lots of resorts and eco camping sites on the outskirts of the Pobitora. Nature walk across the hanging bridge of the Pobitora sanctuary is one of the best.

Pobitora Enchanted Festival

Pobitora Enchanted is 2 day long event to promote the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The festival is organized in the months of January every year. To enthrall the visiting crowd a whole lot of outdoor Activities like trekking, forest cycle trail, ATV bikes for adventurous rides, Hot air balloon ride, paragliding, oating, camping are included in the eventlist.

Pobitora Ticket Price and Booking

There is no need of ticket to enter Pobitora wildlife sanctuary. Entry is free for all. If you have already booked safari, you don’t need any entry fee. It is included in the safari fees. However, you will have pay a camera charge of Rs. 50 before entry.

Best Time To Visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit Pobitora depends on your preferences and ativities in you want to perform i Pobitora. For example: if you are a bird lover, you will have your best time during October-November; as many migratory speciies of birds visits this place. In General, winter season (October-March) is the best time visit Pobitora. It is noted that safari in Pobitora wildlife sanctuary is closed from May to October because of floods and excessive rainfall during these months.

During the summer months, from April to October, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary unveils its full splendor. This season offers an excellent opportunity to spot the famous one-horned rhinos and other wildlife, as they gather beside lakes and rivers.

Accomodation Near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

The area surrounding Pobitora provides visitors with diverse choices for their stay, ensuring a comfortable and nature-immersed experience. There are several resorts near Pobitora that provide good-quality services and delicious food. These resorts often blend modern amenities with a natural ambiance. Many resorts near Pobitora aim to provide guests with unique experiences that connect them with the natural surroundings. This could include guided nature walks, wildlife excursions, and cultural interactions to enhance the overall stay.

While premium hotel options near Pobitora sanctuary may be limited, the existing ones likely offer a more luxurious experience with upscale amenities and services. For budget-conscious travelers, eco camps are organized in the vicinity of Pobitora. These camps offer a more economical option while still providing a close-to-nature experience. They are often designed to minimize environmental impact, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Which is better Kaziranga or Pobitora?

Kaziranga and Pobitora, both renowned wildlife sanctuaries in Assam, boast unique charms that cater to diverse preferences. Kaziranga, with its vast expanse, offers a more extensive area to explore, providing a habitat for a rich variety of wildlife. It stands out as a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, hosting a larger population of diverse fauna.

On the other hand, Pobitora, though smaller in size, has its own allure. The sanctuary is particularly favored for bird watching, with its picturesque landscapes providing an ideal setting for avian enthusiasts. Pobitora’s distinctive feature lies in its boat safari, a unique experience not available in Kaziranga, allowing visitors to explore the sanctuary from a different perspective. While Kaziranga boasts a more diverse range of wildlife, including large mammals, Pobitora is celebrated for its high probability of spotting rhinos. Pobitora, situated just 50 kilometers from Guwahati, often becomes the preferred choice for those seeking a wildlife experience in close proximity to the city, further enhancing its appeal over Kaziranga for many.

How To Reach Pobitora?

To reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, you have several transportation options:

By Air

Fly into Guwahati Airport: Guwahati Airport is the nearest major airport. You can book a flight to Guwahati from any major city. Once you land at the airport:

Hire a Cab: After arriving at Guwahati Airport, you can hire a cab to reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey will take approximately 2 hours.

By Rail

Reach Jagiroad Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Pobitora is Jagiroad. You can take a train to Jagiroad from Guwahati or any other well-connected railway station.

Take a Cab or Public Buses: After reaching Jagiroad Railway Station, you can hire a cab or take public buses to reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Morigaon is another option for taking buses.

By Road

From Guwahati: It takes approximately a 2-hour drive from Guwahati to reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. You can hire a car or take a cab from Guwahati. If you’re coming from Kaziranga on NH 37:

Take the direction for Mayang at Jagiroad.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Adabari Bus Station in Guwahati to Chamata.

From Morigaon: You can also take a bus or cab from Morigaon to reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.