Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Guwahati - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 40 km from Guwahati, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a small wildlife reserve located at Pabitara in Morigaon district of Assam. Situated in the floodplains of the mighty Brahmaputra River, it is one of popular wildlife reserves in Assam and among the must visit places in Guwahati.

Home to world's highest density of rhinoceros, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a small heaven for the wildlife lovers. It is one of the two treasure troves of the famed and endangered one-horned Rhinos in Assam other being Kaziranga. Originally, Pobitora was a grazing reserve for cattle of erstwhile Nagaon district and came into limelight during the year 1961-62 for sighting of One Horned Rhino. Comprising 38.83 square kilometers, it was declared as reserve forest in 1971 and eventually got the wildlife sanctuary status in 1987.

The sanctuary is divided into three distinct categories: forest, grassland and water bodies or beels. Only about 13% of the total area is under tree cover and 72% of consists of wet grasslands. The remaining area is covered by water bodies or beels. Having 93 rhinos, Pobitora has exceeded its rhino-bearing capacity and is overpopulated. Besides rhinoceros, the other animals spotted here are leopard, wild boar, Barking deer, wild buffalo etc. Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to more than 2000 migratory birds and various reptiles.

Elephant rides and jeep safaris are the major activities at Pobitora which are organized by the management. They arrange three members to sit in each elephant and they take them deep inside the forest for an hour ride which gives a life time experience.
The entrance of the sanctuary is from the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Forest Range Office, Raja Mayang. From there, one needs to cross the hanging bridge to enter into the sanctuary area. There are few accommodations available in Pobitora. The best option is to stay at Forest Department Guest House.

Pobitora is open for visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between November and March.

Timings: 7 AM - 4 PM

Jeep Safari Timings: 6.30 AM & 3 PM

Elephant Safari Timings: 6.30 AM / 7.30 AM & 2.30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for Indians, Rs. 500 for Foreigners & Rs. 300 for Guide

Safari: Rs. 800 for Elephant Safari & Rs. 2000 per Jeep (Max 6 Pax)