Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled at about 50km from Guwahati in the Morigaon district of Assam is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of the three main wildlife reserves in Assam, after Kaziranga and Manas. It also gained fame for being the home of one horned rhino and draws thousands of photographers and wildlife enthusiasts every year.

Sprawled across 38.81 square kilometers area by the side of the River Brahmaputra is the wildlife sanctuary of Pobitora that was famous as a reserved forest between 1971 and 1987, after which, it got the recognition as a Wildlife sanctuary.

The king of Mayong had given the name of Pobitora after his daughter who had died as a child. The wildlife sanctuary boasts of a very high one-horned rhinoceros population. The wildlife sanctuary is in close proximity to the Mayong village that is renowned as the Black magic capital of India.

Wild Animals at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:

As per a 2006 study, the Pobitora Sanctuary has 81 rhinoceros among other animals like wild buffalos, feral buffalos, and fishing cats among others. The sanctuary is also proud for being a home to a wide variety of birds along with welcoming migratory birds too. Approximately 375 species of birds have made Pobitora their home. Birds like Hill Mynah, Khalij Pheasant, Osprey, and Indian pied hornbill are available here in plenty.

In fact, Pobitora is widely acclaimed for being a home to amphibians and reptiles too. Around 9 species of amphibians and 27 species of reptiles grace the sanctuary. From housing monitor lizards to Indian Cobra and python, a visit to Pobitora is surely going to be rewarding for all environmentalists and nature lovers in general.

The dense wildlife sanctuary gets denser just from very near the gate itself and this is sure to add to the thrill. A jeep safari with a guide or an elephant safari through the sanctuary to get a real close encounter with the plethora of rhinoceros is indeed a pleasure.

Best Time to Visit:

December and January is the best time to visit Pobitora wildlife sanctuary. Winter is the most suitable month of wildlife safari in Pobitora. All through the park opens from October to May.

Where to stay:

Several resorts, Eco camp and homestays are available for a stay near Pobitora. Some best options to spend the night at Pobitora are Arya Eco Resort, Maibong Eco Resort, Zizina OTIS, Silver rock homestay, Chanaka eco-camp, Pobitora Village Eco Camp etc.

The eco-camps are the best option here which offer lots of activities. You can feel the essence of the surrounding village and freshness of a homely environment at eco camps. Chanaka eco-camp also offers ATV drive and camping option in a stunning location in front of river Brahmaputra. Spending time on the bank of river Brahmaputra, staying in Bamboo house and watch Sunset are some best activities here which make it one of the best resorts in Pobitora.

On the other hand Arya Eco Resort, Maibong Eco Resort are two best resorts located at a stone through distance from the entry gate of Pobitora.

Wildlife Safari at Pobitora:

If you love wildlife and nature than Pobitora is the right place for you. It offers Jeep Safari and Elephant safari in the dense forest of the park.

Both Jeep and Elephant Safari continue for 1 hr. You can witness numerous wild animals, surrounding grassland, beautiful paddy fields and migratory birds during Safari. You will be able to see plenty of one-horned rhino and other wild animals like deer, wild buffalo etc. Glimpse of beautiful orchids also catch your attention during April - May. Contact here to book a safari at Pobitora.

Entry ticket and Safari cost:

The entry ticket of Pobitora is available at the gate. The rates are different for Indian and foreigners. The rate for jeep safaris is Rs 2100 for up to five people, including the cost of toll, guide and security. Elephant Safari rate is Rs 1000 per person. Elephant Safari rate is Rs 1200 per person for foreigners. (This is the latest rate updated on 2019). There are extra charges for camera and video camera starting from Rs 50.

Top National Parks in Northeast India

How to reach Pobitora:

One can reach Pobitora from Guwahati by a cab through Chandrapur, or via NH37. If you travelled by NH 37, after crossing Sonapur you have to take a bifurcation road that leads to Pobitora.

Local bus, shared taxis or other public transportation are not available to Pobitora. So it’s better to hire a private cab from Guwahati. Contact here to book a private cab.

Guwahati Railway station is the major railway head that is close to the Pobitora Wildlife sanctuary located at a distance of 48 Km (2 hr drive).

The nearest airport of Pobitora Wildlife sanctuary is Guwahati airport(Borjhar Airport) which is located at a distance of 65 Km. One can hire a private cab from Guwahati airport to reach Pobitora.

What to do other than jungle safari in Pobitora ?

Pobitora is a favorable place for a day trip from Guwahati. Apart from wildlife safari you can also enjoy scenic vistas and walking in the Mayong village. Boating is another best option to enjoy near Pobitora, You can bewitch river dolphin and stunning sunset.

• Boating at Brahmaputra and view Dolphins
• Visit Chanaka village and play in the river bed
• Enjoy ethnic food
• Enjoy sunset
• Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari

Kaziranga and Pobitora which is better?

Due to close proximately from Guwahati Pobitora is the best place for a day tour. As well as it has a large population of one-horned rhino as compared to Kaziranga in a small area.

On the contrary, Kaziranga is the heart of Assam. Kaziranga National Park is the home to many wild animals and birds. It is a vast National park covering an area of 430 sq.km. You can feel the essence of rural Assam, scenic landscape and simplicity of locals in Kaziranga.

Important Information about Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Area: 38.81 square kilometers.
• Opening hours: 6.30 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 3.30 pm.
• Still camera: Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreign tourists.
• Video camera: Rs. 500 for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreign tourists.
• Boating: Rs. 2000 per boat.
  
• Animals to watch out for: One-horned rhino, Asiatic buffalo, elephant.
• Other attractions:Boating, Mayong village, Chanaka village, Dolphin view point, Sunset point, Narasingha Mandir.